Seen to boost agriculture sector

TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan has successfully secured P1.2 billion in funding from the Department of Agriculture (DA), marking a significant boost for the province’s agricultural sector.

The funds will be directed towards revitalizing the province’s farming and fisheries industries, with a primary focus on the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in the municipalities of Mondragon, Las Navas, and Laoang.

These infrastructure projects aim to improve the transportation and distribution of agricultural products, enhancing market access for farmers, increasing profitability, and stimulating regional economic growth.

Gov. Ongchuan explained that better roads would enable farmers to transport goods more efficiently, reducing costs and spoilage, and ultimately improving their livelihoods.

“These projects will not only improve the flow of goods but will also play a key role in the overall development of our agricultural communities,” he stated.

In addition to infrastructure development, Ongchuan requested DA funding for a series of agricultural programs outlined in Northern Samar’s Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Roadmap.

These initiatives include the modernization of rice farming through mechanization, the installation of solar-powered irrigation and fertigation systems, and the development of cold storage facilities for fruits, vegetables, and seafood to ensure longer shelf life and reduce post-harvest losses.

A major component of the plan is the construction of a feed mill, which will provide local farmers with affordable, high-quality feed.

This facility is expected to significantly enhance the province’s livestock and poultry industries, providing a steady supply of feed for both small and large-scale farmers.

These projects align with Northern Samar’s Provincial Rice Industry Development Plan (PRIDP) and the Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Extension Program (CPAFEP), both of which are designed to increase agricultural productivity, promote food security, and ensure the long-term resilience of the province’s agricultural sector.

Gov.Ongchuan stressed that these initiatives are meant to complement the existing efforts of the provincial government.

“By focusing on agricultural development, we are not only ensuring food security for Northern Samar but also promoting sustainable farming practices that will benefit future generations,” the governor said.

The P1.2 billion funding from the DA reflects strong national support for the province’s agricultural advancement and is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the livelihoods of farmers, fostering economic development and improving the quality of life in Northern Samar.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)