The municipality of Kiamba in Sarangani province received an early Valentine’s gift from the Department of Agriculture (DA) as a total of P15.5 million (M) agri-fishery interventions were distributed by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol on February 8, 2018 during the farmers’ forum.

“Today marks the day that you will feel the heartfelt love of the government because we have a President that has a heart for the masses,” Piñol said as he announced that he will be allocating P10M financial loan under the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council of DA.

Under PLEA, farmers and fisherfolk can avail of financial assistance up to P50,000, which they can use for acquiring equipment and other inputs. Aside from its minimal prerequisites, the loan only requires a 6% per annum interest. Another P5.5M will be allocated for the abaca development program of the municipality.

During the visit, Piñol also lead the ceremonial inauguration of the Kiamba fishport, which will serve as convenient location for trading of fish produce from Kiamba. The fishport will also serve as a send-off center for products for General Santos City.

One hundred eighty motorized fiberglass boats, including gill nets and fish aggregating devices or payaos were also turned-over to fisher groups during the inauguration.

“Kiamba is one of the biggest fish producers here in Mindanao. These interventions will greatly help us,” Kiamba Mayor Raul Martinez said.

Senator Manny Pacquiao who is also present during the inaugural opening assured that this is one of the many sustainable livelihood projects that the province will receive. Pacquiao, a Sarangani native, encouraged the recipients of the government projects to work hard and utilize the assistance given to them. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)