LINGAYEN- – -The provincial government distributed anew some 3,000 bags of certified seeds to farmers from different parts of the province who were affected by Typhoon “Lando” that devastated the province in October last year.

 

The distribution held at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Sta. Barbara on March 21, is the third batch of distribution activity which was led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. with the assistance of Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President and Board Member Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III.

 

To date, about 40,000 farmers affected by Typhoon “Lando” were already served and have received assistance from the provincial government.

 

Giving utmost priority to the agriculture sector, Gov. Espino disclosed that the provincial government fully supports all programs and projects that could benefit all farmers as he added that Pangasinan will remain an agricultural province in the next four to five decades more.

 

In stating this, the Governor said the government should focus on the improvement of agricultural technology to be able to provide better yield and production for the lowly farmers.

 

“Kung pagagandahin natin ito at gagawin nating industriya, pagandahin natin ang teknolohiya, suportahan ang inputs, at pati patubig dapat libre na lang,” the Governor said as he added that other farming nations have lower cost of inputs unlike in the Philippines.

 

Aside from seeds subsidy, other agricultural support given by the present administration involves distribution of water pump and engine sets to various Small Water Irrigation Systems (SWISA) groups and farmers’ organizations. The project is part of the El Nino mitigating measures.

 

Last month, 100 water pump and engine sets were awarded to SWISA groups and farmers’ organizations and 600 more units will be given to the group of certified seeds recipients, as well.

 

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. disclosed that the partnership between the provincial government and the agricultural sector manifest a strong bond that will ensure continued agricultural development for Pangasinan.

 

On the other hand, BM Pogi commended the farming sector for continuously providing food for every household.

 

In addition, the Governor’s son and namesake urged the farmers to continue seeking for new innovations as farming continues to be one of the main sources of income for most Pangasinenses.

 

“Pagandahin po natin ang pagtatanim,” BM Espino said as he added that agriculture remains as one of the topmost priorities of the provincial government.

 

The third batch of certified palay seeds that were distributed will be planted by farmers during the early main cropping season of 2016. (Ruby R. Bernardino)