Written by Luzminda C. Tamayo
Photos by Nataniel Bermudez
RED Arnel de Mesa said in his message that AEWs are like soldiers wherein they have a mission and that mission is to implement the DA programs and to help our farmers increase their income which is the DAโs main concern. He mentioned the good performance of Livestock and Poultry which is 9% increase to Gross Domestic Product.
Furthermore, he added that the secretary in order to strengthen the dairy cattle industry will be going to Brazil together with some Batangas mayors to purchase dairy cattle which can be distributed as a starter.
Stricter implementation of checkpoints will be enforced and road baths will be put in checkpoints in 20178. He thanked all those present LGUs, MAs, PAs and AEWs for always being a partner of the Department of Agriculture.
Mr. Pedrito Kalaw, RAFC Chairman, in his message, said that there is no problem with native pig & even native chicken. Big or small farms/farmers to be strong should be united.
Ms. Vilma M. Dimaculangan, Livestock Program Coordinator, mentioned that Livestock has the biggest performance although only 2% of the total budget has been allotted. She said that Sec. Villar pledged to increase the budget next year. She identified the accomplishments of the Livestock Program which are ongoing Training for Meat Inspectors, aside from the various agricultural inputs. These are as follows: For 2016- 18 Multiplier Farms (Construction of Goat Housing) distributed to some proponent LGU municipalities, various organizations, SUCs and other stakeholders of CALABARZON. For 2017, the recipients of Multiplier Farms โ Native Pig & Goat 2017 โ four (4) in Laguna, three (3) in Batangas, four (4) in Cavite, four (4) in Quezon and three (3) in Rizal. Rubber booths, raincoats, USB and Planner/Calendar, tarpaulins, feeds, 0feed mixers & biologics. For multiplier farms included are pig and goat housing, 10 does, 2 bucks, 10 sows, 1 boars, shredder, feed mixer, feeds and biologics.
Overall total amount distributed was P16,420,715.00.