BALANGA CITY — Farmers from fourteen farmers’ groups here recently received 600 bags of certified seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the City Agriculture Office.
City Agriculturist Nerissa Mateo highlighted the difference in the approach of the DA in today’s seed distribution. Mateo emphasized that before, farmers used to receive only one bag of seeds no matter the size of their farm. Now, the ratio is one bag per hectare. Seeds distributed are of the “300” and “261” varieties.
Ms. Mateo further announced that there are 591 seed bags still to come, aside from the 600 bags already distributed.
Aside from the SURE Aid Program wherein farmers received PhP15-K from Land Bank of the Philippines payable in eight years, Ms. Mateo also reported that there is another program wherein each farmer could receive Php5-K financial assistance if he tills a farm lot 2 hectares in size or smaller.
The assistance can be availed simply by registering with the City Agriculture Office.
City Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia thanked the farmers in their contribution and efforts to the city’s food supply. Garcia reported that the 30 shallow tube wells given to city farmers were through the effort of Second District Rep. Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia, III.
He also reiterated Ms. Mateo’s encouragement of farmers to register with the City Agriculture Office so they could enjoy the benefits of different farmers’ programs offered.
Also present on the occasion were: Councilors Jovic Baluyot, Ricardo Magpantay, and Pedro Yuzon who, in their respective messages, lightheartedly greeted farmers with an early Christmas. Provincial Agriculture & Fishery Council (PAFC) Chairman Henry Custodio and City Agriculture & Fishery Council (CAFC) Chairman Lorenzo Dilig recapitulated the different programs already being enjoyed by farmers. They also mentioned programs that are yet to come.
The farmers’ groups that benefited from the seed distribution were: Tanato Upland Farmers’ Association/ Tanato MPC; Samahang Magsasaka ng Cabog-Cabog; Dangcol Upland Farmers’ Association; Old Maluya Farmers’ Association; Upper Maluya Farmers’ Association; Lower Dangcol Farmers’ Association; New Manimas Farmer Irrigators’ Service, Inc.; Sulong Magsasaka Association; Sitio Bani Irrigators’ Association/ Greater Bani MPC/ BARB MPC/ Tuyo Farmers; Ibayo Farmers; Tenejero Farmers; and Miray-Aca Farmers’ Association.