Over P20M allotted for agri-fishery projects in E. Samar, Biliran
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked over P20 million for
various agri-fishery projects in Eastern Samar and Biliran to help
farmers and fisherfolk in these provinces boost their production.
According to a news release from the DA, Eastern Samar received a total
of P12 million, which was used for projects, farm equipment and other
implements.
Biliran, meanwhile, was awarded P8 million, which the department said
includes P2.8 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) for an aquasilviculture project to be led by the Naval State
University (NSU).
"The BFAR is tapping selected agri-fishery state universities and
colleges to promote aquasilviculture which aims to rehabilitate mangrove
areas and increase the production of marine fish species, including
crabs and other crustaceans," said the DA in a statement.
TRACTORS, THRESHERS, DRYERS
The implements awarded to farmers included hand tractors, rice
threshers, flatbed dryers, multi-purpose drying pavements, seed cleaners
and processing equipment for various crops, among others.
Fishers' groups, meanwhile, received fish cages, fishing gear and
fishery inputs.
Also distributed were rice, corn and vegetable seeds, salt organic
fertilizers and seaweed planting materials, as well as livestock such as
carabaos and sheep.
In a visit to the two provinces in May, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J.
Alcala also committed to provide the farmers in these areas with quality
white corn seeds that include hybrid, OPV (open pollinated variety) and
traditional tiniguib, along with several units of corn mill as white
corn grits are consumed by "a large number" of rural folk as their main
staple.
Mr. Alcala also encouraged coconut farmers in the provinces to intercrop
white corn to diversify their crops and increase their livelihood.
He, likewise, enjoined provincial and local government officials to
enlist Biliran and Eastern Samar under the proposed Central Philippines
Rural Development Program (CPRDP).
Last April, the department said that it was in the process of drafting
the CPRDP, a medium-term poverty-alleviation initiative set to be
implemented in six regions (4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7 and 8) in partnership with
provincial and municipal government units, which it hopes to present to
the World Bank for possible funding of up to $300 million. -- Bettina
Faye V. Roc
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