TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Office of the City Agricultural Services is calling for Rural Improvement Club (RIC) officers and members to continue their active participation in the different activities planned for them this year.
Rey-ann Gallamoy, RIC coordinator, said that among the activities slated for RICs this year is the “Gulayan sa Barangay,” an annual program where the OFCAS provides RICs with seeds and technical assistance for their communal garden and individual backyard gardens to encourage agriculture production in the barangays. Aside from this, the office also proposed trainings on leadership, bookkeeping, and food packaging and labeling.
A cooking competition will be held as well, in which the RICs will be challenged to demonstrate their understanding of food packaging and labeling.
RICs are also qualified to receive agricultural equipment from the Department of Agriculture, according to Aimee Pascua, Rural Barangay Organization Coordinator with RIC-Balani obtaining a rotavator last year for its members to use.
During the recent induction of new officers of RIC-Balani, Councilor Dick Bal-ao, Chairman of the Committee in Agriculture of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, encouraged the members to continue their cooperation and further develop their camaraderie to ensure the proper implementation of government programs and maximize government resources.
Aurora Amilig, speaking on behalf of Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero, said that the city administration fully supports the OFCAS programs because it is one of the agencies actively involved in improving livelihood and job development in the city.
She also urged the new officers to devote their full attention to ensuring the continuity of the programs of their RICs and developing the skills and knowledge of their members