ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) gave farmer associations in Western Visayas PHP34.47 million worth of 188 quality equipment during Wednesday afternoon’s visit of Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.
In his message, Piñol said he has been reminding his regional directors to always provide what is best for the farmers.
“I don’t really mind if we pay more for as long as the equipment is durable,” he said.
Farmer associations from Aklan received 20 assorted equipment worth PHP3.5 million; Antique, 25 with PHP3.8 million; Capiz has 48 with PHP7.19 million; Guimaras with nine at PHP2.23 million; Iloilo with 66 worth PHP14.34 million and Negros Occidental has 20 worth PHP3.39 million.
He announced before farmer-participants that regional directors whose cash utilization is below 90 percent will be removed from their office.
“If at the end of the quarter you still have money left, that means that you did not spend that money for farmers and for projects and programs intended to benefit the farmer,” he emphasized.
Meantime, in an interview following the distribution, Piñol said that he may consider extending assistance to the bamboo industry.
The secretary visited the bamboo processing plant in Maasin, Iloilo upon the invitation of Mayor Mariano Malones.
Piñol said he saw the potential of bamboo industry, citing that it could help in the advocacy against soil erosion, soil degradation and (protection of) riverbanks.
Currently, DA has no specific program for bamboo farmers. Piñol explained that bamboo was not introduced as high value crops.
“But seeing its potential, we will look into it and we will support,” he said in an interview Wednesday afternoon.
Bamboo farmers, who are interested to seek government assistance, may “come up with a proposal on what they would like government to do for them.” (PNA)
