Farmers’ groups get P3.2M livelihood projects

DAVAO ORIENTAL, June 8, 2015 –Two farmers’ associations here in Davao Oriental recently received P3.250-million worth of livelihood projects turned over by the Provincial Government, Department of Agriculture XI, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).

Funded by the OPAPP, these projects were implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program which bids for the intensification of peace and development efforts in the communities.

The Aliwagwag Farmers Multi-purpose Association (AFMA) in Cateel town received P750,000 worth of projects in support to their upland rice and postharvest facilities while the Batawan Upland Corn Farmers Association (BUCFA) in Baganga town received P2.5 million worth Corn Production and Postharvest Facilities.

Among the equipment and facilities AFMA received were a 24 ft. x 32 ft. rice mill shed, a single pass rice mill, weighing scales and a bagger. BUFCA, on the other hand, received a corn mill building, multi-purpose drying pavement, 150 bags of corn seeds, organic fertilizers, weighing scales, compressor, welding machine, and office furniture and equipment, among others.

Enya Celoso, DA-PAMANA Focal Person, said thedepartment had undergone consultations with the associations and their barangay officials in order to specifically determine the needs of the communities in terms of economic developments which are deemed to create impact in creating more peaceful communities.

The villagers in Aliwagwag along with residents in neighboring barangays, who will benefit from the upland rice facility projects, say that this will definitely help them economically as they don’t have to transport their harvested grains to rice mills situated kilometers away from their village. Rotchie Ravelo, Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office,said that farmers can save up 540 pesos per 120 kilos of unmilled grains using the handed over postharvest facilities.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said the OPAPP’s programs implemented in her province, especially to far-flung villages, over the years have contributed significantly in keeping peace since it helps curb the poverty incidence, thus ultimately, making locals shun the ideals of insurgencies and embrace the developments the government have laid.

She cited the emerging eco-tourism development programs here, particularly the province-initiated Aliwagwag Eco Park that has drawn tremendous number of tourists since its opening last April. She said this development along with other development projects and programs initiated by the government are efforts to help develop the lives of the people.

 Officials of the farmers’ organizations that benefited in these projects vowed that they would help sustain, expand and protect these entrusted projects so that it can benefit more people in the future.

Also present during the turn over ceremony are DA XI Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rafael Mercado and Pamana Area Manager Oliver Binancilan. (PIO)