DA chief leads aid distribution in Siargao
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently led the distribution of agricultural interventions to various farmers cooperatives and associations in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Among the interventions turned over were 200 durian seedlings, 200 chicks, 200 ducklings, 100 liters of fertilizers, 100 liters of herbicides, two boxes of insecticides, 10 bags of hybrid white corn seeds, 500 pouches of assorted vegetable seeds and 200 mushroom fruiting bags.
According to Tiu-Laurel, “The DA will be taking measures to enhance food production in tourist destination areas such as Siargao Island to ensure food safety and sufficiency in the area, which is essential to sustain economic activities.”
Another highlight of the secretary's visit was the conduct of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, facilitated by the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), held at Paseo de Cabuntog, General Luna.
As a flagship program of the government, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to empower local farmers and fisherfolk by establishing a direct market link, which enables them to sell their produce directly to consumers at affordable prices. It provided an opportunity for the community to purchase quality agricultural products, such as vegetables and fruits, and fishery and other marine products, both fresh and processed, at lower and affordable prices.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo also sold rice at 29 pesos per kilo, a targeted intervention intended for disadvantaged sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and solo parents.
The secretary also inspected the site for the proposed 53-hectare Siargao Agri-Fishery Research Development Center (SIARDEC) and met with members of the DA Caraga Regional Management Committee, headed by Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen.
Meanwhile, Joselito, a member of the farmers’ association in San Benito town, thanked the national government, particularly the DA, for prioritizing the needs of farmers through the distribution of various farm interventions. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a story from DA Caraga)
