Bicol: Three cooperatives and a local government unit in Bicol have been awarded PHP8 million in financial aid through the Department of Agriculture's programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the aid is intended to help farmers' groups increase their yields by facilitating the purchase of vehicles and processing equipment.

"The beneficiaries submitted proposals to the DA's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAD) office. They were selected based on the proposals. The purpose of the financial grants is to ensure the growth and sustainability of their products and their group. It will lessen the burden of traveling their harvest and will help ensure fresh, affordable products," said Lovella Guarin, spokesperson for DA in Bicol, in an interview on Wednesday.

Guarin mentioned that the check was personally turned over by officials earlier this week. The Camarines Norte Government Workers Multipurpose Cooperative received PHP2.5 million, which will be allocated to acquiring a delivery vehicle and retail selling equipment. Meanwhile, the Camarines Norte Integrated Farmers Agricultural Cooperative was granted PHP2 million for trading capital and the acquisition of transport vehicles.

Additionally, the Verdant Agriculture Cooperative was awarded PHP1.5 million to purchase processing equipment and a transport vehicle. The local government unit of Donsol, Sorsogon, received PHP2 million, which will be used for acquiring transport vehicles.

Guarin noted that the DA will continue to monitor the monthly performance reports regarding the progress of the proposals and the utilization of the financial aid.