STA. MARIA, Pangasinan (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of over P146 million in agricultural assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to farmers in Pangasinan on May 23 in Barangay Paitan, reinforcing the government’s commitment to food security and rural development.
Local farmers say the support is crucial in sustaining their livelihoods, improving food production, and promoting sustainable agriculture—especially in light of recent calamities and the rising cost of farm inputs.
Among the beneficiaries were members of the Balon Malioer Farmers Association (BMFA) in Bayambang, who met the President for the second time.
Juanita Sumata, 63, shared that their group received hybrid corn and high-value vegetable seeds—essential for improving crop yields and income.
“Thank you, President Marcos and the DA, for this support. I’m overjoyed to see you again here in Pangasinan,” Sumata said.
She also recalled that BMFA received P10,000 in financial aid last November after typhoons damaged their crops, saying the President’s continued support means a lot to them.
Anacel Boday, 45, of the Alcala Tobacco Rice Corn Agriculture Cooperative (ATRCAC), expressed gratitude after receiving yellow corn seeds.
“With the recent disasters, these seeds are a big help in reducing planting costs. Thank you for standing by us,” Boday said.
Ricarte Padilla, 55, of the Rosales Seed Farmers Association (RSFA), echoed this sentiment, thanking the government for lowland vegetable seeds and a four-wheel drive tractor.
“These will greatly improve our productivity and reduce input costs,” he said.
President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting the agriculture sector and recognized the vital role of farmers in ensuring national food security.
“Since taking office, we’ve prioritized agricultural growth and farmer prosperity as part of our food security agenda,” Marcos stated.
The DA, in collaboration with national and local governments, continues to ensure that assistance reaches farmers at the grassroots level.
Seven Pangasinan municipalities received aid: Sta. Maria – P17.18 million, Rosales – P24.27 million, Balungao – P15.59 million, Sto. Tomas – P5.34 million, Alcala – P17.5, Bayambang – P34.19 million, and San Quintin – P31.97 million.
Support packages included hybrid rice and yellow corn seeds, fertilizers, vegetable seeds, garden tools, knapsack sprayers, plastic crates, seedling trays, forage seeds, and low-emission dairy cattle.
Farmers also received modern machinery such as four-wheel tractors, hand tractors, precision seeders, combine harvesters, and pump-and-engine sets.
With continued government investment and the dedication of local farmers, Pangasinan’s agriculture sector is poised for stronger growth and greater sustainability. (AMB/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
