(Photo courtesy of DA Eastern Visayas)
TACLOBAN CITY — Farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Samar received over P300 million in agricultural support and insurance coverage during the visit of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to Mapanas on Thursday, June 11, the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office said.
The assistance package, anchored largely on crop and fisheries insurance worth nearly P293 million, aims to strengthen the resilience of farming and fishing communities in the province while improving productivity in coastal and agricultural areas.
According to DA-8, the interventions benefited thousands of residents from Mapanas and nearby municipalities, in line with the national government’s food security and rural development agenda.
During the visit, the Department of Agriculture also rolled out the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program in Mapanas, benefiting 1,000 individuals from vulnerable sectors. More than 2,000 farmers and fisherfolk likewise received cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP).
Laurel said the government is committed to further strengthening livelihood opportunities in the province, particularly in coastal communities dependent on fisheries.
“I am confident that these projects will help improve your lives,” he said.
He also announced plans to establish a solar-powered ice plant with a 10,000-kilogram capacity in Mapanas to help preserve fish catch and reduce post-harvest losses.
The DA chief added that light fishing boats will also be distributed before the end of the year, while a modular solar-powered cold storage facility is being prepared for fish, meat, and vegetable storage.
Following his address, Laurel led the ceremonial turnover of various interventions to local government units and farmers’ organizations.
Among the assistance distributed were P4.7 million worth of farm inputs, equipment, and facilities under different DA banner programs aimed at increasing productivity and farmers’ income.
The largest share of the package came from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), which provided P293 million in agricultural insurance coverage to protect farmers and fisherfolk from losses caused by typhoons, floods, and other climate-related risks common in Northern Samar.
To support the abaca industry, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) turned over P1.2 million worth of abaca stripping machines to help modernize fiber processing and improve product quality.
Other DA-attached agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), also extended assistance to local government units and beneficiaries.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also provided civil registration services to farmers and fisherfolk during the event
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/JOEY A. GABIETA)
