BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday led the turnover of more than P200 million worth of agricultural interventions to farmers in Misamis Oriental, bringing hope and tangible support to rural communities working to enhance their livelihoods.
The assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 includes the construction of the Mapulog-Tuboran farm-to-market road (FMR) worth P90.8 million and agricultural machinery, tools, and inputs valued at P32.2 million.
Another P78.1 million was allocated through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) by the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) to provide rice farming technologies in the region.
President Marcos stressed that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader effort to modernize Philippine agriculture and empower farmers at the grassroots level.
“Ngayong umaga, nagsasama-sama tayo upang maglunsad ng isang napakahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas matatag, mas makabago, at mas maunlad na kinabukasan para sa ating mga magsasaka—ang tunay na haligi ng ating lipunan,” said Marcos.
(This morning, we gather to launch an important step toward a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous future for our farmers—the true backbone of our society.)
For Raquela Maloay, a member of the Linandang Malagana Farmers Association Inc., the aid is life-changing.
“Importante kaayo ang ihatag nga tractor para sa amo nga didto nagpuyo sa bukid. Ang among mga yuta didto kinahanglan gyud siya ma-tractor kay kung amo ra bitaw’ng kaugalingon nga pagpaningkamot kay dili gyud sapat nga makalimpyo sa among area,” Maloay shared.
(The tractor being given to us is very important, especially for us who live in the mountains. Our lands really need to be plowed by a tractor because if we rely solely on our own efforts, it’s really not enough to clear and prepare our area.)
She said they are extremely grateful for these projects, as the president has truly shown commitment in providing them the opportunity to avail of these programs from the Department of Agriculture, along with the provision of a tractor to support their farming efforts.
For his part, Chairperson Ricky Lamdagan of the Tipolohon Farmers Growers Association echoed this gratitude to Marcos, saying, “Siya ang nagmahal ug naghatag og importansya sa mga mag-uuma dinhi sa atong dapita ug natagaan og dako nga hustisya ang atong mga mag-uuma pinaagi sa paghatag og dakong suporta alang sa mga inputs, mga binhi, mga machineries nga among nadawat gikan sa atong mahal nga pangulo.”
(He is the one who cared for and gave importance to the farmers in our area, and our farmers have been given justice through the substantial support provided—such as inputs, seeds, and machinery—that we received from our beloved President.)
His group received essential farming tools, including a shredder, water pump, drums, sprayers, seeds, and fertilizers, which are critical for vegetable and high-value crop production.
Marcos also launched the Rice Processing System 2 Facility, equipped with a multi-stage rice mill and recirculating dryers, expected to improve milling recovery and cut harvest losses by 32,000 metric tons annually—equivalent to P531 million in savings for farmers.
“Narito tayo ngayon hindi lamang upang kilalanin ang tagumpay ng MisOr kundi upang tiyakin na ito’y magpapatuloy. At higit pa riyan, upang kayo ay mas mapapalakas, mas masuportahan, mas maaalalayan sa bawat pagsubok,” Marcos said.
(We are here today not only to recognize the success of Misamis Oriental but to ensure that it continues. And more than that— to empower you, to support you, and to guide you through every challenge.)
The agricultural assistance also ties into the SUNRISE Project (Solving Unemployment Through Rural Industrialization and Sustainable Enterprises), which aims to increase the value of coconut from P8–P10 per kilo to P16–P18, and expand processing capacity for coconut-based products.
Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Misamis Oriental—and the entire country—into a hub of modern, productive, and empowered farming communities.(RTP/PIA-10)
