PINAMUNGAJAN, Cebu – The Department of Agriculture (DA) released some P91,043,000 worth of agricultural interventions and launched its cash and food subsidy program to various farmers and fisherfolks in Cebu during the visit of Secretary William Dar at the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC) in Pinamungajan town in Cebu on December 7.

"Farmers are the true frontliners during this pandemic because they ensure and provide our food. They are our real heroes," Dar said.  

The secretary scheduled a site visit to some of the agricultural interventions provided to LMPC, one of DA’s identified Farmers and Fishers Consolidated Clusters (F2C2) of the region and to launch the agency’s Cash and Food Subsidy program for the marginalized farmers and fishermen in Cebu.

Dar thanked the LMPC and said that because of its cooperativism, a lot has been done that enhanced the lives of the farmers and fishermen, and the partnership of the LGUs and the region contributed to the success of the agriculture undertakings in Central Visayas.

The secretary’s visit highlighted the launching of the cash and food subsidy program which provided a free voucher for qualified farmers to claim P3,000 cash and P2,000 worth of food for the 25 kilos of rice, eggs, and chicken.

DA-7 Regional Executive Director Atty. Salvador Diputado said the visit is part of Dar’s regional engagements nationwide to provide full support to the farmers/fishers and to encourage them to produce more, especially in this time of health crisis.

"Of all the economic sectors, only the agriculture sector has posted a positive growth during the second quarter despite all the challenges such as natural calamities and the pandemic," Diputado said.

According to Diputado, Secretary Dar turned over agri-fishery projects and certificates of commitment to identified beneficiaries that included farm animals, biogas digester from DA and coco hub of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for LMPC; 90 units fiber boats of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for Cebu Province; sisal processing center of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) for the FARMS-Mantalongon, Barili town.

The DA Chief also set the Signing of memorandum of agreement on agricultural interventions between DA and Virginia Farms, LMPC, PCA and PhilFIDA; released indemnity checks to farmers covered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp (PCIC) and coconut farmers; and the launching of the Milk Feeding Program of DepEd, National Dairy Authority (NDA) and LMPC.

Secretary Dar also handed over the certificates of commitment for the SugBUSOG Program of Cebu Province; the establishment of urban agriculture-community garden for Cebu City and the monolithic dome for Dalaguete town.

For LMPC alone, Dar distributed a total of P39.5 million worth of agricultural interventions that included the MOA for the smoke house and postharvest equipment of the BFAR for the LMPC;  establishment of Visayas Coconut Seed Production Center with Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA); fiber crop nursery of the Philippine Fiber Industry Authority (PFIA); and the buy-back of agricultural produce of Virginia Farms, Inc. for the LMPC farmers' corn, vegetable, and livestock.

For the Cash and Food Subsidy program, only farmers and fishers who are registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) under the Farmer and Fishers Registry System (FFRS) and upon verification of the system will be given vouchers for their cash and food subsidy which they can claim from accredited money transfer outlets and the cooperatives for the food supplies.

Diputado said the projects showed the commitment of the DA and the other agricultural agencies to help the farmers/fishers improve their income and productivity.

Dar was assisted by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu 3rd District Representative Pablo John Garcia, Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro, and Cebu Provincial Board Member Jimbo Borgonio.