Less than Php5 million worth of various agri farm machineries and equipment was given to various farmers groups and associations in the second district of Ilocos Sur in the Department of Agriculture’s awarding and distribution activity conducted at the Candon Civic Center, Candon City, Ilocos Sur on October 19, 2022.

In coordination with the Office of the Second District Representative, Deputy Speaker, Kristine Singson-Meehan, the distribution and awarding ceremonies was led by DA-Ilocos OIC-Regional Executive Director, Dr. Annie Bares, Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan and Candon City Mayor, Eric Singson.

Among the various interventions given in support to the various DA-RFO I Programs include among others, Bio-N fertilizer worth Php 3.4 million, egg incubator (Php 215,200), forage chopper (Php 224,000), plastic crates (Php271,212), plastic drums (Php214,560) and plastic mulch (Php167,200). Garden set tools and equipment such as plastic drums, seedling trays with 128 and 72 holes, trowel, rakes, brush cutter and foliar fertilizers were also included in the items distributed.

Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan in her message during the program expressed her 100 percent commitment to support any agri-development programs to realize food security which is among her priority agenda.

“We are hoping to see a lot of changes in the agriculture sector with our President who is also holding the position as Secretary of the Department,” Congresswoman Meehan said.

With the increasing budget of agri-sector for the coming year of 2023, Candon Mayor Eric Singson expressed his high hopes that agri-fishery interventions will double in number and vowed to complement all these interventions being the Local Chief Executive in Candon. He also reminded the recipients to take good care of these machineries and equipment for their own benefits.

Joining the City Mayor in reminding the farmer-beneficiaries properly use and manage well the machineries and equipment given by the DA is OIC-RED Annie Bares who reminded the beneficiaries to put up shed that would serve as storage for these equipment to maintain its service for a long period of time and maximize its benefits.

She likewise expressed gratitude to the officials present in the distribution for their continued support to the agriculture sector, and are one with the DA in realizing not only the region’s food security agenda but for the country as a whole.##