Senator Cynthia Villar has vowed to support agriculture programs in this city which puts farming a priority.

During her visit here Monday, Villar said legislative measures have been in place in the Senate to strengthen agriculture.

Her office funded projects here to improve cacao processing, coconut, and carabao in Malapoc Sur and Tinagak villages.

“As your senator who fully supports the agriculture sector, we were able to provide a cacao community-based development enterprise project here in Maasin City. This includes the establishment of a cacao plantation, establishment of a cacao processing facility, plant nursery, greenhouse solar dryer and other agricultural equipment, as well as capacity development training on cacao processing,” she said.

Villar also initiated the coconut-carabao development project and a coconut-based improvement network program where 30 buffaloes were distributed to coconut farmers.

The senator added that she was happy to know that a farm-to-market road connecting the villages of Hantag and Laboon is ongoing to help farmers in transporting their goods.

She reported the construction of Farmer Livestock School is ongoing to support dairy buffalo production with the assistance of the Philippine Carabao Center.

“We also supported the establishment of fish hatchery and training center construction in Manhilo village. We hope these projects will be operational soon to help the livelihood of people here. We are optimistic that this will be sustained by Mayor Nacional Mercado,” Villar added.

Villar attended a gathering of village officials here in time for the birthday celebration of Mayor Mercado. (PNA)