ABACA FARMERS RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM LOCAL GOV’T
The City Agricultures Office (CAgri) formally handed over Php 56,250 worth of farming tools to five (5) representatives from five (5) barangays within the Indigenous People Community (IP’S) belonging to the Malbal Lutay (ABACA) Growers Association (MALGA) to help them in farming and to boost their income.
In a turn-over ceremony held at the City Demonstration Farm at Barangay General Paulino Santos (G.P.S), the said associations received simple farming tools such as sharp bolo, shovels, grab hoes, watering can and agricultural spray.
The farm equipment was given to the Indigenous People through City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena along with City IP Representative Antonio S. Abing and City Administrative Development Assistant for Economic & Infrastructure Project, Reynaldo H. Legaste.
“Makalaum kamo na habang ara ako padayunon ta ini, padakuon ta para dira kamo maka-income”, City Mayor Ogena said in one of his pronouncements.
The program aims to revitalize the industry while also supporting the needs of the abaca farmers. And it will help them produce higher quality abaca fiber.
Meanwhile, when the materials are in good condition and know that the government is backing the project, farmers are more motivated to work.
“Hindi ko kamo pagpabay-an, sabay- sabay kita mag-uswag sa kaginhawaan”, the Mayor said.
Aside from provision of farming tools, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) have given trainings to the farmers, aimed to establish and enhance the abaca farms in the area through the introduction of a better farm management.
There are many projects that are in line to help raise agricultural productivity and provide access to the markets.
Barangay Saravia, Barangay Paraiso, Salkan Highpoint and Barangay San Jose are the places of the Indigenous People (IP’s) who received the farm equipment tools.
Abacá is a vital crop for the Philippine economy. With the help of PhilFIDA, the CAgri is committed to the livelihood security program for Abacá farmers and enables the office to carry out the Abacá expansion project in the Province of South.