A total of 396 farmers and fisherfolk in this province on Tuesday received livelihood assistance from the province that could help ensure their sustainable income and increased fish and farm production.

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-Central Luzon, in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 3 and the Provincial Agriculture Office, awarded some PHP35.9 million worth of machinery, equipment, and facilities.

The beneficiaries came from the coastal areas of Malolos City, Hagonoy, Malolos, Obando, Bulakan, and the municipalities of Norzagaray, Marilao, Bocaue and Meycauayan City.

The equipment and facilities awarded to qualified farmers included three four-wheel tractors, three combine harvesters, 14 pump engine sets, four warehouses and dryers, and two solar-powered fertigation systems

Registered fishers, on the other hand, received 170 rolls of gillnet with accessories, 120 rolls of multi-filament fishing net, five marine engines, three smokehouse packages, and five tri-bikes.

The Dumagat fisherfolk got 40 portable solar lamps and 40 spearguns.

DA Regional Technical Director Eduardo Lapuz said the goal of the DA’s mechanization program is to raise the level of farming by distributing various types of machinery and facilities that are primarily available to farmers.

Governor Daniel Fernando, meanwhile, received a certification of recognition on behalf of the provincial government for excellence in the high-value crops program.

During the event, he also said the Bulacan Farmers’ School is near completion.

“This school for farmers will be under the supervision of the provincial government to further enhance the knowledge of the farmers in Bulacan,” Fernando said in Filipino.

Vice Governor Alex Castro, meanwhile, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is prioritizing the drafting of other significant laws that will directly benefit the agricultural sector. (PNA)