BALANGA CITY, BATAAN—A total of 32.5 million worth of farm machineries, equipments, fishing gears, and post-harvest facilities were awarded to farmers and fisherfolks during the Bataan Provincial Achievement Day 2018 held at People’s Center, Capitol, Balanga City, Bataan on March 14, 2018.
With a theme “Sustainable Vibrant Communities through Agricultural and Fisheries’ Local Farm Product Promotion and Development”, the three-day activity aims to pay tribute and give recognition to the farmers and fisherfolks of the province.
In her welcome remarks, Bataan Provincial Agriculturist Johanna R. Dizon mentioned that the province of Bataan has been shortlisted for the Rice Achiever Awards (RAA) 2017 under the provincial category.
“Ngayong araw po ay atin kikilalanin ang mga natatanging magsasaka. Hindi po magiging posible ang ating pagkashortlist sa RAA kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Naging posible din ito dahil sa pagtutulungan nating lahat tungi sa iisang layunin—na mapaangat at mapaunlad ang buhay ng bawat Bataaneos.” said Dizon
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Luzon Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz highlighted the implemented programs and projects in Bataan under the fishery sector.
“In Orion will rise the provincial fishery office. Then we will have monitoring staff to combat illegal fisheries. Also, we have established an aquatourism farm in Orani. Bataan registered 16,000 fisherfolks. Furthermore, we have distributed 3,000 fishing vessel, 54 commercial fishing vessel among others.” Cruz said
On his part, DA Central Luzon OIC Regional Executive Director Engr. Roy M. Abaya explained the planned programs and projects of the Department.
“By 2022, our Secretary’s goal is to achieve an average yield of 6 metric tons per hectare. We also target to lower production cost of rice from 13 to 8 pesos per kilogram, and to stabilize the price of commercial rice from 38 to 32 pesos per kilogram. We would also continuously distribute high yielding rice seed varieties. Meanwhile, under the rice program, we have 20.7 million worth of machineries allotted for Bataan. We also have 4.35 million worth of shallow tube wells to be distributed to the province.” Abaya said
“We also implemented Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) projects in Bataan. A 15-kilometers farm-to-market road in Bagac and 200 square meters cold storage in Mariveles.” Abaya continued
Also present were Bataan Vice Governor Cristina M. Garcia, and Dinalupihan Mayor Gila Garcia.
After the main program, the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Agri-Aqua Trade Fair was held.###
Ozanne Ono Allas
Information Officer II