Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the turnover of nearly PHP200 million in assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Davao Region (Region 11) on Thursday.

In a statement Friday, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said the assistance came from three banner programs and the agency’s Quick Response Fund (QRF).

Six hauling trucks worth PHP15.5 million under the Corn Program were distributed to six FCAs in the region, while the Livestock Program turned over 22 hauling trucks worth PHP140 million to 22 FCAs.

“The hauling trucks will improve efficiency, ensure timely delivery, and enhance storage and handling of agricultural products, making operations more cost-effective,” Gonzaga said.

The QRF, amounting to PHP28.2 million, will be allocated to the provincial governments of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental for procuring livestock, feeds, concentrates, animal drugs, and biologics.

Additionally, the Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project (OALP) distributed PHP1.9 million worth of assistance to two FCAs in Davao City and Davao del Norte.

The Participatory Guarantee System Davao Organic Farmers and Advocates Association in Tugbok District, Davao City, received PHP929,870 worth of various interventions, while the Braulio E. Dujali Organic Producers and Rural Workers Association (BEDOPaRWA) in Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte, was given a rice mill worth PHP1 million. (PNA)