The Lagawe Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) is distributing palay (rice) seeds and fertilizer to farmers in various barangays of Lagawe, Ifugao, including Dulao, Abuan, Caba, and others, starting on May 29, 2025.
According to MAO, farmers have already received at least 1,800 sacks of palay seeds and 904 sacks of fertilizer, which has augmented their rice production inputs.
The timely assistance aims to lessen problems that farmers frequently face, such as the high cost of inputs and insufficient access to quality seed resources.
This initiative is providing vital support to increase their agricultural output and secure their livelihood.
The MAO is seeking collaboration in the agricultural sector through strategic partnerships and a long-term outlook, in addition to providing immediate assistance.
Dr. Marcelo T. Banhan, Lagawe municipal agriculturist, emphasized the importance of collaborating with various stakeholders, including local government units (LGUs) and the community.
To receive free fertilizers and rice seeds, farmers must be registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
This initiative is specifically designed for registered farmers who are part of accredited farm groups under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program.
The process for claiming these items is going to a designated “bagsakan” (drop-off/claiming) area. This is where the assistance will be provided and farmers can pick up their seeds and fertilizers.
In order to provide services and assistance, the MAO highlights its mandate to improving farming conditions by providing farmers with the right resources.
For Joel G. Dangayo, a farmer in Barangay Boliwong, experienced the advantages of such agricultural assistance initiatives as he had access to quality rice seeds and fertilizer for three times.
“As a farmer, this is a big asset to me and my family and it ensures that I will have inputs and capital to plant during the planting season,” Dangayo expressed
According to Dr. Banhan, this current distribution of rice seeds and fertilizers is a one-time allocation for these specific seeds. However, for farmers who are already registered with the RSBSA, they will continuously receive assistance in the future.//Haris R. Sotelo
