The local government unit (LGU) of Pagudpud, through its Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), has begun distributing fertilizers to registered rice farmers for this year’s main cropping season.
Pagudpud Councilor Rajiv Benemerito announced via Resolution No. 2026-117 that 2,860 fertilizer bags at the Bannawag warehouse, originally a loan to be repaid after harvest under the rice development program, were reclassified as a direct grant to support rice farmers affected by oil price hikes.
“Hope this small aid to rice-farming families will help them cope with the current crisis and enable them to continue their rice and food production efforts,” said Benemerito in a statement on Wednesday.
Prices for commercial fertilizer in the region range from PHP1,600 to PHP2,700, depending on global supply chains and local distributor markups.
To support farmers and help them cope with rising prices for various agricultural inputs, the Pagudpud LGU decided to transition the distribution mechanism for the existing fertilizer stocks to provide immediate aid to all registered local rice farmers.
Based on the schedule provided by the MAO, fertilizer distribution has already begun in Barangays Dampig, Tarrag, Ligaya and Poblacion 1 and 2 since last week.
More rice farmers in Barangays Saguigui, Subec, Caunayan, Balaoi, Pasaleng, Pancian, Burayoc, Agassi, Baduang, Caparispisan and Saud will receive their share in the coming days or by July 4, as set in the distribution schedule at the Bannawag warehouse in Barangay Poblacion 2.
“Thank you for this aid to fellow farmers. I hope this will be sustained in the future,” said Jing Suguitan, one of the beneficiaries, in the vernacular.
Even before the Middle East conflict, millions of pesos in quick aid had been sent to farmers and fisherfolk across Ilocos Norte.
This support covered everything from pre-planting and marketing, aimed at boosting productivity through technology and mechanization, to enhancing irrigation systems to help maximize their income.
Farmers or fisherfolk who have yet to receive any form of assistance from the government may email agrikadito.in@gmail.com or visit the Provincial Agriculture Office or the Sustainable Development Center in Barangay 2, Laoag City. (PNA)
