President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. awarded ₱884.702 million worth of agricultural interventions to farmers in Region 12 on April 11, 2025 during the launch of the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program (APP) in Alabel, Sarangani Province. The delivery of different agri interventions underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming the nation’s agriculture sector into a more productive and sustainable engine of economic growth.
The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 12 (DA-RFO 12) distributed essential agricultural interventions to four provinces: South Cotabato (₱645.4 million), Cotabato Province (₱128.07 million), Sarangani Province (₱98.9 million), and Sultan Kudarat (₱12.2 million). The aid package included corn shellers, tractors, hauling trucks, and incubators, designed to reduce manual labor, increase efficiency, and bolster farmer income.
These interventions, channeled through the agency’s Rice, Livestock, High Value Crops and Development Programs, and Special Area for Agricultural and Development (SAAD), address diverse agricultural needs. The programs provide mechanized equipment for rice farmers, specialized tools for livestock producers, and access to modern technologies through RAED, strengthening the regional agricultural value chain.
President Marcos Jr. praised the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the private sector in delivering timely support to farmers.
Simultaneously, DA-RFO 12 Regional Executive Director Roberto T. Perales spearheaded the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” initiative, enabling local farmers to directly market their produce to consumers, eliminating middlemen and securing fair farmgate prices. Seventeen exhibitors earned ₱84,462.50 selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products.
“The Kadiwa project exemplifies how direct farmer-to-consumer platforms can empower our farmers to thrive,” stated RED Perales.
DA-RFO 12 also facilitated the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture registration and distributed Interventions Monitoring Cards (IMC) to farmers.
The newly-launched Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program, facilitated by DBP, provides accessible financing and livelihood support to smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs through low-interest loans, capacity-building initiatives, and market linkage opportunities.
These comprehensive efforts signal a unified push towards inclusive agricultural growth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering Filipino farmers, boosting regional economies, and securing the nation’s food future. (Dannica French)
