The Department of Agriculture IV-CALABARZON (DA-4A) awarded a total of P9,226,621 worth of agricultural interventions for the farmers of the municipalities of Cabuyao, Los Baños, and Bay in the province of Laguna on May 20.

The interventions include materials, inputs, and equipment for the establishment of a mushroom production house, three community gardens, a greenhouse with hydroponics technology, repair and maintenance of coffee processing facility, and a package of technology with starter kit for beekeeping and rabbit husbandry, high value crops and corn seeds, and fertilizers funded under the Bayanihan Act II, Taal Quick Response Fund, and Corn, and High Value Crops Development Programs.

Specifically, Cabuyao, Los Baños, and Bay received P6,899,621; P510,000; and P807,000 worth of agricultural support from DA-4A, respectively.

Mr. Juanito D. Andal, one of the high value crops farmers-beneficiaries and member of the Casile Guinting Upland Multi-Purpose Cooperative was grateful with the continued support of DA-4A.

“Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa DA sa walang sawang pagsuporta sa aming mga magsasaka. Batid po namin na hindi dito natatapos ang mga tulong na hinatid ninyo sa amin, bagkus makakaasa po kayo na ang mga ito ay aming pag-iingatan at pagyayamanin,” Andal said.

Undersecretary for High Value Crops and Rural Credit Evelyn G. Laviña, OIC-Regional Executive Director Vilma M. Dimaculangan, Farmer-Director Pedrito R. Kalaw, Laguna Provincial Agriculturist Marlon P. Tobias, 2nd District of Laguna Rep. Ruth Hernandez, and Cabuyao City Mayor Rommel A. Gecolea graced the activity.

In her message, Usec. Laviña reminded the farmers that all the interventions from the DA will amount to nothing if they themselves do not persist to improve their lives and cannot appreciate, maximize, develop, and sustain the given support. She also shared some marketing tips and strategies for the farmers as she have rich background coming from the private sector.

For her part, Director Dimaculungan recognized the Casile Guinting Upland MPC as one of the best managed farm coops and can serve as model in the region.

“Nakikita po natin sa Casile Guinting MPC ang magandang halimbawa ng isang organisadong grupo ng mga magsasaka, bukod sa madali silang daluyan ng mga programa ng gobyerno ay nakakasiguro tayo na mapagyayaman nila ang mga ayudang binaba ng Kagawaran sa kanilang samahan,” Director Dimaculangan said.

She reiterated the call of the DA from our farmers to form or join a farmers’ association or cooperative to take full advantage of the department’s various programs and services. #### (Radel F. Llagas, DA-4A RAFIS)