Agricultural inputs amounting to P 1.8-million, funded under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Rice Banner Program were distributed to some 764 rice farmers in Jimalalud, Negros Oriental, during the 2-day distribution caravan held this week.

Facilitated by the Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas, (DA7) through the Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA7 PATCO) in Negros Oriental, the rice farmers received organic and inorganic fertilizers intended for the dry cropping season.

The fertilizer interventions are aimed to support and help the farmers’ financial burden on the rising prices of fertilizer.

Dennis Paculanang, a farmer beneficiary, who owns a hectare of rice expressed his gratitude for the agri support from seeds and fertilizers.

Evelyn Betongga, 51 years old, one of the farmer beneficiaries shared that she was so blessed that on her birthday, she was able to receive fertilizers as a gift.

“Lipay kaayo ko karon sa akong birthday kay timing nakadawat kog libreng abono para sa akong lamakan. Dako na kaayu ni nga tabang kay dili nami mupalit og abono, ang budget namo para sa abono magamit na namo sa uban namong panginahanglanon sa panimalay. Salamat DA sa inyong regalo ug manghinaot ko nga magpadayon pa kini nga programa sa gobyerno.”

(I am so happy that the distribution falls on my birthday as I received fertilizers for my rice paddy. These will really help us, as we will no longer buy fertilizers. The allocated budget can now be used for other home essentials. Thank you DA for the gift, I hope that this program will continue.