ILAGAN CITY, Isabela— The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday distributed a total of P2.5 billion worth of farm inputs, animals, machinery, post-harvest facilities, boats, and fishing gear, as well as financial assistance to thousands of farmers and fishermen in the northern provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.
In Cagayan and Isabela, both major producers of rice and corn, the DA allocated P1.13 billion and P1.37 billion for agricultural and financial interventions, respectively. The bulk of these interventions were sourced from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, derived from tariffs collected on imported rice.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who traveled to Cagayan and Isabela to lead the distribution, said the assistance in the two provinces reaffirms President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration commitment “to fostering the development of the farm sector.”
The events were attended by local government officials and lawmakers, including Cagayan Vice Governor Marvin Vargas, Tuao Mayor William Mamba, Iguig Mayor Ferdinand B. Trinidad, Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III, Ilagan City Mayor Jose Mari Diaz, and Isabela Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Antonio Albano.
“We are providing in-kind support that will ensure the success of the dry season planting for calendar year 2024 and enhance the productivity and income of our farmers across multiple programs,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said. He added that the interventions will enhance farmers’ capacity to meet the increasing demand for rice through higher productivity and improved farm resilience.
The DA distributed in Cagayan and Isabela hybrid rice, corn, and peanut seeds; fertilizers; piglets and feeds under the swine repopulation program; and fingerlings, boats, and other fishing gear.
Through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, inaugurated one rice processing systems (RPS) valued at a total of P114.5 million in Naguilian, Isabela.
Projects under the Agricultural Machinery, Equipment, Facility and Infrastructure Program—including water impounding and diversion dams, hauling trucks, and cassava granulators—worth a total of P65.7 million were also awarded to FCAs in Cagayan.
Indemnity from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, fuel subsidies, and financial assistance to farmers under the RCEF were also distributed.
Secretary Tiu Laurel also inaugurated a Mega KADIWA ng Pangulo outlet in Naguilian, Isabela. ###
