ROMBLON, February 13, 2024 – To enhance corn production in the town of Ferrol, Romblon, three (3) farmer associations (FAs) received support worth Php 440,000 under the Corn Production Project from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 2.

On January 12, Hinag-oman Lowland and Upland Integrated Farmers Association (HLUIFA), Hinag-oman Corn, Cassava, and Vegetable Growers Association (HCCVGA), and Claro M. Recto Corn and Cassava Farmers Association (CM RECTO CCFA) received 60 kilograms (kgs) of sweet corn seeds worth Php 190,500. Additionally, SAAD MIMAROPA awarded a multicultivator worth Php 249,500 to the latter, aimed at facilitating the rapid preparation of their planting fields.  

Arrowroot production was initially proposed for the CM RECTO CCFA, with the multicultivator as one of the intended interventions. However, after conducting a series of focus group discussions (FGDs), Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA), and dialogues with the local government unit, all parties agreed to shift the project to corn production. This decision was based on the members’ prior experience in corn cultivation and the greater market potential of the said commodity.  

After validation, SAAD MIMAROPA approved corn production as their venture and decided to proceed with the inclusion of multicultivator in the interventions, as it would still aid them in land preparation for corn planting.  

SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer (CDO) II, Mr. Jercel N. Catubig, facilitated the turnover of these interventions, with support from Romblon CDOs Jhonzell G. Panganiban and Ian Von A. Yadao. The event witnessed the presence of Ferrol OIC Municipal Agriculturist Elena C. Tibio and members of the beneficiary associations, led by their respective presidents. Each participant conveyed gratitude for the program’s invaluable support to their association.

Mrs. Florencia Gara, President of the Hinag-oman Corn, Cassava, and Vegetable Growers Association, stated, “Malaki pong tulong itong ibinigay ninyong interbensyon sa aming asosasyon kasi sa panahon po ngayon ay napakamahal po ng mga binhi, ng equipment, kaya hindi po maka-avail ang bawat farmer.  Napakalaking pasasalamat po dahil nandyan po kayo na parati po kaming tinutulungan na mga farmers para i-angat ang antas ng aming pamumuhay.”

(The assistance you provided is invaluable to our association, especially given the current high costs of seeds and equipment, making it challenging for each farmer to afford. We extend our heartfelt gratitude because your consistent support helps us farmers enhance our standard of living).

Apart from the sweet corn seeds, all three of them are set to receive additional corn production support, including white corn seeds, while the HLUIFA and HCCVGA will also be awarded with a hand tractor with complete accessories through FY 2023 and 2024 SAAD fund. To diversify livelihood opportunities, SAAD MIMAROPA will also provide livestock production projects for these associations this 2024. ###

Writer: Melissa F. Lingco, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer II
Sources: Engr. Maiden Marie N. Segui, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Associate Project Officer II, Jercel Catubig, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer I