President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. turned over PHP132.9 million worth of agricultural assistance benefiting farmers and fisherfolk across Davao de Oro.

Major interventions include one rice combine harvester, one four-wheel tractor, high-density polyethylene pipes for vegetable irrigation, and four motorized fiberglass boats.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) also turned over 15,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings, 24,359 bags of certified inbred rice seeds, inbred and hybrid rice seeds, and fertilizer for the corn production enhancement project.

The interventions will benefit the rice and corn farmers, irrigators’ associations, and registered fisherfolk in this province.

“The interventions reflect the government’s continued commitment to helping and empowering farming and fishing communities, boosting agricultural productivity, and building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in the region,” DA 11 (Davao Region) Director Macario Gonzaga said during the turnover.

To further strengthen food accessibility, the DA also rolled out the Kadiwa Benteng Bigas Meron Na! initiative, distributing 14,000 kg. of affordable rice to identified beneficiaries during the event.

The turnover forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to modernize Philippine agriculture, enhance food security, and provide timely support to farmers and fisherfolk through improved access to agricultural machinery, quality farm inputs, and livelihood assistance.

In an interview, Gervacio Carreon, president of the Lateral B and C Farmers Irrigators Association in New Bataan town, thanked the President for the tractor with implements turned over to their group.

He said the equipment has long been needed, noting that members previously struggled to afford private operators for land preparation.

“We have been waiting for this. We really can’t afford paying private operators to do the land preparation job in our fields,” Carreon added.

Anecito Bacalso, president of the Unified Fisherfolk Association from Maco town, also thanked the national government for the motorized fiberglass boat, which he said would greatly help increase their group’s income.

“Before, we (were) using a non-motorized banca. This time, it will make our fishing easier with this new boat,” he said, adding that delivery will also be made easier.

Meanwhile, Governor Raul Mabanglo thanked the President for visiting and helping the province. He said it was the first time that a sitting president visited their Provincial Capitol.

“Mr. President, your visit is a powerful message that the national government sees Davao de Oro, hears Davao de Oro, and stands with Davao de Oro,” Mabanglo added. (PNA)