LANAO DEL NORTE (PIA) –The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program turned over Php5.1 million worth of farm machineries to the local government unit (LGU) of Munai on Monday, May 11.
The agri support comprises one unit 100-horsepower (hp) farm tractor for corn, one unit 35-hp farm tractor for rice, and one unit rice combine harvester.
Having received SAAD assistance, the LGU hopes to upscale rice and corn production of the town strategically as a means for poverty eradication.
“This assistance from DA-10 will surely improve our agriculture in Munai. With DA’s support, I am hopeful that the lives of our farmers will be better.
They can now farm productively with much ease and comfort,” said Munai Mayor Racma D. Andamama.
In his message, DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado expressed his full support of the LGU’s agricultural development program.
“Munai is the first hinterland LGU in Lanao del Norte to ever received farm machineries from DA-10. This is because I fully support your mayor’s commitment to develop your town’s agriculture,” Director Collado asserted.
Despite bankable potential, agricultural development in Munai has been sidelined for many years.
“Owing it to your mayor’s dedication to agriculture, you can expect more assistance from DA this year and in the years to come,” Director Collado vouched, promising more agri machinery assistance and farm inputs subsidy to the town farmers.
In the same occasion, 325 rice farmers in Munai each received Php5,000.00 cash assistance from DA totaling to Php1.6 million under the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA).
The aid ought to help rice farmers procure needed farm inputs for the coming planting season in June.
In the event, DA-10 also turned over one unit 90-hp farm tractor worth Php2.05 million to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade. It was received by the unit’s commander, Brigadier General Facundo Palafox IV.
Overwhelmed by the support her town received, Mayor Andamama gratefully acknowledged DA as partner for progress. (DA-10/PIA ICIC)