DAR Sec. Castriciones visits chili farmers at Brgy. Magsaysay
“Sa siling tingala, may pera; may buhay sa gulay,” farmers cheerfully beamed as they welcome Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Bro. John Castriciones to their humble farmlot.
Sec. Castriciones flew from Manila to Koronadal City to turn over land grants to farmer beneficiaries in Region XII. Together with key officials from DAR Central Office and DAR- Regional Field Office XII, it was a perfect opportunity to visit the chili farmers at Barangay Magsaysay to meet and listen to their concerns on land, farming, and harvesting.
Marilyn Barungan, a member of Barangay Magsaysay Farmers’ Association, said that they wish to ship chili supplies and products to Luzon, where chili prices hit as high as 1,000 per kilo in Metro Manila. This possibility will greatly help increase their yield and profit.
She went on to say that one of the challenges they face in farming is the spread of anthracnose. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks plants, primarily on leaves and twigs, causing damage and making treatment difficult.
Meanwhile, the Ilokano community is delighted that a fellow Ilokano has paid them a visit, as Sec. Castriciones is a native of Nueva Vizcaya.
Although the Barangay Magsaysay Farmers’ Association was formed through collective community efforts, they are beneficiaries from DAR’s programs and some equipment assistance from the local government of Koronadal.
Earlier this week the association received simple farming equipment such as wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, fertilizers, and chili grinder for processing. Some members of the association are also beneficiaries of Agrarian Reform program, wherein they were given their own land to till after passing a round of qualifications.