President Bongbong Marcos and DA-PhilFIDA Regional Office VIII  Distribute 4.6 million Various Assistance to Abaca Farmers Associations and Stakeholders in Northern Samar

Date Posted July 2023

In a momentous ceremony held at the Capitol Gym in Catarman, Northern Samar on July 14, 2023, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. , along with DA-RFO8 Regional Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais and PhilFIDA RO VIII Regional Director Wilardo O. Sinahon, personally handed over the "Certificate of Commitment" to Mr. Ernesto D. Giray, representative and President of BINGLAD Farmers Association of Lao-ang, Northern Samar. The assistance package includes PhP1,040,000.00 worth of Abaca planting materials, which will be allocated to selected 13 barangays in Northern Samar for the establishment of 1-hectare Abaca Nursery Farms in 2024. This strategic move is set to strengthen the Abaca industry in the region, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and economic development.

This ceremonial distribution is a key part of various government assistance programs, underscores the commitment of the national and regional agencies in supporting the vital agricultural sector of Northern Samar.

Beyond the significant assistance provided to the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, the event also highlighted additional interventions awarded by DA-PhilFIDA RO VIII to further uplift the agricultural landscape in the region. Notably, the Local Government Unit of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, received PhP3,000,000.00 worth of Abaca Disease Management Project (ADMP). This initiative is expected to strengthen disease control measures and safeguard the productivity of abaca areas.

Furthermore, the Local Government Unit of Mondragon, Northern Samar, was granted PhP 350,000 worth of assistance for the establishment of a 2-hectare Abaca Motherblock Nursery. This development is anticipated to enhance the production of abaca planting materials and promote sustainable abaca farming practices.

Also, the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) in Catarman, Northern Samar, was bestowed with PhP 205,000 worth of assistance for the provision of a Loop-mediated isothermal AMPlification kit (LAMP) for Abaca virus detection. Alongside the equipment, training and demonstrations were offered, reaffirming the commitment to capacity-building and the dissemination of knowledge among industry stakeholders.

The event emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, local government units, and academic institutions in fostering a dynamic and thriving agricultural landscape in Northern Samar.