Organic farming program gets P10 million from DA

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture-7 has granted P10 million to the province of Cebu for the latter’s organic farming program.

The transfer of funds was formalized by a memorandum of agreement signed yesterday by DA Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oblena and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Farmers in Cebu will soon enjoy subsidized organic fertilizers, trainings on organic farming and other assistance from the budget allotted for the implementation of the province’s Organic Fertilizer Assistance Project.

DA has allotted the amount pursuant to its mandate under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act, and to help the province attain food sufficiency.

The P10-million budget will enable the province to procure organic fertilizers, which will be distributed to qualified farmers.

“This endeavor can generate additional income to the farmers, thus serves as an encouragement factor to the alluded farmers to increase their production in support to the province of Cebu’s effort to ensure food sufficiency in its territorial jurisdiction,” the MOA said.

Prior to the signing of the MOA, the province submitted a project proposal on organic fertilizer farming. DA agreed to implement the procurement of organic fertilizers and the conduct of trainings among eligible farmers.

Aside from granting financial assistance, DA will also extend technical services to the province. It will also require the province to submit a Commission on Audit liquidation report on fund utilization.

The province must then submit regular reports of accomplishment on project implementation for the DA to monitor.

The province will also conduct information dissemination, technical trainings, periodic monitoring and evaluation of the project and will also enter into agreements with agencies to ensure effectiveness in implementation of the project.

Organic farming is an alternative sustainable method of farming that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation.

It aims to maintain soil productivity and control pests, limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It also uses plant growth regulators, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms as fertilizers. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM (THE FREEMAN)