The Ilocos Norte provincial government under Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc, has distributed almost P20 million worth of assistance to farmers and fishermen through the “Agri ka Dito!” program.
The aid distribution was held at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center on April 25.
“Agri ka Dito” is a flagship program in agriculture of the governor’s office that aims to sustain the livelihood of local farmers and fishermen by providing them with immediate assistance amid rising costs of agricultural inputs.
The provincial government gave away 680 bags of organic and inorganic fertilizers, 8,442 bottles of foliar fertilizer or insecticides, and 26 units of farm machineries.
Moreover, livestock support was also done with 137 heads of goat and 500 free-range chickens, 37,700 pieces of tilapia fingerlings, 313 fishnets, and 264 gill nets. D
Documentation allowance and cash incentives for the beneficiaries of the Bamboo Rehab Project were also distributed.
Manotoc pledged to continue supporting Ilokano farmers and fishermen, recognizing their important role in contributing to Ilocos Norte’s efforts to be the top producer of high-value crops and becoming the commercial hub of northern Luzon.
“Rest assured, the provincial government will continue to support you. As your governor, I will give everything I can to serve our farmers and fishermen. We are always here for you,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Ma Teresa Bacnat, head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support.
“We are thankful for the support from Gov. Marcos Manotoc because he is really prioritizing agriculture as he is always encouraging the farmers and fisherfolks, including those with livestock to request what they need because he is always ready to approve the requests. That is why we are grateful for his leadership,” Bacnat said.
Roben Patoc, a 66-year-old fisherman and a beneficiary from Brgy. 32-A Lapaz, Laoag City, also thanked the governor. “I and my fellow fishermen are truly grateful to the Provincial Agriculture Office together with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Gov. Marcos Manotoc for providing us the things we need for fishing even more efficiently,” Patoc said in the Ilocano dialect.
Last year, Agri Ka Dito provided almost P176 million worth of assistance to farmers and fishermen.