
MAGPET, COTABATO PROVINCE— Aside from providing support to increase the production of rice, corn, and high-value crops (HVCs) in the region, the Department of Agriculture through Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD 12) also distributes Livestock intervention to ease the impact of pandemic CoVid-19 on farmers and residents in the area. 50 heads of Upgraded Anglo-Nubian goats (42 Doe and 8 buck) worth 750,000 pesos were given to 5 Farmers’ Associations in the Municipality of Magpet, Cotabato Province earlier today.
The recipients Farmers’ Associations (FAs) each received 10 Upgraded goats namely; Basak FA (8 Doe & 2 Buck), (8 Doe, 2 Buck) for Temporan FA, Datu Celo FA (9 Doe, 1 Buck),) Bagumbayan FA (9 Doe, 1 Buck), and (8 Doe, 2 Buck) for Lower Binay FA. The intervention aims to support local farmers in the production of meat and dairy milk and it is an answer in the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to have a national feeding program to help malnourished children by providing fresh milk in every household. `
The distribution was graced and facilitated by SAAD Project Evaluation Officer (PEO) Anisa Allyn M. Saaduddin in coordination with the Magpet Office of the Municipal Agriculturist {OMAG) Edgardo B. Linsag represented by SAAD Focal Person Jasper Lallen. Present as well in the event were SAAD personnel Mary Grace Senon, DA-12 Inspectors Dr. Amena Ubagan and Dr. Farida Sumangil, together with SAAD Deputy Officer Elma Delante. # # # (DA-RFO XII, RAFIS)

DA-11 inks MOA to enhance partnership against hunger and poverty
Geared towards mitigating hunger and reducing poverty, the Department of Agriculture-XI (DA-XI) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program with the National Irrigation Administration-Davao del Norte Irrigation Management Office and Davao del Norte Irrigators Marketing Cooperative.
Anchored on the EHPAHP Framework, the parties agreed to continually and jointly venture any Projects, Programs and Activities (PPA’s) that would address and help farmers increase their production and income.
On the part of DA-XI, Regional Technical Director for Operations Marila Corpuz said that the agency will synchronize its programs and projects to take part and be part of the promotion of social welfare and betterment of the marginalized farmers.
“To support our local produce while helping our farmers and fishers whose livelihood are affected by Covid-19 pandemic, the food assistance under the Cash and Food Subsidy for Marginal Farmers and Fishers (CFSMFF) that DA-11 will provide to the farmers and fishers like rice will be sourced out from our Rice Processing Centers (RPCs),” said Corpuz.
She added that this move is also in line with the whole of nation approach for which combined efforts are expected from various government agencies to help the most disadvantaged communities. # # # (Celso Campos Vergara / DA-RFO XI, RAFIS)

Gov. Garcia meets with DA7 officials to discuss measures against ASF
DA7 Regional Executive Director (RED) Atty. Salvador D. Diputado together with other officials from the DA attached agencies recently attended a meeting at the Cebu Capitol with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to discuss updates and measures against the African Swine Fever (ASF) which was confirmed in three towns of Leyte last week.
The hog industry group of Cebu also updated Governor Garcia on the current supply of hogs, including the volume of live hogs sent to augment the dwindling supply of pork in Metro Manila markets.
Director Diputado said that the Governor was also updated on the current ASF situation in Leyte which now includes three towns, namely, Abuyog, La Paz and Javier.
Diputado went on saying that the DA-8 authorities are optimistic that they have the situation under control.
Among the measures discussed in the meeting were the strengthening of the manpower resources and the stringent monitoring and surveillance of cargoes and passengers in Cebu’s ports.
The confirmed ASF case in Leyte is the first in the Visayas area, while Central Visayas remains an ASF-free region.
Central Visayas is now on heightened alert against the entry of ASF.
In attendance to the meeting included DA7 attached agencies like Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Meat Inspection Service, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, National Dairy Authority; and the Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office, the local ASF task force of Cebu and the Cebu Hog Raisers’ group. # # # (DA-RFO VII, RAFIS)
