Maigo, Kolambugan benefit from DIFS Project funds

Maigo, Kolambugan benefit from DIFS Project funds

By PHIL PA-ALAN

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (Feb. 4, 2015) –A ceremonial turn-over of the Diversified Integrated Farming System (DIFP) Project funds/check was conducted today at the quarters of the 15^th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army,  Barangay Bagumbayan, Kauswagan in the presence of officials and farmers from the towns of Maigo and Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.   

In a brief turn-over program, Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, commanding officer of the 15^th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcomed the participants from the beneficiary towns of Maigo and Kolambugan, as he urged the farmers and farmer organizations to strive hard to develop their farming communities. 

People’s organization presidents Primitivo A. Benitez of Maigo and Fernadito R. Ridao of Kolambugan thanked the Agriculture Department for extending the farming assistance and the 15^th IB for facilitating the farming turn-over ceremonies.

In the turn-over of DIFS Project funds/check, Director Angelito Y. Quirog of the Regional Field Office 10, assisted by Lt. Col. Doctolero, turned over the Project funds amounting to P300,000.00  in check to beneficiary municipalities through Mayor Rafael C. Rizalda of Maigo and a representative of the mayor of Kolambugan in the presence of farmers from the two towns and officers and men of the 15^thIB, together with some officials of the assisting office  and  assisted towns. Each municipality received P300,000.00 for the farming projects of their respective communities. The representative of Kolambugan Mayor thanked the Agriculture Department for the farming project assistance and the 15^th IB for helping facilitate the turn-over ceremony.

On the other hand, Mayor Rizalda  stressed that the farmers of Maigo are very grateful for the farming assistance and that the officials and farmers of Maigo will exert all efforts to develop their farms for the benefit of their respective families and the municipal constituents. Lt. Col. Galileo R. Goyena, executive officer of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade will continue to support the farming project through bayanihan where the military, and civilians cooperate and coordinate in the implementation of socio-economic projects in the attainment of peace, progress and prosperity in the farming communities.

For his part, Director Quirog stressed that the provision of the farming assistance carries a great responsibility as the beneficiaries are expected to perform.  He said an assessment of the performance of farmers will be conducted on the basis of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into by and between the Department of Agriculture and the recipient municipalities to determine whether or not the farming communities have complied with their respective obligations.  He added that if the performance of the farming communities is satisfactory, the Agriculture Department may provide additional farming assistance to the farming communities.  He also assured the people that the Agriculture Department will be there to help and provide funding assistance for the farming projects.  He added that it is not only livelihood that the Agriculture Department will help provide but also capacity to allow them to gain skills and knowledge on farming through the training program implemented by the Agriculture Training Institute which the government subsidizes.

PFC Joyriel L. Allaga led the invocation while 1Lt. Rene M. Belmonte, Jr. ably served as master of ceremonies.  Over 50 officials and farmers from the two towns and the officers and men of the 15^th IB witnessed the turn-over ceremonies. A picture taking session was conducted to serve as souvenir of the turn-over event.  The Agriculture officials as well as the officials of the recipient municipalities, including the military officers joined the picture taking event.With reports from Malyne Gungob.