In a major effort to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihood of local farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), in partnership with key officials of Ilocos Sur, distributed various agricultural interventions amounting to P43,269,205.25 to farmer-beneficiaries across the province.

The distribution was held at the auction market in Candon City, Ilocos Sur on September 24, 2024 and was spearheaded by Ilocos Sur 2nd District Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan, Candon City Mayor Eric D. Singson, and Puso ti Agtutubo District Coordinator Zachary Singson Meehan. They were joined by DA-RFO I OIC Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual and other key staff from both the regional and provincial agriculture offices.

The interventions included agricultural machinery, equipment, and farm inputs to enhance local farmers’ productivity and income. Among the distributed items were hand tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, and certified seeds. It also included garden tools supporting the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program of DA. These interventions were funded under the DA Banner Programs on Rice, Corn, HVCDP, Livestock, Organic Agriculture, NUPAP, SAAD and AMIA.

In her message, Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan emphasized how agriculture is getting the bulk of the budget for the province of Ilocos Sur through the DA recognizing the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining the province’s economy. “Malaki po ang naibibigay na pondo sa DA at nagpapasalamat po tayo dahil patuloy ang distribusyon ng mga tulong para sa ating mga magsasaka dito sa ating probinsiya. Patuloy po tayong makikipagtulungan upang paunlarin ang agrikultura sa ating probinsiya. ” she said.

Meanwhile, DA-RFO I OIC Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual reminded the farmer-beneficiaries of their important role in maximizing the benefits out of the distributed interventions especially the agri machinery and equipment that hopes to improve their productivity. “Alagaan po ninyo ang mga makinaryang ito upang ito po ay mapakinabangan ninyo ng mahabang panahon.” (Manage these machinery and equipment well so you can use them for a long period.), Dr. Pascual encouraged.

The distributed interventions are expected to significantly contribute to the local farmers’ productivity, allowing them to adopt modern farming practices, reduce labor costs, and improve crop yields.

The Department of Agriculture’s continuous support and provision of interventions underscore its commitment to empowering Filipino farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring that the Philippines moves closer to its goal of achieving food security.###

(Photo courtesy of Daisie Sta. Monica Yadao)