Provincial gov’t supports launches Agri Assistance Program
NATIONAL YEAR OF RICE
LINGAYEN–The provincial government of Pangasinan supports the observance of the “National Year of Rice” through the pilot implementation of the Agricultural Technology Enhancement (ATE) Loan Assistance Program for qualified farmers on July 17 and 19.
Some 1,000 beneficiaries from Alaminos City (114) and the towns of Burgos (186) and Bani (800) each received an P8,400-worth of farm production inputs composed of certified quality palay seeds,1 bag; urea fertilizer, 1 bag; 14-14-14 fertilizer, 2 bags; organic fertilizer, 10 bags; and vermicast, 40 kilos.
“This priority project of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. seeks to further increase rice production in rainfed areas of the province by providing farmers high quality palay seeds and organic fertilizers,” Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said.
“We are glad that this agricultural support program of Gov. Espino is warmly appreciated and supported by the beneficiaries and town officials,” she added.
Under the loan assistance scheme, farmers are given subsidized farm inputs (50 percent) and they pay only half of the loan assistance (Php4,200) and a 7.5 percent interest (P315) after harvest or within five months from the release of loan assistance.
Acting Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Nestor Batalla gave an overview of the project before the ceremonial distribution of farm production inputs led by 1st District Board Member Antonio Sison.
Mayor Alberto Guiang Jr. of Burgos, Mayor Cothera Gwen Palafox-Yamamoto of Bani and Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste thanked Espino, citing that the loan assistance program is a great help to their farmer townmates this farming season.
Farmer beneficiaries led by Luck Farmers’ Association (LUFA) President Ernesto Fulgencio also thanked the provincial government for the implementation of the project.
Rain-fed farmlands in western Pangasinan constitute 35 percent (37,000 hectares) of the total 81,000-hectare farmland of the province. (PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)
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