DA Caraga supports Dinagat Islands Agri
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, July 5 (PIA) -- Determined to raise farmers’ profitability and competitiveness, the Department of Agriculture-Caraga continues to provide interventions for the benefit of agri frontliners in Caraga region.
DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. personally led the handover of vegetable seedlings, free-range chicken, farm machinery, and equipment amounting to ₱41.66 million to 13 rice & corn-based farmers associations and to Local Government Units in the Province of Dinagat Islands on July 4.
The interventions were officially received by Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr and Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo during the Provincial People’s Fair and Launching of One Dinagat Movement.
“The province depends on agriculture and fishing as the key sources of economy and employment. The DA and its attached agencies and bureaus in collaboration with the Local Government Units will continuously deliver essential programs and services in restoring the livelihood and local economy on the island,” said Director Oñate.
Intended to boost food production in the province DA-Caraga’s Rice Program turned over 1 rice thresher, 2 floating tillers, 2 grain collectors, 1 rice mill, and 1 rice combine harvester with a total worth of ₱3.79 million.
In addition, the Corn Program turned over 1 corn mill, 1 cassava chipper, and 2 corn husker-sheller with a total worth of ₱1.16 million. The High-Value Crops Development Program in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office headed by OIC- Provincial Agriculturist Rico Galinato distributed vegetable seeds/ seedlings, and farm tools worth ₱1.82 million.
The Livestock Program also handed a total of 5 Egg Incubators worth ₱300,000.00. In collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Aimee Jimeno distributed 600 free-ranged chickens to women’s associations in the province.
Meanwhile, the Farm to Market Road Development Program awarded ₱34 million for the concreting of 2 barangay FMRs.
Director Oñate was accompanied by OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Agriculture Program Coordination Office - PDI Chief Rey Frias, and Banner Program Coordinators and DA-Caraga Personnel. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
