MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL(Oct. 16)— The provincial government of Davao Oriental held a special tribute to farmers’ and fisherfolks’ huge contributions in providing food security and economic upturn in the province was held October 10 at the Provincial Capitol , which saw the attendance of farmers and fisherfolk from across the province.
An annual celebration which was started in 2011, the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day, according to Provincial Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon reminded everyone at the event the importance the agriculture sector play in the development of the province. “No matter what ranks we have in society, our survival depends on the farmers and fisherfolk who feed us,” she said.
She further said that the annual celebration will give more attention to the farmers and fisherfolk they so deserve.
During the occasion, awards and citations were given to outstanding project cooperators under different agriculture programs. “This is a testament of your good performance and hard work,” Governor Malanyaon told the farmers and fisherfolk, noting that excellence in performance stems from exertion of efforts and commitment to the trade.
Aptly bannered with the theme “Ang paglambo sa pang-uma ug pangisda, maoy kusog sa probinsya” (Agriculture and fisheries are the strength of the province), Governor Malanyaon said that Davao Oriental has what it takes to take the lead in terms of agriculture in the region, considering it is blessed with vast resources that makes it a highly agricultural area.
“Davao Oriental is the biggest in terms of land area and has the longest coastline in the region,” said Governor Malanyaon, noting agriculture as the top economic-boosting industry in the province.
Pagkain at Kita
Bent at alleviating poverty and hunger, the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Malanyaon, crafted its first executive order in 2007, widely known as the Pagkain at Kita Program.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Rotchie M. Ravelo said that this program was created in cognizance to the contribution of the agricultural sector as the backbone of economic development.
Aside from provision of support on planting materials and financial aid, the program also provide farmers and fisherfolk assistance in marketing, giving them the opportunity to evolve from subsistence farming to an enterprising level.
For over six years, the program, along with other complementing programs in agriculture has already reached thousands of rural farmers and fisherfolks, whose lives have significantly improved.
Meanwhile, Gov. Malanyaon underscored the positive results that were achieved through harmonization of efforts of all stakeholders.
“Achieving our success in agriculture would not be possible without the support of the national government through the Department of Agriculture and counterparts from the local government units,” said the Governor, saying these counterparts have complemented much to the provincial government’s efforts in poverty alleviation.
Moreover, she encouraged the farmers and fisherfolk to complement these assistance with their hard work.
She said that there are no more reasons for people to stay poor in the province as they don’t have to endure the setbacks that existed in the past.
“Challenges on safety and security are no longer an issue as the province was recently declared by the Philippine Army as insurgency-free,” she said.
She further said that although struck by typhoon Pablo, opportunities have emerged as assistance in agriculture from the government and private sectors has also poured in. This includes support in cacao production, oil palm, rubber production, among other high-value crops. (Karen Lou Deloso, PIO DavOr)
No comments:
Post a Comment