Farmers and communities in Barangay San Nicolas, San Simon, Pampanga received a boost in agricultural and livelihood support through Taskforce NEG: A Convergence Project for the Bagong Pag-Asa Irrigators Association on November 11, 2026.
The initiative brought together government agencies and the local government to deliver various agricultural services and livelihood assistance directly to farming communities.
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA RFO III) led the activity through Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Regional Technical Director for Operations, Extension and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).
Participating agencies included the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and the Municipal Government of San Simon.
In his message, Dayrit underscored the importance of bringing government services directly to communities to address farmers’ concerns more efficiently.
He also reported the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds in the area and assured beneficiaries that fertilizer assistance for recipients of hybrid and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) seeds would follow soon.
To help farmers prepare for the threat of a strong El Niño during the planting season, Dayrit announced that DA RFO III is processing the provision of five shallow tube well (STW) units for qualified members of the irrigators association in Barangay San Nicolas.
He also urged farmers to properly maintain and maximize the use of government-provided facilities and machinery. He encouraged them to coordinate with ATI for agricultural training and work with designated agency coordinators and information officers to ensure their farming concerns are promptly addressed.
Taskforce NEG aims to consolidate government and private-sector assistance to promote sustainable agricultural production, direct market access, and stronger livelihoods for farmers in San Simon.
