A total of P410 million (M) worth of agricultural equipment and other assistance were distributed to more than 2,000 farmers from the SOCCSKSARGEN region on July 20, 2019.

“This is the biggest distribution of projects and interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA) here in Central Mindanao,” Secretary Manny F. Piñol said.

In his message, the agri chief stressed the importance of capitalizing in Filipino farmers by providing them adequate training and equipment needed to compete in the world market.

“It is only now that our Filipino farmers experience swift and timely delivery of projects and interventions. Timing is of the essence, especially in agriculture. If you miss a step or incur delay, your production will surely suffer,” the agri chief explained.

The mass distribution, held at the Balindog Research and Experiment Station in Kidapawan City, is one of the priority initiatives of DA in line with the vision of the government to uplift the lives of the farmers.

According to Piñol, farmers must be given control over their produce by involving them in the entire cycle — from production to the marketing phase.

“Our farmers cannot remain as mere producers of their commodities. They must be also marketers of their products for them to be able to catch up in this highly competitive market. They must be free from traders and cartels that dictate the value of their produce,” he said.

“To all the beneficiaries of these projects and equipment, please take good care of them as we are not certain if you’ll get another shot to improve your lives through government interventions,” the agri chief said in closing.

The interventions were funded under the Department’s banner programs and special programs. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)