CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–“I am firmly convinced that the future of our country is here in Mindanao; even if I do come from Luzon, even if I represent to a certain degree Region 8 and the Visayas, the reality is we have nowhere to go but Mindanao in the next few decades.”
In fully realizing the potential of the region, Sen. Imee Marcos poured in agricultural projects and programs in addition to the interventions of the Department of Agriculture (DA), such as the turnover of P641.2 million worth of OneDA interventions.
From her particular insertions in the budget of 2023, Marcos said they shall give the Kadiwa financial grants, and these will go to the LGU Magsaysay, Canitoan Farmers (CAFAMCO), and Tagpangui. Also, through the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA), P2.733 million in financial assistance will be given to rice farmers and marine engines for two fisherfolk representatives worth P264,000.
The senator said these interventions will aid in increasing farm productivity, encouraging the use of technology, making market connections, and supporting sustainability. She added that ensuring such assistance will make the agricultural sector more resilient, profitable, and inclusive.
“Under 30 years old, I also have grants under the Young Farmers Challenge Fund, and these young farmers get a grant for an innovative agricultural enterprise, whether it’s new products or new technologies, value-added processing, new applications, maraming apps na B2B (business-to-business) and direct selling online, or new distribution channels and the opening of new markets. So I hope you enjoin the young farmers to go back to the land, to go back to the sea, and learn the new methods of farming, as well as help us create new systems so that our future will be truly greater,” the senator said.
“I am firmly convinced that the future of our country is here in Mindanao; even if I do come from Luzon, even if I represent to a certain degree Region 8 and the Visayas, the reality is we have nowhere to go but Mindanao in the next few decades,” says Sen. Imee Marcos during the ceremonial turnover of OneDA interventions, July 20, 2023, at the Rosario Pavilion, Cagayan de Oro City. (Daniel Clark Cabantan/PIA-10)
Cultivating agri dev’t in Normin
Gracing the ceremonial turnover of OneDA interventions, here, July 20, Marcos said the P641.2 million worth of OneDA interventions comprised projects and programs designed to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.
For the implementation of various programs and projects of the DA and attached agencies and bureaus, Marcos, together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado, turned over the certificate of commitment worth P396.2 million to the Local Government of Misamis Oriental through Gov. Peter Unabia.
Also, to modernize and industrialize agriculture’s value chains in an inclusive way to enhance productivity, uplift rural people from poverty, improve livelihoods, and increase farmers income, P126.6 million was turned over to the said LGU. Unabia received a total of P522.8 million worth of agricultural interventions.
A total of P118.4 million was turned over to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, where P82.7 million is for the implementation of various programs and projects of the DA and attached agencies and bureaus.
The P35.7 million allocation is for the city’s Fisheries Development Program, Imported and Local Dairy Cattle Dispersal Program, distribution of certified inbred rice seeds, and RFFA fertilizers, seeds, and equipment.
The projects and programs are expected to not only bolster the local economy but also uplift the lives of farmers and their families, creating a ripple effect that extends throughout the entire community.
The Local Government of Misamis Oriental, represented by Unabia, said, “Bulahan mo kay gihatagan ta, dako kaayo ang gihatag ni RD Carlene sa ato (you are blessed because RD Carlene gave us a lot); it’s more than P500 million. We have seen the spirit, the advantage of having a collaboration of the programs. Like all of us those, that the LGUs, the mayors are working as one for the interests of the province.
Beneficiaries of the said programs and projects swore to use them well and help achieve food security, reduce poverty, and develop rural areas in the region.
Lilian Antigua, from Agusan, Cagayan de Oro City, is one of the beneficiaries of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita. She shared how Kadiwa helped them sell their goods in various places. Currently, they are able to display their products in four subdivisions of the city.
“Dako gyud kaayo ang akong pasalamat nga nakadawat mi ani nga project gikan sa Department of Agriculture Region 10 kay na-enhance pud ang pagpanginabuhian sa akong mga sakop. Naa na gyu’y among kabaligyaan; na’y among kalabayan tungod sa Kadiwa,” said Lilian Antigua, a beneficiary from Agusan, Cagayan de Oro City.
(I am very grateful that we received this project from the Department of Agriculture Region 10, because the livelihood of my members has also been enhanced. We already have sales; we already have places where we can send our products because of Kadiwa)
As the ceremonial turnover concluded, Marcos, together with local officials, handed over the key agricultural projects to representatives of farmer cooperatives and agricultural associations, signifying the beginning of a new era of agricultural advancements in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental. (RTP/PIA-10)
Department of Agriculture-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado gives the rationale of the ceremonial turnover of OneDA interventions with Sen. Imee Marcos, where he cited the programs and projects of the department to help farmer cooperatives and associations, July 20, 2023. (Daniel Clark Cabantan/PIA-10)
