2.23 million farmers benefit from agriculture programs
Some 2.23 million farmers nationwide were recipients of the various programs of the Department of Agriculture implemented under the Arroyo administration’s poverty alleviation program.
The Malacañang press report President Arroyo awarded Presidential citations to the DA along with five other government agencies involved in anti-poverty programs.
According to the report, the DA provided hybrid and certified seed subsidy for some 3.2 million hectares benefiting 2.23 million farmers; distributed 85,478 heads of various animals; 452 million fingerlings and 4 million pieces of broodstock which boosted production and enhance productivity of farmers and fishermen.
The DA also installed 2.016 flatbed dryers nationwide to help farmers minimize post-harvest losses and released P4.9 billion worth of loans to 141,916 farmers and fisherfolk to encourage and develop their capacity to invest more in agribusiness.
The DA’s sustained implementation of anti-poverty programs and projects under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) include the construction of 6,305 kilometers of farm-to-market-roads; generation of 23,390 hectares of new irrigation areas; rehabilitation of 261,811 hectares and restoration of 153,598 hectares of unserviceable and deteriorated irrigation facilities; and distribution of 41.4 million kilos of organic fertilizer and 3.56 million fertilizer discount coupons benefiting some 1.78 million farmers.
The other government agencies which the Chief Executive awarded the Presidential citations include the Department Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Technical education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).
The poverty alleviation programs of the Arroyo administration helped advanced the development and provided greater access to basic services particularly for the poor and marginalized sector of the populace. (PIA6/T.Villavert)