The Department of Agriculture (DA) has provided more than PHP176.53 million worth of agricultural and fishery interventions to 10,762 farmers and fisherfolk, represented by 150 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), in the fourth district of Camarines Sur to support local production and improve postharvest facilities.
In an interview on Tuesday, Lovella Guarin, DA Bicol spokesperson, said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the inauguration of four modular cold storage facilities and the awarding of a certificate for a class AA slaughterhouse during his visit to the Partido area in the province on Monday.
“Three cold storage facilities were inaugurated in Barangay San Rafael in Lagonoy, Barangay Catalotoan in San Jose, and Barangay Caraycayon in Tigaon, with a combined cost of PHP10.87 million. Another facility in Garchitorena was valued at PHP12.87 million,” she said.
Tiu Laurel also awarded a certificate for the PHP51.45 million class AA slaughterhouse to the municipal government of San Jose.
Guarin added that the facilities are expected to help improve the handling and storage of agricultural products and support the local meat industry.
Meanwhile, farmers, fisherfolk, and local government units (LGUs) in 10 municipalities received PHP79.5 million in interventions under the DA Bicol Rice Program, Corn Program, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The Rice Program provided PHP52.8 million worth of hybrid rice seeds and inorganic fertilizers, while the Corn Program extended PHP7.8 million in assistance, including four-wheel-drive tractors, hybrid corn seeds, and pesticides.
Under the HVCDP, beneficiaries received PHP3.1 million worth of vegetable seeds, farm tools, and foliar fertilizers.
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) also delivered four-wheel-drive tractors and rice combine harvesters worth PHP14.7 million.
BFAR distributed tilapia fingerlings and boats valued at PHP577,250, while 187 farmers received a total of PHP434,775 in cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.
The 10 municipalities covered by the interventions are Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sagñay, Tigaon, Tinambac, Siruma, and San Jose. (PNA)
