LEGAZPI CITY – Farmers and fisherfolk in Catanduanes received a major boost from the Department of Agriculture (DA) after various agricultural and fisheries interventions worth ₱57.1 million were distributed across the province this week.

According to DA Regional Office 5 spokesperson Lovella Guarin, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel personally led the turnover of farm inputs, agricultural machinery, livelihood support, and insurance indemnification checks to beneficiaries during his visit to the island province on Wednesday.

Among the key interventions distributed were 1,198 bags of hybrid rice seeds, soil ameliorants, and biofertilizers valued at ₱17.7 million, which were awarded to various municipal local government units to strengthen rice production and improve farm productivity.

The DA also granted ₱5.6 million under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development Project to Caritas Virac Justice and Peace Inc. to support livestock-based livelihood opportunities in the province.

To enhance food production and nutrition programs, schools across Catanduanes received ₱2.5 million worth of lowland vegetable seeds, malunggay seeds, bamboo and pili planting materials, organic fertilizers, and inputs for Gulayan sa Bayan and Gulayan sa Barangay projects through the High Value Crops Development Program.

Twelve farmers’ cooperatives and associations benefited from ₱5.1 million worth of interventions under the Organic Agriculture Program, while the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program distributed farm inputs valued at ₱250,342.

The Barangay Asuncion Purok 1 Farmers Association received a ₱4 million multi-commodity processing center through the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture Program, aimed at improving value-adding activities and increasing farmers’ incomes.

To strengthen farm mechanization efforts, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) turned over six four-wheel tractors worth ₱14.3 million to support agricultural production in Catanduanes.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed ₱1.3 million worth of motorized fiberglass boats with complete accessories, tilapia fingerlings, and gill nets to fisherfolk beneficiaries. It also released Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk to 1,323 fishermen in the province.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) provided ₱1.1 million in indemnity checks to 176 farmers affected by agricultural losses, helping them recover and continue farming activities.

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) further strengthened the province’s abaca industry by distributing Abaca Spindle Stripping Machines worth ₱2.9 million to 10 associations and establishing an Abaca Drying Facility valued at ₱1 million.

The comprehensive assistance package reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk in Catanduanes through sustainable and climate-resilient development programs.

NPO News Team I  DA Region V - PNA-PR