Bicol: Farmers cooperatives in the Bicol region have been awarded nearly PHP15 million in aid, including trucks and financial support, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla stated that the assistance, allocated to five cooperatives as part of the Corn and Cassava Program, aims to enhance both the harvesting efficiency and the transportation of produce. The vehicles, which are valued at PHP2.6 million each, will be distributed to several cooperatives, including the Daet Corn Growers Association, Inc. in Camarines Norte; the Pioduran Corn Cluster Organization and the Tula-Tula Peque±o Farmers' Agriculture Cooperative in Albay; the Del Rosario Corn Farmers' Association in Camarines Sur; and the Pandan Cassava Growers and Processors Federation in Catanduanes.

Additionally, the DA has extended financial assistance totaling PHP1.7 million to two qualified beneficiaries from Camarines Sur. As part of the Kadiwa financial grant assistance program, the Sipocot Farmers and Fisherfolk Agriculture Cooperative from Sipocot, Camarines Sur, has received PHP1.1 million. This funding will be utilized to purchase a delivery vehicle for their Kadiwa on Wheels initiative and to provide additional capital for the cooperative's operations.

Furthermore, under the Agri-Entrepreneurship Capability Enhancement Assistance financial grant, the San Roque Sagumay Farmers Agriculture Cooperative from Nabua, Camarines Sur, has been granted PHP639,000. These funds are intended for the construction of a Kadiwa retail store, which will further support their agricultural activities.