The Cebu Provincial Government has distributed more than P21.2 million worth of agricultural equipment, planting materials and other production inputs to farmers and fisherfolk in 26 local government units as the province prepares for a possible El Niño episode.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro led the turnover on Oct. 19 at the Sec. Cerge M. Remonde Sports and Cultural Center in Argao, with the assistance intended to improve local food production and help agricultural communities prepare for potential disruptions caused by prolonged dry conditions.
The beneficiaries came from Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan, Ginatilan, Santander, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo and Cordova.
The assistance included 15 walking-type tractors, gas-powered water pumps with high-density polyethylene hoses, three HDPE fish cages, organic fertilizers, cacao seedlings, sweet potato cuttings and assorted vegetable seeds.
Plastic drums and materials for managing marine protected areas were also distributed to support crop producers and coastal communities.
Baricuatro said strengthening local agriculture is a priority of her administration, particularly as the province prepares for the possible effects of El Niño on farming, fisheries and food availability.
She said Cebu must increase its agricultural production to reduce dependence on food supplies from outside the province.
“Mao na nga karon, sa akong administrasyon, siguroon nako nga ang Cebu dili na ta food insecure. Sustainable na ta diri. Kita na’y mananom sa atong pagkaon,” Baricuatro said.
The governor also announced a proposed P400-million allocation for the Provincial Agriculture Office in 2027, subject to approval by the Cebu Provincial Board.
The proposed funding is expected to support agricultural programs, although officials did not detail the specific projects to be financed.
Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo welcomed the assistance, saying it would allow communities to directly benefit from public funds collected through taxes.
“Kini timaan sa pagpangga sa atong gobernador kanato’ng mga kaigsuonan,” Sesaldo said.
Ronda High Value Crop Development Program coordinator Leonora Llenos also thanked the provincial government for providing machinery and other inputs that could ease the burden on farmers who struggle to obtain production resources.
Alegria farmer Henry Runillo Villarubia welcomed the planting materials, saying they would give farmers more crops to grow in preparation for the coming months.
“Lipay kaayo mi kay naay amoang ikatanom na crops,” Villarubia said.
He added that some of the crops could be harvested in as little as three months, potentially helping provide food for local communities as Cebu prepares for the anticipated dry spell.
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