DA holds Farmers & Fisherfolks’ Forum in
Barobo, SdS
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) – From his appointment
in Barangay Wakat, Barobo, Surigao del Sur as guest of honor for the Turn-over
Ceremony of the Municipal Fishport and Ice Plant, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala
of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday met the farmers and fisherfolks
and addressed their issues and concerns, and guaranteed for more projects.
In a forum held at Barobo Gymnasium, Surigao del
Sur, Sec. Alcala expressed his thanks to all the people’s organizations
composed of farmers and fisherfolks for patiently waiting for his arrival in
Barobo, Surigao del Sur as his flight from Manila to Butuan on Friday morning
was delayed. He also acknowledged all the local officials of said municipality
and DA-Caraga officials for its effort in coming up with the establishment of
Municipal Fishport and Ice Plant, and for continuously addressing issues and
concerns of the said sector in the region.
Alcala relayed that President Benigno Aquino III
instructed him to take good care of the farmers and fisherfolks in Caraga
region. "I was clearly directed by Pres. Aquino when we were in Davao City
yesterday to take good care of you and address your concerns," he said.
The secretary cited the importance of being
registered as farmer in the department and as fisherfolk in the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
"We are asking all our farmers and
fisherfolks to register at DA and BFAR so you will receive whatever benefits
that the government has provided for you. We are also encouraging you to
increase backyard gardening in your community to improve your livelihood,"
highlighted Alcala.
As he discussed plans for the sector, Sec. Alcala
shared that the department will conduct training to the fisherfolks. "The
department will teach you how to make fiber glass so you can make your own
fiber glassed-boats for fishing. The department with BFAR have allocated budget
for this effort," he bared.
"The national government needs the full
cooperation and support of the local government to really enforce laws that
protect the rights of the farmers and fisherfolks and provide them the benefits
they deserved. In the same way, we also need the support and participation of
our farmers and fisherfolks so we can work together and plan on how the
government can serve you better," Alcala added.
Alcala further mentioned that he will discuss with
Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel the establishment of an Agro-Industrial
Hub so said sector can have more resources and livelihood.
Also, as part of the long term solution to the
barriers in transporting farm produce, Alcala emphasized that the government
has included in its target the concreting of farm to market roads in all areas
in the entire Philippines.
Meanwhile, Barobo Municipal Mayor Felixberto
Urbiztondo asked all the people’s organizations in his municipality to work
together with the local government. "Let's not only work for our
individual success but also for the next generation to come," he
expressed.
Before the forum ended, the farmers and
fisherfolks received several gifts from the department thru a raffle draw with
the following items: 15 bags of black rice, 15 bags of Green Super Rice, one
unit Rice Thresher, one unit Floating Tiller, 10 bags of Corn, 100 heads of
Kabir chicks, five heads of draft animals with implements, and 10 units of
Marine Engine. All these items are worth 519,580.00. (JPG/VLG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
