HUNGDUAN, Ifugao – Agayap Farmer’s Organization in Bokiawan in Hungduan, Ifugao, recently received P1.46 million worth of agricultural inputs from the Sustainable and Inclusive Peace and Reconciliation (SIPAT) Program of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office Cordillera (DA-RFO-CAR) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The organization received multi-tiller, micro tiller, micro mill, pipes, grab hoes, and organic fertilizers provided in support of the heirloom rice industry.
The SIPAT is a collaborative program that focuses on conflict-vulnerable communities where members of the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) and/or their relatives reside. The program aims to create livelihood opportunities and chances for partners to become agripreneurs.
In her statement during the handover, Assistant Agriculture Program Coordinating Officer Daisy Yogyog said that “we must preserve our rice terraces since they are a part of who we are. This is our life.”
“Please do not convert the forest into gardens,” Yoyog added.
Another aspect of preserving the terraces is the propagation of Japanese loach, locally known as “yuyu” or dojo, through the “Am-Iyoung’s Yuyu Farm.” This project was initiated by the team of Josephine Guimangal, Lovely Joy Paddapad, and John Mark Daping, who won the National Young Farmers’ Challenge in December 2022.
Heirloom rice is one of the champion commodities in the Cordillera, distinctively marketed as a healthy food, and is being widely being planted in Hungduan. According to studies, heirloom rice is more nutritious than white commercial rice. Heirloom rice has exceptional aroma, flavor, and cooking qualities. It is highly pigmented and has strong anti-cancer properties.
In his speech, Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano narrated the parable of talent, tying it to the need for the inputs given to be used wisely in order to increase production and community development.
“We thank the DA for they responded to our needs,” Domingo Padapad, the chairperson of Agayap Farmers Organization, said.
In her final remarks, SIPAT Program Focal Person May Ann Tuba-ang underlined the necessity to create policies and sustainability plans for the usage of machinery and the profitability of the livelihood initiative. The viability of the project is ensured through their community participation with the facilitation of the non-government organization Igorota Foundation present in the barangay. By AYPagtan
