DAR goes beyond distribution of lands, provides farm inputs and seedlings to Batangas farmers

Rosario, Batangas - Despite the vulnerability faced by the nation against COVID-19 pandemic, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John R. Castriciones led the initial distribution of agricultural inputs to six (6) agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) comprising a total of forty-four (44) agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB)-members in the municipality of Rosario and San Juan, Batangas.

Castriciones said the distribution of farm inputs, which includes various vegetable seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides and farm tools was done under the PaSSOver: ARBold Move for Deliverance of our ARBs from the COVID-19 Pandemic project of the DAR, in recognition to the role of farmers as the modern hero of today’s war against the pandemic, by continually providing food on every household’s table and contributing to food security and sufficiency in the country.

“We are here to bring hope, in these times of famine, hardships and fears, this is the time when we must strengthen our faith and confidence in farming. Do not abandon farming, for farming is the true wealth of our country. Let us continue doing our best to help prevent shortages and keep our local food production going,” Castriciones said.

Undersecretary for Support Services Office (SSO) Emily O. Padilla encouraged the ARBs to boost food self-sufficiency amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“This is the first time that the DAR is providing relief packs and agricultural inputs to the ARBs to assist the farmers to continue tilling their lands, even during this time of the pandemic, since most of the agricultural activities was put into a halt due to the effects of the community quarantine,” Padilla said.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Merle H. Manalo, who facilitated the distribution of agricultural inputs, said the 44 ARBs belongs to the four barangays of Pinagsibaan, Putingkahoy, San Isidro and Tulos in the municipality of Rosario and in barangay Libato in San Juan.

She added that the distribution of agricultural inputs is aimed at helping the farmers produce fast-growing crops, cash crops and vegetables, in order to increase food supply in the area and generate additional incomes for the ARBs.

“Various vegetables seeds, 2 sacks of 50 kilos each of organic fertilizers, 10 kilos complete, 10 kilos Urea, 3.5 kgs muriate potash, 2 bottles of pesticides, 2 seedling trays with 100 holes were distributed to the farmers,” Manalo said.

Manalo said the distribution of agricultural inputs will also be extended to a total of 498 ARBs belonging to the 21 ARBOs within the 12 municipalities of Batangas in the coming weeks.

Other DAR Officials who graced the event include Presidential Anti-Corruption Commissioner Greco Belgica, DAR Undersecretaries for Support Services Office Atty. Emily O. Padilla and Policy, Planning and Research Office Virginia N. Orogo, CALABARZON Regional Director Rene E. Colocar, Public Assistance and Media Relations Service (PAMRS) Director Cleon Lester G. Chavez and Rosario Municipal Mayor representative Teddy Lacerna.

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