P24-M worth of Agricultural Interventions awarded to 84 Bulacan FCAs
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) and the Provincial Government of Bulacan led the distribution of Agricultural Interventions to Bulacan Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (BFCAs) on July 12, 2022, at Bulacan Sports Complex, City of Malolos, Bulacan.
The event was attended by DA RFO III Regional Technical Director Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr, Field Operations Division Chief Elma Mananes, DA RFO III Key Officials, Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Vice-Governor Alex C. Castro, Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo, and Board Members.
The DA Mechanization Program under the Rice Banner Program aims to elevate the level of farming through the use of different machineries and equipments that can help strengthen palay production by decreasing labor costs.
Meanwhile, the High-Value Crops Development Program led the distribution of seed and knapsack sprayers. The said interventions will help vegetable farmers and cooperatives to be able to produce and sell vegetables.
In his message Director Lapuz mentioned the challenges brought by the pandemic and the effects of the Ukraine and the Russian War.
“Ang atin pong sektor ng agrikultura ay nahaharap po sa mga suliranin dulot ng pagtaas ng mga inputs, krudo, at iba pang mga problema sa idinulot ng pandemya.” Lapuz recalled.
Lapuz thanked PA Carrillo for her perseverance in continuously assisting in the implementation of the Department’s programs. He then asked a simple request to farmers on behalf of the agency.
“Ang tanging hinihiling lamang po ng DA, iyon pong ating mga makinarya na natanggap ay atin pong i-maintain nang mabuti para mas makatulong pa po saiba nating mga kasamahan.” He emphasized.
On the other hand, Field Operations Division Chief Mananes underscored the importance of farmers in society.
“Kung wala po kayo wala rin po kami dito at lahat po ng tao sa ating bansa dahil kayo po ang pangunahing hero natin sa pagpoproduce po ng pagkain,” Mananes said.
Mananes also assured farmers that DA is doing everything to help the farmers with their problems given that the agriculture sector is currently experiencing uncontrollable price hikes on farm inputs due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
A total of 26 FCAs received three four-wheel tractors, three combine harvesters, 14 pumps and engine sets (shallow tube well), four warehouses and dryers, and two solar-powered fertigation systems.
Further, 180 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds and 100 units of knapsack sprayers were awarded to 58 FCAs. (DA Central Luzon)
