P1.3-B projects launched for Central Mindanao farmers

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – The agriculture department launched here last week P1.3 billion worth of new projects for peasant communities in Central Mindanao.

The new interventions, aimed at improving agricultural productivity in the region, included a P481-million grant from the Payapa at Masaganang Mamayan (PAMANA) and a P45.8 million worth of assistance for local government units (LGUs) under the department’s Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) program.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, who led the launch on Thursday, said the projects would complement the Food Staples Self-Sufficiency Program of Malacañang.

Alcala also facilitated the release to LGUs of certificates of availability of funds for the construction of 16 farm-to-market roads worth P336 million.  

He also held brief dialogues with officials of different farmers and fishery organizations while in Koronadal City. 

He announced the allocation of additional funds to sustain the implementation in the region of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program (P49.5 million), the Agri-Pinoy Corn Program (P60.9 million), the Agri-Pinoy High Value Crops Development Program (P11.1 million) and the Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program (P2.2 million). 

A huge number of Region 12 residents engaged in fishery ventures were provided P152 million worth of gear and equipment packages.