In an enormous effort to fortify the agricultural sector against looming environmental challenges, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spearheaded a massive distribution of over Php400 million pesos worth of agricultural aid and equipment to farmers and fisherfolks in Bohol province on Friday.
The event, held at the CPG Sports Complex under threats of persistent June rainshower (not induced by cloud seeding), marks a significant milestone in the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance food security, boost rural livelihoods, and prepare for the anticipated impacts of El Niño on the Bohol’s agricultural productivity.
The presidential visit, which drew thousands of beneficiaries and local officials, showcased a coordinated effort across multiple government agencies to address the multifaceted needs of the agricultural community in Central Visayas.
As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges to food production, the Marcos administration has placed agricultural resilience at the forefront of its economic agenda.
“Today, we are not just distributing tools and resources,” President Marcos declared in his impassioned address to the gathered crowd.
“We are sowing the seeds of a more resilient and prosperous future for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and indeed, for our entire nation. This comprehensive aid package represents our unwavering commitment to food security, rural development, and the empowerment of our agricultural communities in the face of environmental uncertainties.”
The Department of Agriculture (DA) took the lead in the distribution efforts, allocating an impressive array of resources designed to modernize farming practices and increase crop yields.
Two tractors, valued at nearly 6 million pesos, were symbolically handed over to local farming cooperatives, promising to revolutionize land preparation and harvesting processes across the province.
“These tractors are not just machines,” explained Edgar Legaspi, a farmer from the municipality of Albuquerque. “They represent a leap forward in our capabilities, allowing us to cultivate larger areas more efficiently and with less backbreaking labor. It’s a game-changer for our community.”
In a bold move to address food security concerns, the DA provided hybrid rice seeds worth an astounding 150 million pesos. These advanced varieties, developed to withstand various environmental stresses while producing higher yields, could potentially transform rice production in the region.
Agricultural experts present at the event estimated that widespread adoption of these seeds could increase rice yields by up to 20% in optimal conditions.
Recognizing the financial strain faced by many farmers due to rising input costs, the Department issued fertilizer discount vouchers amounting to over 208 million pesos.
DA said the substantial subsidy is expected to ensure that farmers can afford the necessary nutrients for their crops, potentially leading to improved harvests and increased income for rural families.
The aid package demonstrated a balanced approach to supporting various agricultural sectors.
Corn growers received seeds valued at 2.76 million pesos, while 2,000 bags of inorganic fertilizer worth 3.2 million pesos were also distributed.
DA noted that the diversified support underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of crop variety in maintaining food security and economic stability in rural areas.
The fishing industry, a crucial component of Bohol’s coastal economy, received significant attention in the aid distribution.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) contributed a fleet of new vessels to local fisherfolk, including 66 units of 16-foot fiberglass boats, 30 units of 22-foot fiberglass boats, and two 26-foot hauler boats.
According to BFAR, the substantial expansion of the local fishing fleet is expected to dramatically increase the catching capacity of coastal communities.
Zosimo Palatan, a fisherman from Ubay municipality, expressed his gratitude in Bisaya: “With these new boats, we can venture further out to sea and access richer fishing grounds. It’s not just about catching more fish; it’s about providing a better future for our families and contributing more to our local economy.”
BFAR’s support extended well beyond vessels.
The agency provided 31 units of payao (fish aggregating devices), 200 sets of multiple handlines, 42 units of gillnets, 24 units of drift gillnets, and various other fishing equipment.
Additionally, post-harvest capabilities were enhanced with the distribution of seaweed dryers and fish processing equipment, aimed at reducing waste and increasing the value of fish catches.
In a forward-thinking move to address climate-related challenges, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management announced the allocation of over 5 million pesos for cloud seeding operations. This proactive measure, part of the preparations for the 2024 wet season, aims to mitigate potential rainfall shortages due to El Niño, demonstrating the government’s commitment to using technology in the fight against climate change impacts on agriculture.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) made a significant contribution to the agricultural diversity of the aid package, distributing 54,340 coconut seedlings valued at 3.68 million pesos.
This initiative, part of the Sustainable Planting and Replanting of Local Coconut Cultivars Project, was complemented by the provision of 2,000 bags of agricultural salt and 576 bags of organic fertilizer, totaling 1.89 million pesos.
“Coconut farming is an integral part of our agricultural heritage,” stated Paul Acain, a farmer from Loon municipality. “This support from the PCA not only helps us maintain our coconut plantations but also encourages us to expand and diversify our crops, making our farms more resilient to market fluctuations and climate changes.”
