IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday lauded efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on continuing delivery of programs and projects to their farmer beneficiaries in the province amid crisis situations.
The DA, through its regional counterpart here, turned over P15.8 million worth of agricultural interventions to farmers, sourced out from its program for rice, corn, livestock, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and COVID-19 response.
Secretary Andanar, the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), expressed his support for similar initiatives to be extended to other local farmers, as well.
He noted that these will greatly benefit farmers, and can be used as tools to encourage more members of the communist terrorist groups to surrender the armed struggle.
“Isip Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security diri sa region 10, nanghinaot ko nga kining gihatag karun nga mga agri-interventions makatabang nga mutaas pa ang atong abot matag harvest season [As Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in region 10, I trust that these agri-interventions will help increase the income of our farmers every harvest season],” he said.
Secretary Andanar hoped that this will aid in the country’s bid for food security, and promote livelihood programs for the people as they recuperate from the impacts brought about by calamities and threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kani nga mga ekipo usab ang musagakay sa mga benepisyaryo nga mga farmers’ group sa ilang pagbangon gikan sa epekto sa mga kalamidad ug sa COVID-19 [These equipment will also assist our beneficiaries as they recover from the impacts of recent calamities and the COVID-19],” he added.
He assured that the government will continue to look after the welfare of the agriculture and fishery sector.
Aside from the turnover of farm machineries and equipment to farmers’ cooperatives and organizations in the town of Impasug-ong, the LGU and its stakeholders also unveiled the proposal to establish an Indigenous Peoples Economic Zone. This will be a center for investment and livelihood opportunities for members of tribal groups in the municipality.
On a separate occasion, Secretary Andanar also attended the turnover of resettlement units for former rebels (FRs) and, at the same time, witnessed the demonstration of adlay processing by FR beneficiaries of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade.
The DA introduced the cultivation of adlay as an alternative staple crop and became part of the projects integrated by the 403rd IB as a livelihood program for former rebels.
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