In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on March 29, Good Friday, and March 30, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on March 31, Easter Sunday.

— The Editors

DA reiterates gov't commitment to buy farmers’ palay harvest

By Zorayda Tecson

September 30, 2020, 12:10 pm

<p><strong>COMMITMENT</strong>. Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar delivers his message during the distribution of various livelihood assistance to fisherfolk and farm machineries to farmers in Pampanga in a program held at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando on Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2020). The secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to procuring palay from farmers this harvest season<em>. (Photo courtesy of DA-Central Luzon)</em></p>

COMMITMENT. Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar delivers his message during the distribution of various livelihood assistance to fisherfolk and farm machineries to farmers in Pampanga in a program held at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando on Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2020). The secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to procuring palay from farmers this harvest season. (Photo courtesy of DA-Central Luzon)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar has reiterated the government’s commitment to buying palay from farmers this harvest season.

Dar, during his visit to this province on Tuesday, assured farmers that the DA, through the National Food Authority (NFA) is intensifying efforts in buying palay, with the help and support of the provincial government and farmers’ cooperatives.

“May balita na ang presyo ng palay ay bumabagsak. Nandyan ang NFA na bumibili ng malinis at tuyong palay na may 14-percent moisture content sa halagang PHP19 kada kilo. Makipag-ugayan lamang kayo sa pinakamalapit na buying center sa inyong lugar (There is news about the price of palay dropping. The NFA is there to buy clean and dry palay with 14-percent moisture content for PHP19 per kilo. Just contact the nearest buying center in your area,” he said during the live-streamed event.

Dar likewise told the farmers not to hesitate and ask help from the provincial government in case there is a problem.

“Nandyan ang provincial government na tutulong. Kung may problema, ang ating tatawagan ay ang provincial agriculturist na tutulong ang sa inyo (The provincial government is there to help. In case of any problem, call the provincial agriculturist who will help you),” he said.

The secretary likewise took the opportunity to thank the rice farmers and the fisherfolk who helped increase food production despite the pandemic.

“Gusto kong bigyan ng saludo o recognition ang mga farmers and fisherfolk na during this time of pandemic ay hindi kayo umalis sa ating katungkulan na mag-produce ng pagkain para sa bansa, kaya may sobra or sapat na sapat na pagkain during the past six months (I want to salute and give recognition to our farmers and fisherfolk that even during this time of pandemic you did not leave your obligation to produce food for the country. So, there is more or enough food during the past six months,” he said.

Dar asked the farmers to continue their efforts to attain the 2-percent target growth for agriculture this year.

The program, held at the Bren Guiao Convention Center here, was highlighted by the distribution of various livelihood assistance to fisherfolk and farm machineries to farmers in the province.

Governor Dennis Pineda thanked the DA for continuously providing support to the province’s agricultural sector.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tulong ninyo lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya (Thank you very much for all your help, especially in this time of the pandemic),” Pineda said. (PNA)

 

Comments