BANGUED, Abra – Department of Agriculture Director for Rice Clustering and Consolidation Emerson Yago surveyed the demo farms at Barangay Cosili West in Bangued, Abra last May 3.
Director Yago’s visit was part of the Provincial Rice Technology Farm Field Day, which presented hybrid seed varieties cultivated during the 2023 to 2024 dry cropping season showcased by various agricultural technology companies.
At least 15 rice hybrid seed varieties were unveiled, including “Mestizo 1” and “Mestizo 20,” developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute.
The main purpose of this activity was to let the rice farmers firsthand experience of the performance of showcased rice seeds and agricultural inputs before making their purchase decisions.
During the program, Yago introduced the Masagana Rice Development Program (MRDP), highlighting its core principles encapsulated in the acronym MASAGANA: MAtatag, SAma-sama, GAnado, and NApapanahon.
Under the pillar of “Matatag,” the Director emphasizes the importance of shifting planting schedules to the dry season to optimize harvests and mitigate risks associated with the rainy season. He also stressed the significance of balanced fertilization and soil rejuvenation for sustaining arable farmlands for future generations.
“Sama-sama,” the second pillar, underscores the necessity of clustering efforts and resources among farmers, government agencies, and the private sector. He urged for unity, coordination, and collective negotiation to amplify the impact of interventions and maximize benefits for farmers.
Additionally, “Ganado” highlights the need for farmers’ active participation and enthusiasm in agricultural activities, coupled with engagement in forums to facilitate mutual learning and improvement.
Lastly, “Napapanahon” focuses on enhancing access to agricultural services through digitalization with the introduction of intervention monitoring cards (IMCs). This facilitates speedy transactions between farmers and merchants.
Addressing ongoing challenges, Dir. Yago stressed the importance of conducting needs assessments to guide interventions and foster the formation of clusters, further reinforcing the collaborative approach advocated by MRDP.
Edwin James Franco, the Regional Focal Person for Rice Program, echoed Dir. Yago’s sentiments, emphasizing the potential of clustering and consolidation in enhancing agricultural productivity.
Franco announced modifications in rice assistance, empowering farmers to choose their preferred farm inputs using cash assistance provided through IMCs. This shift grants the farmers greater autonomy and flexibility in managing their agricultural practices.
“We have already given you the liberty to choose what variety of rice seeds or brand of fertilizer to buy using the cash assistance you will receive from your IMCs,” Franco expressed.
For this assistance, the farmers will receive deposits of P10,900 in their IMCs, earmarked for purchasing hybrid seeds, fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and soil ameliorants during distribution caravans. Excess credits will be reallocated to the national budget.
Additionally, Franco encouraged the farmers to join clusters to leverage economies of scale, enabling collective bargaining for discounts on agricultural inputs.
“Yung clustering na isinusulong namin, pagtulungan natin ‘yan na i-establish. Para by economies of scale, mapapababa natin ang presyo ng mga ginagamit ninyo na hybrid seeds, ameliorant, pati insecticide,” Franco reiterated. By Joven B. Peralta