GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) – Farmers from across Soccsksargen expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following the recent launch of the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program (APP) in Alabel, Sarangani.
They also conveyed optimism for greater crop production, now that they possess the resources and capabilities to improve their farms under APP.
The program, which offers up to P60,000 in support—including P28,000 worth of input credits and a P32,000 cash advance in monthly installments—aims to make farming more accessible, resilient, and sustainable.
“Dako kaayo ning tabang kay makapalit na mi ug abono, semilya, ug mga pamatay sa mananap ug sagbot,” said Shirley Lapasa, a rice farmer from Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani, who farms in areas prone to flooding.
(The program is extremely beneficial because we can now purchase fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.)
Lapasa added that she used to spend over P20,000 just preparing her farm and was thankful that government support under the APP had finally reached them.
“Maayo gani kung magpadayon pa gyud ni para dili mi maglisod (I hope this continues so that we won’t struggle as much),” she told the Philippine Information Agency.
Lapasa then reiterated her heartfelt appreciation to President Marcos for the program, saying it brought renewed hope and essential support to farmers like her in Sarangani.
She said that they would gladly accept any help given and value it, as it means a lot to them.
In Cotabato province, farmer-beneficiary Jessie Aguilar also expressed appreciation for the program.
“Ang laking puhunan, para mapalago ko gagamitin ko sa mabuting paraan. Nagpapasalamat ako kay PBBM na itong proyekto na ito ay makatutulong sa mga kagaya naming magsasaka,” he said, conveying the hope for more farmers like him to benefit from the initiative.
(This is a significant investment, and I will utilize it wisely to enhance my livelihood. I’m grateful to President Marcos for this initiative, which will benefit farmers like us.)
In addition to the financial support under APP, the Department of Agriculture (DA) facilitated the turnover of four-wheel-drive tractors and other farm machinery to irrigators associations in the region.
The agri-machinery intervention seeks to lower production costs and enhance the operational efficiency of farmers.
Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro, who accompanied President Marcos during the ceremonial turnover, emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving farm mechanization in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Ronnie Lacsi Sr., president of the Dajay Riverside Irrigators Association in Surallah, South Cotabato, stated that their group, consisting of 121 farmer-households, will greatly benefit from the new tractor they received.
“Malaki po ang maitutulong ng four-wheel tractor dahil mapapadali po ang paglinis ng sakahan. Makakapagbigay rin ito ng pahinga, lalo na sa pamilya. Salamat, PBBM,” Lacsi shared.
(A four-wheel tractor will greatly help in clearing our farms easily. It will also provide much-needed rest, especially for our families. Thank you, PBBM.)
Cheryl Zamora, the president of the Llamito Irrigators Association in Banga, South Cotabato, also emphasized the significance of the equipment.
“Malaking tulong ito sa aming asosasyon at sa aming mga farmers. Makadiskwento kami, hindi malaki ang gastos dahil binigay ito ng gobyerno. Maraming-maraming salamat po President Bongbong Marcos,” she said.
(This is a big help to our association and to our farmers. We can save money because it was given by the government, which means lower production costs for us. Thank you very much, PBBM!)
The association, Zamora said, oversees 146 hectares of farmland and assists 103 farmers in the area.
Through the APP and various agricultural support programs, the government aims to create a stronger and more inclusive agricultural sector, which will empower farmers to contribute to food security and rural development, the DA in Region 12 said. (HJPF, PIA SarGen)
