PBBM delivers over P200M in agri aid to Misamis Oriental farmers

MindanaoToday.com | PBBM delivers over P200M in agri aid to Misamis Oriental farmers

By: Recthie T. Paculba

BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turnover of over P200 million in agricultural assistance to farmers in Misamis Oriental, April 22.

The support, distributed through the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10, includes P90.8 million for the construction of the Mapulog-Tuboran farm-to-market road in Naawan, and P32.2 million worth of machinery, tools, and inputs. An additional P78.1 million was provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) through the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to support rice production in the region.

Marcos said the initiative is part of efforts to modernize agriculture and support farmers at the community level.

“Ngayong umaga, nagsasama-sama tayo upang maglunsad ng isang napakahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas matatag, mas makabago, at mas maunlad na kinabukasan para sa ating mga magsasaka—ang tunay na haligi ng ating lipunan,” said Marcos.

(This morning, we gather to launch an important step toward a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous future for our farmers—the true backbone of our society.)

Raquela Maloay, a member of the Linandang Malagana Farmers Association Inc., said the tractor provided is essential for upland farming.

“Importante kaayo ang ihatag nga tractor para sa amo nga didto nagpuyo sa bukid. Ang among mga yuta didto kinahanglan gyud siya ma-tractor kay kung amo ra bitaw’ng kaugalingon nga pagpaningkamot kay dili gyud sapat nga makalimpyo sa among area,” Maloay shared.

(The tractor being given to us is very important, especially for us who live in the mountains. Our lands really need to be plowed by a tractor because if we rely solely on our own efforts, it’s really not enough to clear and prepare our area.)

She said they are grateful for these projects and that the assistance shows the administration’s commitment to improving access to agriculture programs.

Chairperson Ricky Lamdagan of the Tipolohon Farmers Growers Association also acknowledged the support.

“Siya ang nagmahal ug naghatag og importansya sa mga mag-uuma dinhi sa atong dapita ug natagaan og dako nga hustisya ang atong mga mag-uuma pinaagi sa paghatag og dakong suporta alang sa mga inputs, mga binhi, mga machineries nga among nadawat gikan sa atong mahal nga pangulo.”

(He is the one who cared for and gave importance to the farmers in our area, and our farmers have been given justice through the substantial support provided—such as inputs, seeds, and machinery—that we received from our beloved President.)

His group received tools including a shredder, water pump, drums, sprayers, seeds, and fertilizers for crop production.

Marcos also launched the Rice Processing System 2 Facility, which features a multi-stage rice mill and recirculating dryers. The facility is expected to reduce post-harvest losses by 32,000 metric tons annually, translating to an estimated P531 million in savings.

“Narito tayo ngayon hindi lamang upang kilalanin ang tagumpay ng MisOr kundi upang tiyakin na ito’y magpapatuloy. At higit pa riyan, upang kayo ay mas mapapalakas, mas masuportahan, mas maaalalayan sa bawat pagsubok,” Marcos said.

(We are here today not only to recognize the success of Misamis Oriental but to ensure that it continues. And more than that— to empower you, to support you, and to guide you through every challenge.)

The assistance aligns with the SUNRISE Project (Solving Unemployment Through Rural Industrialization and Sustainable Enterprises), which seeks to raise coconut value from P8–P10 per kilo to P16–P18, and expand processing capacity.

Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to making Misamis Oriental—and the rest of the country—a center of modern, productive, and empowered farming communities. (RTP/PIA-10)

###