Capitol steps up drive for organic farming

CEBU, Philippines - The provincial government has intensified its education campaign to the different municipalities in Cebu province encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizers instead of commercial fertilizers.

Cebu Provincial Agriculturist Necia Vicoy told The FREEMAN that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has directed him to implement the program, which would benefit a lot of farmers in the barangays.

Vicoy said the vermiculture at the Balili lot in Barangay Tinaan, Naga City is one of the showcase projects of his office that would be riplicated in the different municipalities.

According to Vicoy, the provincial government provides livelihood projects to farmers and the governor wants them to focus in giving assistance to farmers.

Vicoy stressed that they have been advocating for the use of organic fertilizer, which is cheaper than the commercial ones that are used by some farmers. He added there is a need to educate farmers that organic fertilizers, aside from being cheap will also rehabilitate the soil.

To intensify their education campaign, he said they asked the support and cooperation of the mayors and barangay captains.

Strengthening the Capitol’s support for agriculture is one of the ways to help cushion the impact of increasing prices of rice and other commodities, said Garcia.

The provincial government wants to convert the controversial Balili lot into a center for its agriculture program. — Jose P. Sollano/WAB    (FREEMAN NEWS)