DA, Capiz LGU tandem empowers farmers, fishermen
ROXAS CITY – “Empowerment of farmers and fishermen will not only make them good producers but also self-reliant and progressive entrepreneurs.”
This was conveyed by PhilRice Director Ronilo A. Beronio who delivered the message of Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap for the 2ndProvincial Farmers and Fisherfolks Day and Agricultural Extension Workers’ Forum last April 14 at the Capiz Gymnasium here.
“We want to make our farmers and fisherfolks believe in themselves. That they can make our farming and fishing sector productive and competitive,” Beronio added.
He has also underscored the DA and Capiz provincial government partnership to further enhance the development and modernization of the agro-fishery sector in the province and in the region.
In 2008, the DA has provided funds from its Fertilizer, Irrigation, Education, Extension and Research, Loans, Dryers and other post-harvest facilities and Seeds (FIELDS) to finance the construction of various agri-fishery infrastructure projects like farm-to-market roads, irrigation facilities and provision of farm equipment like solar dryers, farm tractor and farm animals (piglets).
Several thousand bags of various fertilizers, soil ameliorants and subsidized certified and hybrid seeds were also provided to palay growers all over the province.
The tandem has also helped nine cooperatives with at least 600 farmer-members tilling a combined area of 1,800 hectares of rice farms as recipients of nine flatbed dryers from the DA - Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension.
Meanwhile, the upcoming projects for the province include several Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) – funded projects upon submission of necessary documents. These include the Development of Fish Cannery in Panit-an town and the Expansion and Modernization of Processed Fish Products for Export in the municipality of Pontevedra.
The Provincial Farmer and Fisherfolks’ Day is part of Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco’s outreach programs dubbed “Pag-ulikid” that is continuously being undertaken by the provincial government to realize the Tanco administration’s “Labi sa Tanan ang Tawo” (welfare of the people above anything else) battlecry.
Last year, a similar activity which included an information caravan on various agri-aquacultural technologies that were discussed by experts from concerned government agencies has also been conducted that was attended by about 1,500 farmers and fishermen. (PIA/A.Lumaque)