PGOM-PAGO holds 3rd Farmers’ and Fisherfolk day for 2023

The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro through the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office conducted the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Day on November 27, 2023 at the Bulwagang Panlalawigan, Calapan City. This is the third Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Day event hosted by the Provincial Government which benefitted a total of 390 farmer and fisherfolk associations in all municipalities and city of the province.

A wide array of interventions was provided to support the agricultural and fishery sectors. Rice farmers received 30,000 laminated sacks and 1,900 units of organic fertilizer, while corn farmers were given 147 OPV corn seeds and 135 sweet corn seeds. Fruit tree growers were provided with 41,600 seedlings such as calamansi, banana, rambutan, lanzones, cacao, among others, alongside 50 planting tools and equipment, including pruning shears and handheld cordless chainsaws. Vegetable farmers received 18,575 assorted vegetable seeds, and 900 plastic crates. Organic farmers were provided with 1,500 organic assorted vegetable seeds, 400 liters of molasses, and 5,934 planting tools. Indigenous People (IP) farmers received 300 indigenous vegetable seeds, 402 root crop planting materials, and 82 planting tools and equipment.

Additional interventions included 17 pumps and engines, 5 hand tractors with trailers, and 741 knapsack sprayers. For fisherfolk, various fishery inputs were supplied, this includes bottom set gill net, multiple hook and line, fish traps, buoy markers, PE ropes, tarpaulin, organic fertilizer, agrilime, tea seeds, HDPE fish crate, plastic crates, and styrofoam insulated boxes. Meanwhile, Bantay Dagat members were given 415 patrolling gears, including Bantay Dagat uniforms, megaphones, flashlights, binoculars, and life vests.

Furthermore, as part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH) and PGOM distributed 17 four-wheel tractors, 2 rice precision seeders, 3 riding-type transplanters, and 33 combine harvesters to 52 farmer cooperatives and associations.

These diverse interventions demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing the specific needs of farmers and fisherfolks, reflecting the province’s unwavering commitment for the sustainable development of its agricultural and fishery sectors.