ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025, an important initiative to increase agricultural output took place at the Ormoc City Superdome, that is, that as part of the National Rice Program, a total of 1,767 farmers from different associations and clusters received agricultural supplies. The event was organized in partnership with Ormoc City’s Local Government Unit.
The said National Rice Program, accordingly, focuses on providing essential agri-inputs, including biofertilizers, ameliorants, and synthetic fertilizers, to empower local farmers in their efforts to enhance rice production with program beneficiaries hailing from various farmer groups and associations. These included KASAMMAVA, representing farmers from Kadaohan, San Jose, Matica-a, and Valencia; KASANAG FIMCO, composed of clusters from San Jose, Guintigui-an, and Bayog; and LACASNA FISCO, which brought together farmers from Lilioan, Lao, Libertad, Catmon, Salvacion, Nasunogan, and Airport. Other groups that benefited were OSDI FISCO, covering Ormoc South District areas such as Labrador and San Jose; MARLIS FISCO, which included farmers from Mas-in, Licuma, and San Vicente; and SJSB FISCO, representing San Jose and Sabang Bao.
Leyte 4th District Representative Richard I. Gomez and local agricultural officials highlighted the initiative’s significance in managing issues in rice production and promoting sustainable farming methods. They all agreed that in providing farmers with biofertilizers and other essential inputs, such would result in an increase in their farm yields, lower prices of agricultural produce, and encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices.
The event was also graced by OIC-CAD Tomas Serafica, CAD Dante Albarico, and DA RFO8 Program Consultant Leo Cañeda. (By James Gadiano / Photo grabbed from the City Government of Ormoc FB Page, EV Mail JAN. 20-26, 2025 issue)