LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Despite the onslaught of the recent typhoons, local farmers somehow felt relieved following a private sector-sponsored distribution of aid in the form of fertilizers and soil ameliorants.
According to Aniceto Perfecto Zabala, in his capacity as president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the initiative, which he aptly referred to as “incumbent upon us,” is too small as compared to the government’s effort in boosting the productivity of Ilokano farmers.
“This is our way of extending a helping hand to our food providers that nourish us,” said Zabala at the sidelines of the ceremonial turnover of fertilizers and soil ameliorants to 700 typhoon-hit farmers at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.
Among the beneficiaries were farmers from the towns of Dingras, Batac City, Laoag City, Bacarra, Marcos, Paoay, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Pasuquin, Banna, Solsona, Burgos, Badoc, Currimao, Vintar, and Pinili.
Senator Imee Marcos led the turnover ceremony of fertilizers and soil ameliorants donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of its humanitarian services for farmers.
“I’d like to express my huge thanks to our donors for these fertilizers and for something so rare and hard to come by these days—the soil ameliorants, which are badly needed here in our province,” Senator Marcos said.
Soil ameliorants enhance the quality of soil, which in turn improves plant health, growth, and revegetation.
“We are very thankful, as this would reduce our costs in farming and relieve us of the burden of purchasing fertilizers,” said 44-year-old farmer Roosevelt Duldulao. from Santa Maria, Laoag City, after receiving agricultural assistance. (AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)
