TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO8), led by DA Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Director Lerey Panes, handed over three P25m checks to the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) of Northern, Eastern, and Western Samar (NEW Samar) last January 16, 2017 in Tacloban City.

The said checks are the first tranche to the P50m allotted budget for each of the provinces under the FY2015 continuing funds, which also include Apayao, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sarangani.

The funds will suffice agricultural assistance in terms of production (seeds, fertilizers, training support, and technology demonstration), as well as the provision of irrigation support (pump and engine set) and other agri equipment & facilities.

The second tranche (P25m) will be provided after the recipients have liquidated the initial fund given.

The Special Area for Agricultural Development is a banner program of the Agriculture Department that aims to alleviate poverty among marginalized farmers and fisherfolks through increased production and productivity.

The program targets ten priority provinces each year from 2017-2022. Completing the list of top 10 provinces this year are Lanao Del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Negros Oriental. ###