LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Local Government Unit of Benguet in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera (DA-CAR) facilitated the distribution of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk affected by El Niño today, August 20, 2024 in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Said assistance came from the Office of the President – Socio-Civic Project Fund that was received by the province last July 19, 2024 in Apayao, amounting to Php29.74 million of the Php264.26 million given to the whole Cordillera, wherein each El Niño-affected farmers and fisherfolk will receive Php 10,000.
Based on the crop damage report caused by El Niño validated by DA-CAR and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO) of Benguet, 2,984 farmers in Benguet were affected by the phenomenon. The report also indicated that 601.11 hectares of farmland were impacted, and 2,582 trees were damaged due to forest fires, with the estimated total damage amounting to Php 31.54 million.
Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan stated that the Municipality of Kibungan has recorded the most significant damage caused by El Niño, specifically on rice.
In his message, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Operations Danilo P. Daguio urged farmers to strengthen their Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), emphasizing that they are priority beneficiaries of government support. He highlighted the DA’s marketing assistance, which includes the provision of trucks and other interventions to improve market access. RTD Daguio also introduced the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program, designed to maximize the benefits provided to FCAs, particularly for small-scale farmers. “Let us work together to improve each other’s lives and ultimately achieve food security,” he said.
Furthermore, Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas emphasized the importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), noting that adhering to GAP gives farmers a significant market advantage by ensuring that their produce is safe and of high quality.
Mr. John Sagpaey expressed his gratitude to DA-CAR, the Benguet LGU, and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for their support and recognizing the farmers’ efforts and resilience, especially during times of calamity. “We are truly thankful for your assistance and for remembering us during these challenging times,” he said. By Cy-j E. Waytan
