The Department of Agriculture Region IV-CALABARZON (DA-4A), led by OIC-Regional Executive Director Vilma M. Dimaculangan, turned over a check of P1,640,000 to Southern Luzon Farmers and Traders (SOLUFAT) Agriculture Cooperative, led by Chairman Zaldy E. Tanega, on April 12, 2021.

The said amount, plus the 20% counterpart from SOLUFAT, will be used to procure one hauling/delivery truck. Moreover, they are also set to receive an additional amount of P860,000 for the purchase of various farm machinery and equipment, which will be beneficial to some 150 farmers-members of the said agri-coop and will help enhance their capacities in value-adding activities in the food supply chain from aggregation, processing, packing, storing, warehousing, transport to distribution.

Director Dimaculangan said that she is confident that the financial grant will help the SOLUFAT farmers-beneficiaries and ensure food availability and accessibility in the region and the metro manila, especially in these trying times.

“The delivery truck and the various equipment that will be bought using the grant will also cut the middleman, hence, providing more income to our farmers and affordable prices to our consumers,” Director Dimaculangan noted.

“Dahil dito sa grant, mas lalo pa naming mapapaganda ang aming presyo sa pamimili ng mga produkto sa aming mga miyembro. Kaya kami ay nagpapasalamat sa DA, kay Ma’am Vilma, at Ma’am Edith. Sisikapin po naming pagyamanin at pagtagumpayan ito pong ibinigay sa amin,” Chairman Tanega said.

The P2.5-M financial grant is through the Enhanced KADIWA Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, which aims to ensure food availability and accessibility during the period of pandemic and beyond funded under the Bayanihan II Act. #### (Radel F. Llagas, DA-4A RAFIS)