The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed a total of P30.52 million (M) to different farmers’ associations and local government units in the province of Cebu during the awarding ceremony of the SUGBUsog “Sugbuanong Busog, Luwas ug Himsog” program on June 3, 2021.
As one of the highlights of the event, Agriculture Secretary William Dar turned over various agricultural assistance and interventions, including farm machineries and modernized facilities, as well as other production inputs.
The DA through its regional field office (RFO) in Central Visayas awarded projects under its High Value Crops Development Program and Corn Program totalling to more than P28 million (M). These include a monolithic dome storage and packing facility project turned over to the Malaguete LGU, which amounts to P20M.
In addition to this, the agri chief distributed certificates of commitment, under the Rice and Organic Programs of the DA-RFO 7, for machineries which aims to improve farming systems for rice and other organic produce in the region.
“I am truly delighted that the Government of Cebu is doing an incredible job in ensuring food security in its province and elevating the livelihoods and incomes of farmers and fisherfolk through several efforts,” Sec. Dar said.
In his keynote message, he urged the local executives to continue in their efforts towards the improvement of rural communities. He also assured them that the DA will continue to support and partner with the province of Cebu in its drive towards food security and sustainability.
For 2021, DA has allocated a total of P476,255M in funds under its banner programs for production support, extension and training services, and procurement of agricultural machineries.
Sec. Dar stressed the value of food production and highlighted the importance of turning challenges into opportunities, citing the success of former tricycle driver Jesus Cortez who turned into vegetable production for alternative livelihood in the midst of the lockdowns and pandemic scare last year.
Cortez, now tends a 150-square meter household containerized garden with his family, planted to a lush spread of vegetables and herbs using modern agricultural farm technologies. He is a two-time awardee of SUGBUsog. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)
