CAMIGUIN (PIA) -- To mitigate the impact of El Niño in the province, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 recently turned over more than P2.2 million of various agricultural interventions to the Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Camiguin at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Mambajao.

Handing over the certificate of turnover is DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman to Gov.  Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, together with Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan.

Of the total amount, over P1.3 million worth of various agri-inputs was received by the Provincial Agriculture Office of Camiguin, while some P256,000 worth of interventions was allocated to the LGUs of Sagay, Catarman (P175,000), Mambajao (P287,000), and LGU Guinsiliban (P214,000).

According to DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, the integration of various agri-inputs is essential in building resilience within the farming community and ensuring food security in the face of El Niño-induced challenges.

“I hope that these interventions could be of great use to our farmers here in Camiguin since this will help increase their efficiency in farming and eliminate postharvest losses, especially during this time of El Niño,” she said.

In line with its objective to strengthen the agriculture sector, Gov. Romualdo expressed his gratitude to the DA for the interventions they have received that would enhance and increase farmers' productivity and profitability, and thus, address the food security and sustainability concerns of the province.

“Here in Camiguin, our vision is centered around transforming the island into a self-sufficient province when it comes to food production. That is why we are dedicated to implementing strategies that will drive the growth and development of our agri sector,” he averred.

Romualdo added that the province is keen on promoting sustainable farming practices that prioritize the use of technologies and organic ways of farming to minimize negative impacts.

Recognizing the importance of attracting young talent, he also emphasized the significance of encouraging the younger generation to consider a profession in the field of agriculture, as it helps address the growing concern of an aging farming population.

Meanwhile, Guzman encouraged the beneficiaries to allocate funds toward preventive maintenance and ensuring the long-term operability of the machinery and equipment.

Said agri-assistance is funded under the HVCDP of DA-10, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) for the year 2023.

Present during the activity were DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief for Misamis Oriental and Camiguin Wilson V. Lagdamin, NUPAP alternate focal person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, and other DA-10 staff.

From the province of Camiguin are House Representative Lone District of Camiguin Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, Provincial Vice Governor of Camiguin Rudin M. Romualdo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member; Chairman on the Committee in Agriculture Louis S. Bollozos, DVM, Liga ng Barangay Chairman; Vice Chairman on the Committee in Agriculture Peter Dan C. Romualdo, Provincial Veterinarian Lordgin V. Gamo, DVM; and concerned municipal agriculturists. (DA-10/PIA-10/Camiguin)