Some 800 local rice farmers in the municipality of San Marcelino, Zambales, have received fertilizer vouchers from the provincial government.

The vouchers are part of the Fertilizer Subsidy Program, with each beneficiary receiving a voucher worth P1,000.

According to Remin Sardo, head of the Municipal Agriculture Office, the goal of the program is to assist farmers by providing them with the means to purchase fertilizer, which will help increase agricultural production, income, and overall progress in the farming sector.

He added that this is an additional form of aid from the provincial government, complementing the support provided by the national government to local farmers.

Meanwhile, 43-year-old farmer Frederick Dumayas from Barangay Laoag expressed his gratitude for the assistance.

He shared that the support comes at a crucial time, as many farmers are struggling with limited budgets for purchasing fertilizer.

Mayor Elmer Soria also thanked the provincial government for the support extended to farmers in their town.

He emphasized that the agricultural office is running several programs, such as training sessions and seminars, to provide farmers with additional knowledge and skills to improve their agricultural practices.

The fertilizer vouchers were distributed to farmers, including those cultivating second crops during the dry season. (PIA Region 3-Zambales)