DAVAO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao (OPAMINE) distributed government assistance to various irrigators associations in Region 12 or the Davao region on Friday, November 24.
AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. leads the distribution of aid to irrigators with Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno in Koronadal City. (DA FB)
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the event in Koronadal City with Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno.
Magno had been in the region for the past few days to assist President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his visit to General Santos City on Thursday, November 23.
The President earlier led the delivery of assistance to earthquake victims in General Santos City.
The two secretaries visited the Kadiwa Center and witnessed food and technology demonstrations at the National Irrigation Authority in Region 12 office in Koronadal.
Magno said the event was followed by the distribution of government support to South Cotabato Irrigators Associations.
In the afternoon, Magno and Laurel met the National Confederation of Irrigators Association and attended their regional congress.
Laurel visited the fish port in General Santos City later in the day.
Magno said that the DA and OPAMINE are exploring ways how the government can assist in enhancing the agricultural sector in Region 12.
He added that the issue of improving the tuna industry, especially since General Santos City is the tuna capital of the Philippines, was also discussed.
Magno and Laurel had a series of meetings earlier this month on how to boost the livelihood of the farmers in Eastern Mindanao.
Magno has been advocating for increased assistance to farmers to reduce the expenses associated with agricultural products and enhance food security.