DA-13 distributes agricultural interventions to farmers
BUTUAN CITY -- A total of P69.2 million of agricultural interventions were distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga to the 43 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the region on September 13.
The distribution marked the 67th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The biggest chunk of the intervention at around P23 million was distributed in the town of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, consisting of corn planter, hauling truck, multi-commodity thresher, soybean seed sorter, all weather-type Papag dryer, combine harvester, and the INSPIRE (Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion) Project for the hog sector.
Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen of DA Caraga, who led the mass distribution, urged the recipients to make use of the equipment they received at the optimal level for their livelihood.
“The equipment that we are distributing are not ours, they are from you and for you. From the taxes you paid, the government formulated a program to give them back to all of you, so make use of them efficiently,” he said.
Mayor Karen Rosales of Las Nieves expressed her gratitude to DA Caraga for the support to their constituents, especially the farmers.
“I feel honored that DA always extends their support to us. It is a big help to our farmers, and I hope that the equipment you see today will boost the eagerness of the next generation to embrace agriculture since agriculture today is now mechanized,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Nicamel Bajao, chairperson of Maningalao-Lingayao Agricultural Cooperative (MALICO), who received the corn planter and a wing van hauling truck was overwhelmed by the support they received from the government.
“We are grateful to the DA and to our local government unit that the needs for our cluster development plan were materialized. So we will do our very best, in a matter of time, we can stand and purchase our own equipment out of the better income we will receive from the farm machinery given by the government,” he said.
The distribution of agricultural equipment also took place in RTR for Agusan del Norte worth P5.5 million; Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur worth P14.4 million; provincial Capitol ground in the province of Agusan del Sur worth P1.5 million; provincial gymnasium, Surigao City for Surigao del Norte worth P5.9 million, and Tandag City gymnasium, in Surigao del Sur worth P18.6 million.
Moved by gratitude, the farmers, local government units, DA, and other agricultural stakeholders attending the activity closed the ceremony with the singing of a birthday song for Pres. Marcos Jr. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
