(Eastern Samar Provincial Information Office)
TACLOBAN CITY — Farmers and fisherfolk in Eastern Samar received more than P15.2 million in agricultural assistance, including farm inputs, livestock supplies, livelihood projects and rice sold at a subsidized price, during a government service caravan held at the Capitol Gymnasium.
A total of P15,236,428 worth of interventions was distributed during the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” as part of the government’s nationwide effort to bring livelihood, agricultural and other public services closer to communities.
Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista, who delivered the President’s message during the event, highlighted government programs providing health, employment and livelihood assistance directly to communities.
The Department of Agriculture (DA-8), represented by OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Francisco Rosaroso, led the turnover of the agricultural assistance with Eastern Samar Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone.
The package included one rain shelter under the High Value Crops Development Program, two coconut nurseries under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, and 11 Livelihood Opportunities and Viable Enterprise (LOVE) projects.
Also distributed were 23 sets of veterinary drugs, dewormers and biologics under the National Livestock Program, six sets of hybrid rice seeds and inorganic fertilizers for irrigated areas during the dry season, and 500 packets of vegetable seeds.
Four young agripreneurs were also recognized as awardees of the Youth Farmers Challenge, which supports young people engaged in agricultural enterprises.
Meanwhile, 10 local farmer groups joined the Kadiwa ng Pangulo market, allowing farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers.
Anita Dadulla, general manager of the Balangkayan Agriculture Cooperative, said the market provided farmer groups with an opportunity to find buyers while giving consumers access to fresh and affordable agricultural products.
“This is a huge help to our cooperative as well as to other farmers. They no longer struggle to sell their harvests, and at the same time, we are able to help consumers eat fresh and affordable products,” Dadulla said.
The DA also facilitated the issuance of the Authority to Withdraw rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) for the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program.
A total of 150 sacks of rice were released under the program at PHP20 per kilogram.
Charlita Pomentil, a 4Ps beneficiary from San Julian, said the subsidized rice helped her household manage its expenses.
“It is good that this is available because it is a big help, especially in budgeting. It allows us to reduce our expenses. I am thankful that I was able to avail of this opportunity,” Pomentil said.
For 65-year-old vegetable farmer Elias Veloso of Borongan City, the P20-per-kilogram rice also meant savings compared with prevailing market prices.
“We are thankful because this is a big help to us. We can save a lot by buying rice at P20 per kilogram compared with rice that costs P60 per kilogram,” Veloso said.
The agricultural assistance formed part of the services delivered during the Handog ng Pangulo event, which brought together government agencies to provide various programs and interventions to communities across Eastern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
