TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to boost rice production during the current planting season, the provincial government of Eastern Samar has rolled out assistance to more than 1,000 rice farmers through the distribution of organic fertilizer and farm equipment in several towns.
The distribution was led by Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone, together with the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services headed by Provincial Agriculturist Virlin Capon, and was carried out in the municipalities of Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, and Balangkayan from January 8 to 9.
The activity kicked off in Can-avid on January 8, 2026, at GPark, where farmers received five one-liter bottles of Eupagrow, an organic liquid foliar fertilizer produced through natural fermentation. The provincial government also turned over 17 knapsack sprayers to farmers’ organizations to assist in land preparation and crop maintenance.
On the same day, 208 farmers in Taft received Eupagrow fertilizer, along with 14 knapsack sprayers distributed to local farmers’ groups. Assistance continued on January 9 in Sulat, where 166 farmers benefited from the fertilizer distribution and 12 knapsack sprayers were provided as additional farm equipment.
In Balangkayan, 334 farmers received organic foliar fertilizer and 23 knapsack sprayers on January 9. Each farmer was given a total of five liters of Eupagrow—three liters from the provincial government and an additional two liters from the fertilizer provider.
Municipal Agriculture Offices emphasized that the timely distribution of fertilizer is vital as farmers prepare their fields for planting.
Governor Evardone reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, saying these initiatives aim to increase rice production, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices in Eastern Samar.
He added that the province is also looking to expand its support through farm mechanization programs, with the backing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
