P4.6-M farm aid poured into Kalinga; DA Chief Laurel brings tractors, irrigation support, crop insurance to farmers

Tabuk City – More than ₱4.6 million worth of agricultural assistance was distributed to farmers’ groups in Kalinga during the visit of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., aiming to boost farm production and reduce farming expenses in the province.

The assistance was distributed on Friday, May 22, at the Kalinga Sports Complex during the conduct of the Agri-Serbisyo Caravan, Kadiwa ng Pangulo, and the rollout of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, which seeks to support farmers and vulnerable families.

More than 20 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) across Kalinga received various farm machinery and equipment, including corn husker-shellers, walking-type agricultural tractors, coffee pulpers, moisture meters, grass cutters, pump and engine sets, and Small-Scale Pressurized Irrigation Systems (SPIS).

The support was provided under the Department of Agriculture’s Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA) Program, Corn Program, and High Value Crops Development Program.

Aside from the equipment, thirteen corn farmers also received more than ₱161,000 worth of crop insurance indemnity from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). The indemnity serves as financial assistance for agricultural losses caused by natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, one of the farmer-beneficiaries who received a walking-type tractor expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture, saying the equipment would greatly ease farm work and reduce production costs.

The farmer, who requested anonymity, explained that the tractor would significantly improve land preparation by making plowing faster and less physically demanding compared to traditional manual methods.

“Dakkel ah yaman mi, sir, iti Department of Agriculture gapu ta daytoy a tractor ket dakkel a tulong kadakami a mannalon. Napaspas sir panabungkal ti daga ken mabawasan bassit ti gastos mi ta haan min kasapulan nga aghire pay,” the farmer said.

Before the distribution of assistance at the Kalinga Sports Complex, Secretary Laurel also visited the warehouse of the National Food Authority in Tabuk and the National Irrigation Administration to discuss rice procurement, irrigation concerns, and other agricultural support services for local farmers.

Laurel assured Kalinga farmers that their concerns would be carefully reviewed and that the Department of Agriculture, together with partner agencies, would continue strengthening support systems for the province’s agriculture sector.