A total of P23.8 million (M) worth of machineries and farm inputs were turned over to farmers’ associations in Bicol to strengthen programs and projects implemented by the Department of Agriculture in the region.

On October 8, 2019, the province of Albay received P8.16 M worth of farm interventions composed of mini-chainsaws, grafted cacao and pili seedlings, hybrid seeds, fertilizer, disinfectant, and knapsack sprayer.

In addition, DA-5 distributed to farmers’ groups assorted vegetable seeds, registered seeds, hand tractors, threshers, mechanical corn shellers, mini chainsaws, collapsible dryers, pole pruners, moisture meters, fermentation bags, a four-wheel drive farm tractor unit, cassava digger and chipper, knapsack sprayers, various livestock animals including cattle, pigs, carabaos, and goats. The beneficiaries also received project grants for the installation of Solar Powered Irrigation System.

During the event, Dar awarded a total of P1,755,000 in funds under the Expanded Survival and Recovery Loan Program (SURE-AID), benefiting 117 farmer beneficiaries from the municipalities of Malilipot and Bulusan of Albay, and Sta. Magdalena of Sorsogon.

Dar said the government is still looking for an additional funding to support SURE-AID program.

“Our capital is at P2.5 billion (B) with 175,000 farmers beneficiaries, we are looking for additional funding to reach and benefit 400,000 farmers more,” Dar said.

In his message, the Secretary encouraged Bicolandia’s local government to support the local procurement of palay and crop diversification initiatives of the government.

“The provincial government of Albay will allocate budget for the establishment of a postharvest facility and intensify the distribution of mechanical dryer for farmers,” Albay Governor Al Francis C. Bichara said, solidifying the province’s support to the palay procurement program of the Department. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)