In a significant effort to bolster rural agriculture and enhance food security, the Department of Agriculture โ Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) has recently distributed agricultural interventions worth PhP9,691,500 to local government units (LGUs) and registered corn farmersโ associations in Salay and Sugbongcogon towns of Misamis Oriental. This initiative, executed on May 23, embodies the DA-10โs steadfast commitment to invigorating rural economies and supporting local farmers in their quest for sustainable livelihoods.
The distribution encompasses a diverse array of agricultural inputs, including hybrid yellow corn seeds, fertilizers, vegetable seeds, bamboo seedlings, and essential farm tools. Specifically, each municipality received 550 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds and an equal quantity of complete fertilizers, underpinning the DA-10's Corn Program. Additionally, the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) played a pivotal role by providing a significant amount of vegetable seeds to enhance farmers' income diversification. Notably, local farmer Amelita P. Trabajo expressed her deep gratitude for the assistance, highlighting that the resources not only support their livelihood but also ensure food supply for their families.
Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure
Moreover, the DA-10's commitment extends beyond crop interventions. To further strengthen the agricultural infrastructure in Sugbongcogon, the agency allocated a Php990k poultry house funded under the Livestock Program. This facility aims to enhance local livestock production and provide farmers with additional income opportunities. In addition, plans are underway to establish swine and goat multiplier farms, with investments of PhP5.6 million and PhP2.4 million, respectively. These initiatives reflect the DA-10's holistic approach to agricultural development, promoting not only crop production but also livestock management.
The involvement of key stakeholders, including Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, underscores the collaborative effort necessary for the success of these initiatives. By fostering close coordination with LGUs and ensuring the effective delivery of various farm assistance programs, the DA-10 reaffirms its dedication to agricultural prosperity in Misamis Oriental. This concerted effort not only aims to uplift local farmers but also seeks to achieve long-term food security for the entire region.