Manila: A total of 223 mango growers in Vintar, Ilocos Norte have received various agricultural inputs from the Department of Agriculture and the local government to boost their livelihood. Ricardo Tolentino, president of Mango Growers Association in Ilocos Norte, highlighted that many mango growers in the province have faced low yields and incurred losses in recent years due to high farming supply costs and erratic weather.

According to Philippines News Agency, to assist the farmers, the Department of Agriculture in Region 1, in coordination with the local government unit, distributed various agricultural inputs, including a flower inducer, worth PHP144,395 to the Vintar Mango Stakeholders Association. Tolentino expressed gratitude, stating, "This is a big help to mango growers like us. Thank you for the continuing support from the government."

Vintar Vice Mayor Maribel Albano emphasized the local government's ongoing support for the town's mango growers by providing agricultural inputs to enhance agricultural production. Albano, who attended the distribution event on October 3, stated in Ilocano that the program is part of the town's mission to protect the future for farmers.

The Ilocos Region remains a major exporter of quality mangoes, with primary markets in Hong Kong, Japan, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Last year, the region produced 177,876.46 metric tons of mangoes, with Ilocos Norte being one of the top contributors.