MANOLO FORTICH Bukidnon (PIA)–To further provide market development services, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon received a P1.5 million financial grant from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) in Region 10, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) under its Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program.
On October 23, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed over at the agency compound, the Certificate of Turnover for the project to Manolo Fortich Councilor Raquel Abales-Bayacag, who chairs the agriculture committee, and to Elzevir Dagunlay, who chairs the farmers committee.
Collado explained that the Enhanced Kadiwa program allows farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) to participate in the accessible food supply distribution system to ensure price stability for food and essential goods in areas with high consumer demand.
AMAD Chief Larry Paraluman explained that the LGU used the P1.5 million Kadiwa assistance fund to procure a hauling vehicle worth P1,693,500. Manolo Fortich LGU provided an additional P193,500 as its counterpart.
He added that they will use this to improve the operations of the Municipal Food Terminal, which the women’s federation manages to supply and deliver agricultural products.
On top of the shouldered amount of Manolo Fortich for the transport unit, they have also extended P106,500 as equipment equity for the town’s food terminal.
Meanwhile, Manolo Fortich municipal agriculturist Gemma Cania thanked the DA-10 for their unwavering support for developing the agriculture sector in their locality.
“We are indeed pleased to accept this project, as it will enhance the marketing system of our farmers in Manolo Fortich, and we hope for more collaborations and partnerships with DA,” she said.
Collado also urged the beneficiary to maintain the vehicle responsibly and to adequately train the assigned driver, who possesses a National Certificate II.
Present during the project turnover are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora Dumayaca, and other agency personnel. (RDME/DA-10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
