COTABATO, September 16, 2020 – With its continuous action in assuring full assistance to farmers’ necessities, even at times of global health crisis, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program ensures to achieve its goal. A total Php 930,520.00 for FY 2020 under the Integrated Corn Production with Poultry and Vegetable Production Project were distributed to five farmers’ associations in the municipality of Antipas.

The five farmers’ associations in Antipas, who received the project, are Malatab Peace Builder’s Association (Brgy. Malatab – 25 members), the Kiyaab Multi-sector Farmers association (Brgy. Kiyaab – 25 members), Malire Multi-sectoral farmers association (Brgy. Malire – 25 members), Camutan Inter-cultural farmers association (Brgy.Camutan – 25 members) and the Magsaysay Indigenous People Alliance farmers association (Brgy. Magsaysay – 25 members). Each association received 95 Muscovy duck heads, 22 bags of urea fertilizer, 22 bags of complete fertilizer, 11 bags of hybrid corn seeds, 44 packs of vegetable seeds, 11 pieces of shovel, 11 pieces of machete, 11 pieces bolo, and 11 pieces hand trowel.

Prior to this distribution, three (3) farmer’s association in Antipas earlier received Anglo-Nubian Goat under the Dairy Goat Production project on Sept. 2, 2020. The said 3 FAs are the following, the Lukiki farmers association, with 25 members (received 13does and 1buck), the New Pontevidra Farmers Association, with 25 members (received 13 does 1buck) and the Poblacion FA, with 25 members (received 13does 2bucks). with total worth of Php 725,000.00.

DA-SAAD Region 12 Focal Person Maimona B. Amil led the distribution together with Municipal Vice Mayor Cris Cadungon, the 72nd Infantry Battalion, SAAD Cotabato leader Jocelyn C. Sugabo and the rest of the team (Arthur Jimena and Charie Lyn Quinlat).

During the distribution, Amil gave an inspiring message to the farmers with her opening remarks. She said, “Sa kabila ng pandaigdigang suliranin sa kalusugan na dulot Ng COVID-19, ay patuloy po ang DA-SAAD XII sa pamamahagi ng interventions upang matupad ang pangarap nito, and that is to reduce poverty in rural areas by providing agricultural interventions. Kaya naman po aming hinihiling na alagaan at palaguin po natin ang mga ipinamimigay ng DA, dahil layunin po ng DA-SAAD na matulungan at mapa-angat ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka. Upang magkaroon ng sapat na pagkain ang Pilipinas at maging masagana ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka sa bansa.”

Meanwhile, 60-year-old beneficiary Mrs. Sylva Dapulang expressed her gratitude to the SAAD Program. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa gobyerno, lalo na sa mga opisyales ng Department of Agriculture dahil sa kanilang mga kabutihang-loob sa mga farmers. Napakalaki po ng naitutulong ng kanilang mga interventions para mapa-improve ang aming pamumuhay.”

Furthermore, 62-year-old beneficiary Mr. Jimmy Pananding also shared the same sentiment. He said,“Napakalaking tulong po nito sa amin na mga farmers dahil kapag bumibili po kami ng mga binhi, ay napaka-bigat po sa aming bulsa ang halaga nito. Kaya nga pabor talaga sa amin itong mga ipinamimigay ng DA, itong mga farming tools, mga binhi at mga pato. ###

Writer:

Aisa L. Tina, DA- SAAD region 12, Information Officer 

Jemiema Arro, DA SAAD- NPMO, PR and Communication Officer