DA-WV delivers agri-support to Antique farmers in nationwide gov’t. aid distribution

The Department of Agriculture Western Visayas participated in the simultaneous distribution of government assistance under the nationwide initiative “Handog ng Pangulo, Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” on September 13, 2024. In Antique, various agricultural interventions were provided to support local farmers.

DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulation Asis Perez shared that on President Ferdinand Marcos’ birthday today, the President chose to spend it with the farmers of Nueva Ecija as a way to foster genuine connections with the agricultural sector. “Isang pamamaraan ito na magkaroon tayo ng totoong ugnayan,” Perez noted.

He also noted the province’s abundant natural resources. “Nakita ko ang dami ng yaman ng Antique, at dami n’yong tubig. Ano ang gagawin natin pag sobra ang tubig? Kailangan natin ipunin kasi pag summer walang tubig,” he said, emphasizing the need for water conservation to ensure rice production even during dry seasons. Perez expressed his intent to return to Antique to explore water storage solutions.

 

Perez also praised Antique for achieving 100% food sufficiency, noting its capacity to feed the entire province. “Sapat ang inyong pagkain, pero maraming lugar sa Pilipinas na kulang ang pagkain. Ang sobra nating produksiyon ng palay, padala natin sa Manila,” he suggested, encouraging farmers to send their surplus rice to areas facing food shortages. 

He concluded his message by congratulating the farmer graduates of the School-on-Air program on cacao production, urging them to continue their hard work to help feed the people of Manila.

DA-WV Regional Technical Director Zarlina Cuello, Antique APCO Sonie Guanco and USec. Asis Perez with Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao led the distribution of various interventions to local beneficiaries. 

 

The Provincial Veterinary Office received two power sprayers worth P105,000. The San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Nasuli, Iba, Casay, San Francisco MPC were granted forage cuttings and seeds worth P6,000, as well as P3 million for a Goat Multiplier Farm module under the LEED program.

The Provincial Veterinary Office received two power sprayers worth P105,000. The San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Nasuli, Iba, Casay, San Francisco MPC were each granted forage cuttings and seeds for forage and pasture development worth P6,000, along with P3 million for the LEED – Establishment of a Goat Multiplier Farm module.

The Sibalom Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association benefited from a significant intervention, receiving a P10 million, 30-sow level production farm aimed at boosting the local livestock industry. Livestock farmer Amador Vargas, Jr. of Belison, Antique, was also awarded a cattle valued at P60,000.

Rice farmers in Antique received support through the Rice Program, with the Tagudtud North Farmers Association of Bugasong awarded a hand tractor worth P150,000.

Under the Corn Program, the Kalipunan ng Magsasaka sa Patnongon (KAMAPAT) Agriculture Cooperative and Katilingban Kang Mangunguma Kang San Remigio each received a corn combine harvester valued at P2.128 million. Additionally, the San Remigio Farmers Association was granted a recirculating dryer worth P3.5 million.

The High Value Crops Program turned over 20 mini-chainsaws valued at P400,000 and 100 plastic crates worth P90,000 to San Jose Federation along with five power sprayers worth P125,000 to the Sibalom Mango Growers Association. These initiatives are designed to boost agricultural productivity and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and livestock producers in Antique. 

The event also showcased the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, which enabled farmers and cooperatives to directly sell their produce to consumers. 

In addition, DA-WV hosted a School-on-Air on Cacao Production Graduation wherein 300 farmers from nine municipalities completed the 16-weeks of technology broadcast over DYKA 801 in Antique. # (Text & Photos by: MSSubang/DA-RAFIS 6)