BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
CAUAYAN CITY (May 11, 2024)—Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Operations Nichols Manalo lauded the DA Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) for rewarding the 63 rice farmers who achieved eight to 10 tons of inbred and hybrid rice per hectare in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley).
Among the awardees were 41 hybrid users and 22 inbred users who received certificates of appreciation and agricultural inputs.
Manalo commended DA-RFO2 executive director Rose Mary Aquino for giving tribute to rice farmers considering their important role in achieving self-sufficiency in rice.
He also congratulated the rice farmers, local government units and the DA-RFO2 for initiating the activity which will “surely make an impact on the region’s food production and supply.”
“If all regions will do this, I believe that we will inspire more farmers to continue doing their best in producing accessible and affordable food for Filipinos,” said Manalo, noting that the national average yield is only four tons per hectare.
Manalo added that the DA Rice Program Team is still strategizing to mitigate the effects and threats of El Niño and the coming of La Niña in the critical areas of the country.
Meanwhile, Aquino said this is one way of incentivizing exceptional rice achievers in the region in time with the celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month this May.
“Of course, this is a result of our interventions on inbred and hybrid seeds, mechanization 1and irrigation addressing food security amidst climate change challenges,” she said.
Aquino said the award-giving activity on May 7, 2024 was in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) in line with the present thrust strategic agenda of the DA in achieving food security for the Filipino people through boosting agricultural production.
“We are looking forward to more LGUs who could have their own search for agriculture achievers in cluster and consolidation areas among farmers’ cooperatives and associations to augment incentives for our farmers,” Aquino said.
Through the able leadership of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the DA said it is set to incentivize farmers to become more productive.
Aside from the allocation of free seeds, fertilizers and financial assistance, the DA said it is continuously introducing modern ways of farming in collaboration with partners and stakeholders including the private sector.