BULACAN FARMERS, FISHERFOLK RECEIVE 68M WORTH OF LIVELIHOOD, MACHINERIES
MALOLOS, BULACAN—The Department of Agriculture (DA) together with the Provincial Government of the Bulacan conducted a distribution of livelihood assistance to fisherfolks and farm machineries to farmers at Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on September 29.
The said distribution was conducted to provide assistance to the farmers and fisherfolks amid the pandemic in our country that is anchored with the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra Covid-19 Program” of the Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in his message that it is an honor to see the farmers and fisherfolks together. He also dubbed them as the new heros of the country.
“For the past six months meron tayong Social Amelioration Program (SAP) sa mga Rice Farmers na P5,000 under the Rice Program. But this time around under Bayanihan 2, hindi lang Rice Farmers kundi pati mangingisda. Mayroon tayong food assistance for farmers and fisherfolks” Dar said
Part of the event was the distribution of several fishery projects amounting to 32 million pesos. Further, DA also awarded 36 million worth of farm machineries to the farmer’s cooperative and associations of Bulacan which will help them to improve their way of farming.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director DA-RFO 3 Crispulo G. Bautista Jr, stressed to all the beneficiaries that these kind of opportunity must serve as an inspiration to them. “Hindi po tayo pinababayaan ng gobyerno. Lalo pa nating pag-ibayuhin ang pagpaparehistro sa Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) upang patuloy na makatanggap ng ayuda galing sa DA at makamit ang makamit ang masaganang ani at mataas na kita.” Bautista reminded
Moreover, Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando said that due to the pandemic many business and establishments shut down but farmera remained steadfast.
“Marami sa atin ang nawalan ng trabaho ngunit nariyan ang magsasaka kung kaya’t hindi tayo nagutom. Kung kaya marapat lamang na bigyan sila ng ayuda. Dahil punong puno ng sipag at tiyaga ang mga Bulakeno” Fernando stressed.
Fernando assured that he will give his full support in order to further enhance the agriculture sector in the province.###
Writer: Danica Jen Jino
Photographer: Jonnel Castillo