CAGAYAN DE ORO—The Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture Office has released P58 million in funding for projects to local farmers from January to August 2017, Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano said.
Of the amount, P39 million came from the provincial government, while P19 million was sourced from the national government.
Dr. Benjamin Resma, Mopao chief, said these projects include the distribution of seedlings and fingerlings to farmers and fisherfolk, as well as for farm and fishing equipment and irrigation facilities to improve production output.
“We dispersed tilapia fingerlings for our fishery production. Aside from these, we are also able to give molasses to these farmers who are into organic farming,” Resma said.
Mopao also provided technical support services, such as training for 879 farmer-beneficiaries in the fields of agriculture and fishery. This included sending farmers to field schools to acquire new techniques in rice and corn production.
Meanwhile, P30 million was allocated to help farmers combat rat infestation and ease the burden brought by flash flood crop damage.
Emano said the province’s agricultural projects have “greatly impacted” the beneficiaries in terms of reducing production cost. He noted that 47 percent of the province’s 4,633 farmers live below the poverty line.
“At least 2,760 farm households are now able to provide safe and nutritious vegetables for a family with six members,” Emano said.
“Some 145 farmers reduced 20 percent production cost with the use of agri machineries and equipment; 561 fishermen got better price of fish produce, increased fish catch, reduced time in fishing due to efficient and appropriate fishing gears and facilities,” he added.
This impact, the governor said, has been recognized by the national government through several awards over the years.
These awards include the Regional Gawad Saka Awards, the Outstanding Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Outstanding Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Organic Farming Family, and Agri Scientist and Barangay Food Terminal Operator.
