In the picturesque town of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, a wave of optimism washed over the local farming community as they gathered to express their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support of the agricultural sector.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as government officials, farmers, and local leaders came together to celebrate a momentous occasion—the launch and turnover of significant agricultural initiatives that promise to uplift the lives of many.
Mayor Alexis Quina, a passionate advocate for the farmers of Balingasag, took to the stage, his voice resonating with appreciation.
“Let me express my deep appreciation for him to come to Balingasag despite his very busy schedule. Despite the noise going around, he’s still focused. That’s character. And I would like to thank him for that,” Quina said. He highlighted the importance of the President’s presence amid the myriad distractions of political life. The mayor’s words struck a chord, capturing the essence of dedication and commitment that the farming community embodies.
The event was a simple turnover and a beacon of hope for the farmers. With interventions from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 and collaborative initiatives from the public and private sectors, farmers’ cooperatives and local government units received much-needed resources and tools to enhance their agricultural practices. The focus on coconuts— a vital crop in the region—underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the farm backbone of Misamis Oriental.
Grateful voices echoed among the farmers, none more so than Neri Cagaanan, the 53-year-old Salay Farmers Agriculture Cooperative chairman.
He expressed his gratitude to his fellow farmers: “Malaking pasasalamat namin dito sa Misamis Oriental. Nabigyan po kami ng magandang facilities. Ito po yung first time na nangyari po (ito) sa Mindanao para po sa pagpapaunlad sa system po sa agriculture, especially sa coconut.” His words reflected a deeper significance—this initiative was a temporary relief and a foundational shift in how farmers would operate going forward.
The support extended to farmers in Balingasag included advanced facilities to revolutionize agricultural processes. With new technologies for processing coconut products through comprehensive systems designed for efficiency, farmers could now expect higher yields and increased income.
Said Cagaanan : “Itong project na ito, magbibigay ng mas mataas na kita sa farmers. Nandoon na processing sa system, sa juice, at lahat, lahat na po. Pati na po na gagawin na fertilizer.” The project was about improving yields and instilling a sense of pride and sustainability within the community.
As the sun set over Balingasag, the shared gratitude among farmers and local leaders created a tapestry of hope and determination. Mayor Quina perfectly encapsulated the sentiment.
“Balingasag is very grateful. This will help us a lot in terms of revenue generation, employment, livelihood, especially for our coconut farmers. This is a very, very good project, and we are forever grateful to the President.”
The unfolding storyline of resilience and innovation resonates throughout Misamis Oriental.
In a region where agriculture is the lifeblood, the government’s commitment to empowering farmers can create a ripple effect, enhancing not only the local economy but also the very fabric of the community.
With the support of President Marcos and collaboration within the agricultural sector, these farmers are poised for a brighter, more prosperous future. The seeds of change have been sown, and the harvest looks promising. PIA