The comprehensive nature of the aid package was further exemplified by the inclusion of support for small-scale entrepreneurs and out-of-school youth.
The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) allocated 50 million pesos to three partner lending conduits, facilitating easier access to credit for small farmers and fisherfolk.
Additionally, five out-of-school youth borrowers each received 200,000 pesos in financial support, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for young people in rural areas.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) contributed to the livelihood aspect of the aid package by providing kits worth 8,000 pesos each to nine beneficiaries under its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program.
These kits, containing various tools and materials for starting small businesses, are designed to diversify income sources in rural communities.
Addressing the need for immediate employment and livelihood support, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed a total of 4.19 million pesos to 507 beneficiaries through its DILP and TUPAD programs. These initiatives focus on livelihood development and emergency employment, providing a crucial safety net for vulnerable workers in the agricultural sector.
In a move to provide direct financial relief to families affected by economic challenges and potential El Niño impacts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed 10,000 pesos each to 10,000 beneficiaries under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
DSWD said the injection of 100 million pesos directly into the local economy is expected to have a significant multiplier effect, stimulating local businesses and providing a buffer against potential hardships.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) rounded out the comprehensive aid package by providing training support funds and starter tool kits for shielded arc welding to 40 beneficiaries, with a combined value of nearly 1 million pesos.
According to TESDA, the skills development component of the aid package underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of diversifying rural economies and providing alternative livelihood options.
As the distribution ceremony concluded, President Marcos, in a surprise announcement, revealed an additional 50-million-peso assistance package for the provincial government of Bohol.
The funds, earmarked for further agricultural development and disaster preparedness initiatives, were warmly received by Bohol Acting Governor Dionisio Victor Balite.
“This substantial aid package is a testament to the national government’s commitment to agricultural development and rural prosperity,” Governor Balite stated. “President Marcos’s hands-on approach and his administration’s responsiveness to the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk give us renewed hope and determination to face the challenges ahead.”
The event also saw the inclusion of beneficiaries from neighboring Cebu province, with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia receiving a similar 50-million-peso assistance package. This inter-provincial approach highlights the government’s regional perspective on agricultural development and disaster preparedness, recognizing that environmental challenges do not adhere to administrative boundaries.
Local officials, including Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap and Bohol First District Representative Atty. Edgar M. Chatto, took turns expressing their gratitude for the national government’s support.
Their speeches emphasized the transformative potential of the aid package and its alignment with local development plans.
“This is not just about the money or the equipment,” Mayor Yap emphasized. “It’s about the message it sends to our farmers and fisherfolk – that they are not forgotten, that their hard work is valued, and that the entire nation stands behind them as they feed our country.”
The atmosphere at the sports complex was one of optimism and renewed determination among the beneficiaries.
Farmers and fisherfolk from various municipalities shared their hopes and plans for utilizing the newly acquired resources.
Vilma Sentorias, a farmer from Sikatuna municipality, reflected on the significance of the event: “For years, we’ve struggled with outdated equipment and limited resources. This aid gives us a chance to modernize our practices, to farm more efficiently, and to better provide for our families. It’s a new chapter for agriculture in Bohol.”
The large-scale distribution event in Bohol is part of a broader government initiative to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of El Niño, which is expected to affect agricultural production in the coming months.
By providing a wide range of support – from seeds and fertilizers to boats and processing equipment – officials hope to create a more resilient agricultural sector capable of maintaining productivity despite challenging weather conditions, Cong. Chatto said.
As President Marcos departed the venue, the sense of anticipation among the beneficiaries was palpable.
The true test of the massive aid distribution will come in the months ahead, as farmers and fisherfolk put their new resources to use in the fields and waters of Bohol and Cebu.
Agricultural experts and economists present at the event cautioned that while the aid package is significant, its success will depend on proper implementation and follow-through.
They emphasized the need for continued support, training, and monitoring to ensure that the resources are used effectively and sustainably.
“This aid package is a crucial first step,” Chatto told media. “But it must be accompanied by long-term strategies for climate change adaptation, market access improvement, and continuous technological upgrades in the agricultural sector.”
Marcos said the Philippine government is taking decisive action to support its agricultural communities in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
With the specter of El Niño vanishing and the ongoing challenges of food security and rural development, all eyes will be on these central Philippine provinces to see how this significant investment in agricultural support translates into tangible improvements in productivity, livelihoods, and community resilience, DA 7 said.
DA officials said the success of the initiative could serve as a model for agricultural support programs across the nation, potentially reshaping the landscape of Philippine agriculture for years to come. (with reports from PNA, PIA, PTV and Malacañang’s PCOO)