MAYAOYAO, Ifugao – “I always believe that if we collaborate in project implementation, it will always be a project that will resonate on the ground,” this was the statement of Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan, the Regional Executive Director the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) as she addressed the people of Mayoyao, Ifugao during the Farmers’ Day of the Igkumtad ad Majawjaw Farmers’ Day on Wednesday, May 8.
To foster stronger collaboration, Dawayan assured that in upcoming consultations with local government and farmers, DA-CAR will invite attached bureaus and agencies such as the Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of Animal Industry, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. This ensures recognition of the contributions from these agencies, dispelling any notion that support solely originates from DA.
“Your DA-CAR is here, including the [attached bureaus and agencies] under it and the provincial and municipal agriculture office converging our efforts to be able to assist you on various fronts from the production, extension, training, marketing, farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and machineries,” Dawayan remarked.
In terms of support, she also shared that in the past years, DA-CAR has been in full support of the municipality of Mayoyao, giving out more than PhP41 million-worth through various interventions to Mayoyao since 2022.
In 2024, DA-CAR continues to support the farmers of Mayoyao through various interventions for rice and high value crops production, farm-to-market roads, retooling on digitalization, and others.
“Anyone of you who wants to propose can collaborate with the mayor’s office, complete the requirements, and we will help you out,” she stressed.
Ultimately, the regional director underscored the importance of robust partnerships and engagement with local leaders as crucial to the sustained success of Mayoyao’s farming industry.
“We should have a strong partnership with one another. The entry point is the municipal and provincial agriculture office and the FCA leaders. Through your leaders, we would know your requests and concerns. Choose a leader that is compassionate and someone who can advance the welfare of your organization,” expressed Dawayan.
Mayoyao Mayor Jimmy Padchahan, Jr. acknowledged DA-CAR’s role as a true partner in advancing agricultural programs and appealed for continued collaboration for the empowerment of the local farming community.
“In the pandemic, we realized that the basic need of the people is not money, but food. Agriculture is important. We need to actively participate so that our municipality will progress and develop in terms of agriculture and tourism,” the local chief executive remarked.
“If the farmers are empowered, the grandeur of Mayoyao as one of the main producers of rice in the North will be restored,” he added. By Joven B. Peralta
