SADANGA, Mountain Province – Aimed at providing hope for a better future to Filipinos through equity in resources throughout the country that will boost countryside development, the DA-Cordillera Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program turned over P 4.6M worth of agri-based livelihood assistance to 43 families and seven Farmers’ Cooperative and Associations (FCAs) in Sadanga and Sabangan towns recently.
The primary beneficiaries together with the FCAs that were integrated received gilt crossbreeds with feeds, farm tools, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and trainings. The livelihood assistance is part of the farm diversification and livelihood development component of the BP2 Program.
During the turnover ceremonies, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey reiterated the importance of biosecurity measures and urged them to be vigilant and report immediately any unusual mortalities or symptoms they observed on the pigs that they received. Likewise, he encouraged them to utilize and ensure that the livelihood grants provided will be used according to its purposes.
Meanwhile, June Pinayakan representing Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., commended the DA-CAR for its continued support of the province’s various municipalities. He challenged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to generate income from the aid and can soon open a job to others. He also quoted “gawis nan kasin sumaa” (It’s really nice to be back home) in his closing message.
Further, Mayor Adolf Ganggangan of Sadanga expressed that the municipality is always open and ready to assist its residents. “Let us help you get the government action you need. May you sustain all the assistance you received and use it for the betterment of your lives. May it be a blessing rather than a source of conflict within our community. Enjoy it and make the most out of it,” he exclaimed.
Also, Mayor Marcial Lawilao, Jr. of Sabangan gladly thanked the agency for the continuous support and granting the livelihood interventions for his constituents who decided to get back and settle for good in their hometown.
The beneficiaries thanked all the agencies involved in the realization of the Program and committed to follow all the conditions and regulations stipulated in the Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) they signed.
Lito Mocati, DA-CAR BP2 Focal Person explained that the provision of the Program is an interagency effort that started last October 2021, in pursuance to Executive Order No. 114. It was implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in cities while supporting those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The identification of eligible beneficiaries was through the assessment conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Provincial Veterinary Office representative Josephine Dao-an, Sadanga Municipal Agriculturist (MA) Joan Agrong, Sadanga Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Beatrice Farong-ey, Sabangan MSWDO Brigada Mangay-at, Sabangan MA Joel Faroden, Sabangan SB Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Hon. Roger Bas-ilen, Sabangan Municipal Planning and Development Officer Engr. Salvador Decoy were also present during the event. By LDMendoza