Farmers in barangay Kalabugao in Impasugong town, Bukidnon province lauded the government after receiving P4.4 million worth of agricultural supplies and farm equipment straight to their farming village.
“This farm machinery and equipment worth P4.4 million is part of the P6.3 million aiming to help improve productivity and reduce poverty among the marginalized sectors in agriculture in Bukidnon province,” said Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Captain Al Anthony Pueblas Wednesday.
Pueblas said the supplies and equipment were also part of the region 10 agriculture department’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD).
Earlier the DA’s program turned-over more than P6.3 million farm machinery, equipment, and inputs to 10 farmer organizations and a local government unit in Bukidnon under the additional funds previously released for the provision of farm inputs and farm mechanization support in 2017.
Steered by the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and the local government of Impasugong town government, DA-10 handed-over two units Floating Tiller-boat type; two units Kubota RT140 corn sheller, 200 bags of OPV white corn seeds; a Solar Power Irrigation System; and 14,000 Tilapia fingerlings to the Kalabugao Farmers.
Pueblas said the 8IB, which is one of the recipients, turned over the said farm tractor to Impasugong local government unit (LGU).
Similarly, DA 10 handed-over to the three battalions of 403 Brigade some farm equipment comprising three units of McCormick C110 Max 100 farm tractor with trailing harrow, disc plow, and trailer worth P7.7 million.
Jerry Sad-o, one of the recipients, who is a member of Movement and Alliance that Advocate Men in Action (MAAMA) and a graduate of DA’s Farm Field School appreciated the government’s overwhelming support.
“Mapasalamaton ko sa atong lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Impasugong, sa Department of Agriculture sa rehiyon diyes, ug sa mga kasundalohan nga naghatag sa amo og mga semilya ug ekwipo nga kinahanglan gyud namo isip mag-uuma,” said Sadao.
On behalf of the MAAMA organization, Sada-o said they were grateful to the government for the interventions made which will help them to alleviate their living conditions.
8IB commander Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, acknowledged the recipients’ gratefulness, as he was saying that with the collaboration of different agencies, they are able to deliver services to the constituents in far-flung areas.
“This unit, together with its peace and development partners, will continue and is always ready to provide interventions to those who need it most,” said Talaroc.
403rd Brigade commander Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon encouraged the farmers to participate in the government’s efforts in ending the local armed conflict by confirming commitment and cooperation in every project and program that aims to alleviate poverty.
“We are thankful that despite the long-distance travel to Barangay Kalabugao, the LGU of Impasugong and DA-10 heeded the issues raised by the Philippine Army that the Communists New People’s Army Terrorists used to recruit our farmers,” said Barandon.
“Kining mga proyekto makatabang sa mga mag-uuma diha sa pagpadaghan sa ilang tanom ug aron mo-taas pa ang estado sa ilang panginabuhi,” said Barandon.
He said the projects help the farmers to focus on producing more crops and further lift their living standards.
“We assure you that together with other government agencies, projects and programs will reach even in remote areas),” Col. Barandon said. (Ben Balce with PIA Bukidnon)
