BONGABON, Nueva Ecija (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, granted financial assistance to farmers’ cooperatives in Bongabon.
Bongabon East Farmers and Fisheries Cooperative and Canaan East Rice and Onion Producers Cooperative received a total of ₱7 million under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program.
According to the DA, this assistance aims to strengthen the capacity of farmers and fisherfolk as reliable suppliers of agricultural products while improving the country’s food distribution system.
Of the total amount, ₱5 million was granted to the Bongabon East Farmers and Fisheries Cooperative for the procurement of two hauling vehicles and working capital to enhance logistics and marketing operations.
Meanwhile, ₱2 million was awarded to the Canaan East Rice and Onion Producers Cooperative for the purchase of a hauling vehicle and trading capital to improve delivery systems and market linkage.
DA Central Luzon Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Carmencita Nogoy said the project is expected to boost farmer-to-consumer marketing, reduce transport costs and post-harvest losses, and ensure a more stable market for agricultural products.
She added that the initiative will also contribute to strengthening food security and improving the local economy in Bongabon.
Meanwhile, Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jobeat Agliam emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among national agencies, local government units, and food producers to sustain agricultural development.
Canaan East Rice and Onion Producers Cooperative Manager Leonora Almerol expressed gratitude for the assistance received through the program.
“Labis ang aming pasasalamat sa Department of Agriculture na isa kami sa nakatanggap ng grant ng KADIWA Financial Program ni Pangulong Marcos at hindi po namin sukat akalain na ibibigay po sa amin ang two million… Ito po ay nagbigay buhay sa aming mga magsasaka sa Canaan East kasi dati ang hawak lang po namin ay kolong-kolong na lumang-luma ngunit ngayon ay may maayos na kaming sasakyan (We are very grateful to the Department of Agriculture for selecting us as one of the beneficiaries of the KADIWA Financial Program of President Marcos, and we never expected to receive two million pesos. This has given new life to our farmers in Canaan East because we used to rely on old motorized carts, but now we have a proper vehicle),” Almerol said.
The DA Central Luzon continues to strengthen agricultural enterprises through programs that boost farmers’ income, improve market access, and ensure food security in the country. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3–Nueva Ecija)
