Oriental Mindoro Farmers Continue to Earn Amidst Pandemic
Engr. Redentor A. Reyes Jr. of the Calapan City Housing and Urban Settlements Officer /Program Manager for Infrastructure Projects (most right) receives a pack of seaweed canton produced by the Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Balatasan (SAMASABALATASAN) with SAMASABALATASAN Manager Marife Dela Torre (most left), DAR ARPO I Albert Adam Melano (2nd from left) and ARB representative Evelyn Erasmo of Bulalacao (2nd from right).
The Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Balatasan (SAMASABALATASAN) in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro has sustained its marketing of seaweed canton as part of the relief items for distribution by the City Government of Calapan during this CoViD-19 pandemic.
“A total of 11,470 pieces of seaweed canton packed in 250 grams amounting to P418,655.00 were delivered to the City Hall of Calapan in three batches on 15th, 30th of April and 15th of May 2020 in time for the repacking of the food items for distribution", Marife Dela Torre, SAMASABALATASAN Manager said.
“The said amount would be of great help to our 91 members to cope with the difficulties we are facing in this time of crisis”, Manager added.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO I) Gina S. Almonte emphasized that the said deliveries were made possible with the issuance of quarantine accreditation pass (QAP) granted by DAR to help farmers deliver farm products to market despite the difficulties being encountered brought by the pandemic.
“We at the Department will continue to extend help to our farmer-beneficiaries in every possible way we can to promote your products and continue to earn a living amidst this CoViD-19 distress”, PARPO I Almonte added.
Convergence efforts with the local Government unit are being intensified during this time to provide economic support to families of farmers specially the seaweed producers, and fisher folks in the area.
The pancit canton contains natural seaweed produce being manufactured locally and known to have health benefits given its rich nutritional value.
ARBO representatives are always being reminded to continue practicing physical distancing, wearing of face mask and/or shield and proper hand washing upon performance of tasks.
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