CONNER, Apayao – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera reciprocates the assistance of the municipal government of Conner, Apayao, to rice farmers through the construction of a warehouse worth PhP6 million.
In convergence with the National Food Authority (NFA) for a sustainable rice supply, the department awarded the municipality of Conner through Mayor Jorico Bayaua a Certificate of Award for warehouse construction under FY 2024 funding. Meanwhile, Manager Maria Luisa L. Luluquisen of NFA Region II gave a plaque of appreciation for the active participation of the municipality in the palay marketing assistance program for legislators and local government units of the NFA Region II.
The municipal government provided a counterpart of six million pesos to the NFA program to increase the buying price of NFA from the rice farmers, while the department showed appreciation and support for the construction of the warehouse.
“A source of inspiration,” OIC-Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan of DA-CAR awes as she commends the municipal government for being the only municipal government unit who reflected their support in terms of financial subsidy to uplift the rice farmers in line with the program of the NFA in the region.
Bayaua expressed his gratefulness to both offices for the support of the rice farmers and the municipality as a whole. He also reminisces about the hardship he and his family had experienced in rice farming during his early years as such with the given opportunity to serve the municipality, further, he promised to continue supporting the agriculture sector while increasing the income of farmers.
The awarding ceremony is part of the celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month recognizing the efforts of rice farmers and stakeholders in attaining rice sufficiency. By Jenny M. Dayao
