DA 6 Launches P5.0M Farm To Market Road Project

by James Earl E. Ogatis

Director Larry P. Nacionales and Mayor Suzette Mamon of Badiangan, Iloilo lead the ceremonial launching of farm to market road project at Brgy. Sinuagan, Badiangan, Iloilo as part of the nationwide simultaneous launching of agricultural infrastructure projects implementation in order to accelerate economic activity and generate local employment. (James Earl E. Ogatis/RAFID 6 photo)

Iloilo City - The Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 launched the P5.0 million farm to market road (FMR) project at Brgy. Sinuagan, Badiangan, Iloilo to hasten movement of agricultural products from farm to market, reduce transportation cost, and improved quality.

Director Larry P. Nacionales of DA-RFU 6 said the activity was part of the nationwide simultaneous launching of FMRs, irrigation, and other agricultural infrastructure projects in support to the stimulus agenda of the Arroyo administration to combat economic crisis.

"Agricultural infrastructure projects are expected to accelerate economic activity and generate employment among local communities," Nacionales pointed out.

He further said the DA has allocated 40 percent of its funds for hard infrastructure projects particularly FMRs, rehabilitation and construc-tion of irrigation system, flatbed dryers, and postharvest facilities this year.

Meanwhile, Attorney Suzette Mamon, Mayor of Badiangan, Iloilo expressed optimism that the launching of FMR will benefit farmers, landowners, and agricultural traders of Brgy. Sinuagan and the neigh-boring barangays.

"I am proud that the DA has selected Brgy. Sinuagan of Badiangan, Iloilo to host this momentous simul-taneous launching of FMR nationwide." Said Mayor Mamon.

Mayor Mamon acknow-ledged the assistance of DA 6 to Badiangan farmers such as three flatbed dryers, farm to market roads, irrigation systems, and trainings.

The DA is promoting the FIELDS program which stands for fertilizer, irrigation, education and extension, loans, dryers and other postharvest facilities and seeds or stocks.
Engr. Edilberto Lomigo, Regional Manager of National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 6 and municipal officials of Badiangan, Iloilo
attended the launching.

Gulayan sa Paaralan Program

Gulayan sa Paaralan is one of the means to mitigate or eliminate hunger especially in areas where there is high incidence of malnutrition among school children. Antique is the first recipient of vegetable seeds because it falls under priority number 2. Vegetables seeds from the DA were distributed to every school district for propagation and planting. The seeds distributed were the "PAKBET" seeds, made up of bitter gourd or ampalaya, eggplants, okra, squash and string beans. These vegetables were chosen because they are very much adaptable to our climate and type of soil. It contains the much needed vitamins and minerals for the growing children.

The Gulayan Pro-ject requires at least 120 square meters to a maximum of 500. The Local Govern-ment Unit through the Municipal Agriculturist provides technical assistance as to the cultural manage-ment, methods of planting as well as fertilization and control of pests and diseases.

The Gulayan Project products are used in the feeding of children under the nutrition program of the school. Priority is given to children who are underweight. Feeding program is twice a week. Survey showed that with the gulayan project and the feeding program, pupil attendance has increased, they are more alert, and able to reduce the number of underweight pupils.

Aside from Antique, similar seeds are distributed to the rest of Panay provinces and Neg. Occ. Since this program is in coordination with the Dept. of Education, Reg. VI, contest is held between and among districts and provinces. Provincial winner will be judged from the district winner and will vie for the regional winner. Lists of winners will be announced by DepEd through their APP supervisor. /MP