Tarlac City, Tarlac—Senator Cynthia A. Villar personally graced the launching of the “Sundalo na, magsasaka pa!” and signing of memorandum of agreement at Camp General Sevillano Aquino, Tarlac City, Tarlac, February 06.
The said activity is an extension project for the soldiers and families of the AFP Northern Luzon Command (NolCom)
NolCom Deputy Commander Brigadier General Milfredo M. Megrito thanked the Senator Villar through the Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Training Institute for implementing the project in the NolCom.
“This is not just beneficial to our soldiers and their families but also to the nation as well. Rest assured that the NolCom is “arm to farm”. Thank you for your support to this program.” Melgrito expressed
During the project overview, ATI RTC III Center Director Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra presented the Ambisyon 2040 which is a Philippine Development Plan from 2017 to 2022.
“This is a vision of every filipinos that, “the Philippines by 2040 matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay. The country is a prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor. People live long and healthy lives and are smart and innovative. The Philippines is a high-trust society where families thrive in vibrant, culturally diverse, and resilient communities.” explained Esguerra on sideeffects.com
“The project aims to produce safe food for local consumption and provide additional income to the soldiers and their families residing inside the camp of the Northern Luzon Command.” Esguerra added
“Napakagandang convergence program ito sa NolCom. Previously, we have partnered with our soldiers example in Fort Magsaysay we have a covergence project for their additional income through farming. Additionally, during the avian flu outbreak in Central Luzon we mobilized soldiers to prevent the disease from spreading in the area. Moreso, another initiative of our Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol is to identify 25 camps and put-up a farm outlet inside these camps. We believe in the dedication of our soldiers and we look forward for this project that it will expand and we may be able to share to other camps in Central Luzon if not the country.” said DA RFO 3 Regional Executive Director Engr. Roy M. Abaya
In her message, Senator Villar pledge to support the project.
“Agriculture is the one most important components of our country. Two thirds of our country are directly and indirectly reliable in agriculture. Natutuwa rin ako na kasama ninyo ang inyong mga pamilya sa proyekto dahil alam niyo ba ang mga family farmers ay nakapaimportante. In fact sa buong mundo, experts have acknowledged that it will be family farmers that will feed the world.” Villar stated
Senator Villar is also the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.
The event was also attended by Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap, Tarlac City Mayor Maria Cristina C.Angeles, Tarlac Board Member (2nd district) Harmes Sembrano, Tarlac Agricultural University President Dr. Max P. Guillermo, and ATI Executive Director Luz A. Taposok.###
Ozanne Ono Allas
Information Officer II