Baguio city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Cordillera has highlighted the significant 'binnadang' (helping hand) from government offices and the private sector, which continues to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers due to escalating fuel costs. 'It is embedded in our culture as people in the Cordillera, as Filipinos, to help others in need. We extend assistance no matter how little it may be because that is us and our farmers are lucky that we have that culture, which is benefiting our farmers,' DA-Cordillera regional director Jennilyn Dawayan said in an interview on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA-Cordillera, along with its partners, has been actively implementing the 'Kadiwa ng Pangulo' (KNP) program from March 2 to May 4. This initiative has led to six KNP activities, 22 Kadiwa on Wheels, seven direct connect activities, seven trade fairs, expositions, and exhibits. A total of 170 metric tons of assorted vegetables were hauled and marketed, with an additional 51.4 metric tons delivered to institutional buyers for Kadiwa operations, as per the agency's latest data.
Various government agencies have also contributed to this initiative by pooling resources. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine National Police, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have been instrumental in transporting vegetables to other regions and direct buyers. The Office of the President (OP) has also supported these efforts by using its buses to transport vegetables purchased from Benguet farmers to communities in need of food supplies.
Dawayan further mentioned that organizations, cooperatives, and residents from other provinces have been instrumental in preventing produce wastage. Many farmers, burdened by high transport costs and low buying prices, have given up on selling their produce. 'We are thankful and we appreciate all the effort being extended by everybody to help our farmers,' she reiterated.
The initiative also includes the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM Na) program, which ensures the sale of affordable rice to vulnerable sectors. Under this initiative, the National Food Authority purchases more palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers. Additionally, a fuel subsidy is set to be rolled out for farmers who have adopted mechanization in their operations.
More than 7,000 farmers, agricultural workers, trading post workers, drivers, and their assistants will benefit from the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which offers PHP7,500 for 15 days of work as arranged by the department. As of April 30, at least 424 truckers have been accredited to the 'Food Lane' program, granting toll-free passage for trucks carrying agricultural products on various expressways.
Samuel Musyuyan, president of Saad Am-am Farmers Association in Mankayan, Benguet, expressed gratitude during a press conference held on Tuesday to mark the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month. He lauded the government and private sector for their collaborative efforts to support farmers during these challenging times.
On April 17, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited vegetable trading posts in La Trinidad to assess the farmers' situation and devise solutions to address the sector's ongoing challenges.
