CATARMAN, Camiguin (PIA) — Consistent with its efforts to advance agricultural development in the region, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 turned over various agricultural interventions to the Municipal Local Government Unit of Catarman on November 12.
During the turnover ceremony, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan handed over various agricultural inputs and interventions worth P366,158 to the local government of Catarman, received by Municipal Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II with Municipal Agriculturist Joseph F. Navales and supported by Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan.
“The activity is a manifestation of the agency’s support for the town, particularly for the development of the local agri-fishery sector,” Palarca said.
Further, the local chief executive said that with the help of DA and other concerned agencies, agriculture and fisheries will remain a lead priority in Catarman, especially as they strive toward increased production to meet food sufficiency at the local level and meet market demand for local produce.
Meanwhile, Pacamalan also expressed the potential for the establishment of a coconut processing center in Camiguin, emphasizing that the island stood over 2 million coconut trees, referencing the latest data from the PSA. “This bolsters Camiguin’s potential in producing agri commodities across other islands with its famous lanzones and other crops,” Pacamalan added.
Funded under the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Catarman received one unit mini chainsaw and two units pole pruners.
Meanwhile, 100 bags of complete inorganic fertilizer, 27 bags of organic fertilizer, and 500 pieces of cacao seedlings were turned over to the local government unit through the agency’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
Further, through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, the LGU also received inputs for poultry production, including a plastic live poultry coop, waterer, feeders, egg tray, garden hose, and shovel.
With most of its supply coming from the main island of Mindanao, LGU Catarman aims to achieve food sustainability through its local produce with the help of the DA. (DA-10/PIA-10/Camiguin)
