MEDELLIN, Cebu — Farmers and fisherfolk from 25 local government units (LGUs) in northern Cebu received P24,302,470 worth of agricultural inputs and materials from the Cebu Provincial Government on Friday, October 9, at the Medellin Sports Complex.
The distribution is part of the Province's efforts to boost agricultural productivity and support local livelihoods. Through the Provincial Agricultural Office, it covered a wide range of farm and fisheries needs: walking-type agricultural tractors with rotary tillers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages, gas-powered water pumps with HDPE pipes, bangus fingerlings and feeds, and Darag native chickens. Also included were fish sanctuary and marine protected area materials, 200-liter plastic drums, organic fertilizers, cacao seedlings, assorted vegetable seeds, and sweet potato cuttings.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro personally led the ceremonial distribution and announced plans to increase the provincial agriculture budget in 2027 to expand assistance and provide more opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk.
"Pag-sulod nako sa Kapitolyo, walay programa ang gobyerno sa agrikultura. Napasagdan ang agriculture, which is very important para sa atong ekonomiya ug food security. Next year, mao gyud na akong focus. Ang budget sa agriculture, isaka gyud. Apil sa budget ang tractor ug harvester—kanang tractor nga lig-on, murag sakyanan. Mu-acquire ta og 10 ka units. Magbanos-banos lang ta kay I know nga ang mga farmer organizations, very well-organized man mo, so take turns lang ta," Gov. Baricuatro said.
Budget for agriculture growing
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena said the Agriculture Office is receiving a substantial budget allocation from the Provincial Government, allowing it to expand programs and assistance for the sector.
"First time mahitabo nga dako gyud kaayo ang budget sa Agriculture sa Probinsya, through the initiative of Governor Pam. Next year musamot ka nindot, musamot ang pag pangalagad ug pagpalapad pa gyud arun ato gyu'ng ma address ang food security," Saragena said.
Who benefited
The beneficiaries came from Asturias, Tuburan, Balamban, Tabuelan, San Remigio, Bogo City, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, Santa Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, Pilar, Consolacion, and Mandaue City.
Among them was 53-year-old fisherman Valeriano Sinangote, president of the Kahugpongang Mananagat sa Argawanon in San Remigio. His organization received an HDPE fish cage, bangus fingerlings, and feeds for bangus production.
"Nihit na gyud among kuha tungod sa commercial fishing. Maong dako gyud kaayo among kalipay tungod sa tabang ni Governor karon kay natagad gyud ang mananagat," he said.
Proposed cash aid for farmers and fisherfolk
During the event, Fourth District Rep. Sun Shimura said farmers and fisherfolk may soon receive cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk program. The program proposes a P10-billion allocation, subject to approval on third and final reading in Congress. The assistance will be coursed through local government units.
Rep. Shimura also commended the example set by the administration of Gov. Baricuatro for setting political differences aside.
"I'll be very frank. Kani bitaw'ng sige tag politika, mao gyud ni'y maka-ut-ut sa atong nasod ug sa atong probinsya. Tan-awa ang atong Kapitolyo nga wala gyuy pamolitika nga huna-hunaon. Si Gov., bisan pa katong mga mayor sauna nga bati kaayo og mga pulong sa iya, iya gyud adtuon ngadto. Progresibo kaayo ang probinsya sa Sugbo. Nindot, daghan gihapon kaayong manganhi nga turista. Pero sa ubang mga probinsya nga sige lang gihapon og box out, sige lang gihapon og ing-ana, mga lungsod nga sige lang gihapon og pangsiko, di gyud molambo. Mao na nga I hope i-hiklin lang usa na uy," he said.
Rep. Shimura also thanked the governor for the solar lighting project in Barangay Curva, Daanbantayan. Gov. Baricuatro, meanwhile, assured Medellin residents that the road project for the said barangay is already underway.
Also present
Also present during the distribution were Fourth District Board Members Kerrie Shimura and Nelson Mondigo; Board Member Cesar Baricuatro, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture; Department of Agriculture Region VII Regional Technical Director Dr. Wilbert Castillo; Daanbantayan Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr.; Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon; and municipal and barangay officials of Medellin.
Quick Summary
What: Distribution of P24,302,470 worth of agricultural inputs and materials to farmers and fisherfolk
Where: Medellin Sports Complex, Medellin, Cebu
When: Friday, October 9
Impact on Visayas: Farmers and fisherfolk from 25 northern Cebu LGUs received farm and fisheries support, with a bigger provincial agriculture budget planned for 2027
Source: Capitol PIO, Cebu Provincial Government. Photos by YJB, FE.