Capitol extends P21.2 million aid to agriculture sector

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government has distributed P21.23 million worth of agricultural and fishery assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in southern Cebu, as the province prepares for the potential effects of El Niño on food production.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the turnover of equipment and production inputs to beneficiaries from 26 towns and cities at the Sec. Cerge M. Remonde Sports and Cultural Center in Barangay Lamacan, Argao on October 19.

The assistance, worth P21,234,790, was provided through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) headed by Dr. Roldan Saragena. It included farm machinery, irrigation equipment, planting materials, and supplies for fisheries and marine conservation.

Among the items distributed were three high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages, 15 walking-type agricultural tractors, gas-powered water pumps with HDPE hoses, materials for marine protected areas, plastic drums, and organic fertilizers.

Beneficiaries also received cacao seedlings, sweet potato cuttings, and assorted vegetable seeds.

The distribution covered Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, Carcar City, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan, Ginatilan, Santander, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, and Cordova.

Baricuatro said her administration intends to strengthen local agricultural production to reduce Cebu's dependence on outside food sources, particularly with the threat of prolonged dry conditions that could affect harvests and food availability.

“Mao na nga karon, sa akong administrasyon, siguroon nako nga ang Cebu dili na ta food insecure. Sustainable na ta diri. Kita na’y mananom sa atong pagkaon,” the governor said.

She added that agriculture would receive greater attention in the coming year, stressing the need to ensure a more sustainable food supply for the province.

“Mao na nga next year ato gyud tagaan og pagtagad ang agrikultura. Because we need to be sustainable sa atong pagkaon,” Baricuatro said.

The governor also announced a proposed P400-million allocation for the PAO in 2027, subject to the approval of the Provincial Board.

The funding is intended to support the province's agricultural programs as it works toward strengthening food production.

Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo welcomed the assistance. He said the distribution would allow farmers and fisherfolk to benefit from public funds collected through taxpayers' contributions.

“Kini timaan sa pagpangga sa atong gobernador kanato’ng mga kaigsuonan,” Sesaldo said.

He said the inputs represented a way of sharing the taxes collected by the provincial government with the people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on farming and fishing.

“Kini naabot kanato tungod sa kaayo sa atong gobernadora. Kini timaan sa iyang good governance,” the mayor added.

Ronda High Value Crop Development Program coordinator Leonora Llenos also expressed appreciation for the equipment and supplies, noting that such resources could help farmers carry out their work and improve productivity.

“Dili ing-ana kasayon nga makaangkon ka’g ingon ani. So, salamat kaayo sa Probinsya sa Sugbo sa inyong gipaambit para sa among mga farmers,” Llenos said.

She thanked the provincial government for providing machinery and other assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, emphasizing the value of access to equipment that may otherwise be difficult for agricultural communities to obtain.

Alegria farmer Henry Runillo Villarubia, meanwhile, welcomed the planting materials. He said these would give farmers crops they could cultivate for food production.

“Lipay kaayo mi kay naay amoang ikatanom na crops. Malipayon sad mi sa hinabang para namong mga farmers kay para gyud sa atong pagkaon, panagat, ug sa mga magbabaul,” Villarubia said.

Villarubia noted that some of the crops could be harvested in as little as three months, potentially providing food for their communities ahead of the expected El Niño early next year.

Also present during the turnover were Provincial Board members Stanley Caminero, Raymond Calderon, and Cesar Baricuatro; Argao Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega; other municipal officials; and barangay captains. (CEBU NEWS)