Distributed through a caravan, the fuel discount voucher aims to help corn farmers who are suffering from oil price hike in the market.
According to the DA-RFO2, municipalities of San Isidro, Cabatuan, Luna, San Agustin, Reina Mercedez, Angadanan, San Mateo, Aurora, Santo Tomas, Cabagan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Roxas, Quezon, Mallig, Burgos, San Manuel, City of Ilagan, Gamu, Quirino, Benito Soliven, Naguillian, San Mariano, San Agustin, Jones and Echague are expected to receive the same assistance with overall 5,243 target beneficiaries.
Paul Vincent Balao, DA-Region 2 corn program coordinator, noted that from its initial list of 16,811 slots to receive the assistance, at present 12,000 corn farmers were identified as recipients of this program.
“Para makatulong ang pamahalaan sa ating nararanasang mahal na presyo ng mga bilihin, magbibigay ang gobyerno ng pang krudo para sa operasyon ng inyong mga farm machineries at equipment,” he said.
Balao added that recipients are enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture o RSBSA and must be a beneficiary of the agency’s mechanization program.
He also mentioned that the fund allocated for this was based on the approved General Appropriations Act (GAA) of this CY 2022.
“Aabot sa P250 million ang aprubadong pondo para sa ayudang ito at pinaghatian ng lahat ng DA regional offices sa buong bansa,” Balao said.
He explained further that the corn program’s activity next year under the administration of President and Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a Yellow Corn Enhancement Program will be added in the mandate of DA.
“This will boost the yellow corn industry at the regional level to include the demand for livestock feeds in the market,” Balao said.
Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Jaycee Dy Jr., represented by Sangguniang Panglunsod Member Rufino Arcega, Rep. Faustino Dy 5th of District 6, represented by Board Members Amador Gaffud and Arco Meris, and City Agriculturist Engr. Ricardo Alonzo, extended their thanks and support to the agriculture and fisheries department for helping farmers of Isabela province.
The distribution caravan series will continue in the nearby municipalities of Isabela before the end month of September this year. (DA REGION 2)