Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar committed P350 million (M) in assistance to two provinces of Central Visayas during a Farmers Forum on January 28 at Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

Part of the commitment, amounting to P250M from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit 7 (DA-RFU7), will go to the province of Negros Oriental this year.

The remaining P100 million is apportioned to the province of Siquijor. Of this amount, P65M will be allotted for the implementation of different agri-fishery projects, while P35M will be used for the establishment of a Solar Power Irrigation System (SPIS) in the province.

During the event, Dar together with key officials from the DA regional office awarded P74.176 million worth of various agricultural inputs and projects. This is in addition to assistance and  interventions amounting to P65M under the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF), P11.22M under the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance for rice farmer (SURE Aid), P30M for fisheries, P10M for the Negros Oriental State University, and P50M for the construction of an of an SPIS in Negros Oriental.

Under Dar’s leadership, DA seeks to pursue more collaborative projects with the local government units for the improvement of agri-fishery sector, enable farmers and fishers to live prosperous lives. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)