In celebration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s birthday on September 13, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII) participated in the regional execution of the nationwide “Handog ng Pangulo” program on September 14, distributing a massive financial and agricultural intervention package worth PhP 509.95 million to bolster food security and empower farming communities across SOCCSKSARGEN.
The simultaneous distribution across the four provinces of Region XII brought immediate interventions, multi-million commitments, and direct cash assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, farmer cooperatives and associations, and local government units.
The province of South Cotabato secured the largest total allocation in the region at PhP201.67 million, consisting of PhP20.79 million in immediate turnover projects and PhP180.88 million in project commitments.
Sultan Kudarat Province received a total of PhP185.36 million, which includes PhP25.89 million for immediate turn-over and PhP159.47 million earmarked under project commitments.
On the other hand, the province of Sarangani benefited from a PhP105.76 million allocation, featuring PhP13.63 million in turnovers, PhP20.82 million in commitments, and a significant PhP71.31 million under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Program (PAFFP).
Cotabato Province was given PhP17.16 million in total assistance, fully dedicated to immediate turn-over of various agricultural support.
Across the entire region, the initiative delivered PhP77.47 million in immediate physical turnovers, PhP361.18 million in project commitments, and PhP71.31 million cash assistance under PAFFP.
Among the key beneficiaries of the “Handog ng Pangulo” program is the Tri-People Tambilil Motorbike Services Association from Kiamba, Sarangani, which received a corn mill. Association President Joel Maribang expressed his gratitude, noting that the machinery will modernize their corn processing and significantly boost their group’s overall livelihood.
John B. Pascual, DVM, DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director, highlighted that the initiative goes beyond mere ceremonial giving, serving as a vital lifeline for rural livelihoods.
“This sub-half-billion-peso intervention package is a direct testament to the national government’s unwavering commitment to our local food producers,” Dr. Pascual stated. “By delivering over PhP500 million worth of machinery, financial aid, and infrastructure commitments directly to our four provinces, we are accelerating the modernization of our agricultural sector and building long-term resilience for our farmers and fisherfolk.”
Dr. Pascual further emphasized the strategic impact of combining immediate resource distribution with long-term infrastructure planning.
“Our goal in Region XII is to translate these funds into higher crop yields, lower production costs, and increased household income,” Dr. Pascual added. “Whether through immediate machinery turnovers or project commitments, we are ensuring that no farmer or fisherfolk is left behind as we advance food security in SOCCSKSARGEN.”
Alongside the turnover of farm machinery, and financial awards, the simultaneous national event featured the implementation of the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na Program. Qualified consumers and vulnerable families across the key sites were provided the opportunity to purchase high-quality rice at the subsidized price of PhP20 per kilogram, bringing immediate relief to household budgets.
For Erma Balboa, a farmer from the municipality of Alabel, Sarangani, the subsidized rice brought immediate financial relief to her household. “Malaking ginhawa ang hatid ng programang ito sa aming pamilya,” Balboa shared. “Malaking tulong ang murang presyo ng bigas upang makatipid at mabawasan ang aming pang-araw-araw na gastusin sa pagkain.”
Aniceta Bognoson, a leader from the local Rural Improvement Club, echoed the same sentiments, noting how the savings directly impact their household management and farming productivity. “Ang mga natipid na pondo ay nagagamit na ngayon ng aming pamilya para sa iba pang importanteng pangangailangan sa tahanan at sa mismong pagsasaka,” Bognoson stated. (Lito Mariano Salvo)
DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director John B. Pascual, National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, and other government officials in action during the turn-over of more than PhP105.76 million allocation, composed of PhP13.63 million in turnovers, PhP20.82 million in commitments, and PhP71.31 million under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Program.