GOV’T BACKS PROMOTION OF AGRI-BASED PRODUCTS IN BACUAG, SURIGAO DEL NORTE AMID PANDEMIC
MANILA – The local government of Bacuag in Surigao Del Norte admitted losses in the sales of their agricultural products due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation nationwide, but said that the national government has made some initiatives to help the local economy, according to the local executive.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar interviewed on Friday, September 30, via Network Briefing News Bacuag Mayor Felicisimo Cebedo who shared how the pandemic affected the selling and promotion of their local agri-based products in the market.
"Because of the pandemic, medyo naapektuhan ng bentahan ng agri-based products. However, the Department of Trade and Industry through their Negosyo Center, helps our micro, small and medium enterprises in selling out their products. [Because of the pandemic, sales of agri-based products were somewhat affected. However, the Department of Trade and Industry through their Business Center, helps our micro, small and medium enterprises in selling out their products]," he said.
The town has institutionalized the production of agri-based commodities such as sugar, vodka, tuba, bibingka, corn products, and other products and delicacies.
Meanwhile, Sec. Andanar expressed his confidence that local products of the said town have the potential in the market and greater revenue in the value chain.
Mayor Cebedo also noted that local farmers of Bacuag can produce 1.4 tons of coconut per hectare every year utilizing an area with a total of 6,780 hectares in the farmland.
The town is also one of the rice granaries of Surigao Del Norte which covers 321 hectares while rain-fed land covers 589 hectares suitable for rice planting.
“Rice is planted twice a year and irrigated once a year in rain-fed areas. Average production is 4 tons per hectare per year for the rain-fed area,” Mayor Cebedo said.
“For corn, we have an area of 131 hectares and average production is 1 ton per hectare,” he added.
COVID-19 Response
On the other hand, Mayor Cebedo emphasized that the vaccination rollout in Bacuag town is well and continuing, citing that 56.2 percent of their target population have been vaccinated in the municipality to date.
Of this total number, 49 percent are fully vaccinated while 7.2 percent have received their first dose and are waiting fortheir 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines, he added.
“Dito sa Bacuag, sumusunod ang mga tao sa mga sinasabi natin at sa [minimum health] protocols. May multa ang mga di sumusunod or community service pag walang pambayad. [Here in Bacuag, people follow what we say and follow [minimum health] protocols. There is a fine for non-compliance or community service for those who cannot pay the fine],” he pointed out.
