CamSur farmers to benefit from DAR, DA, DENR projects

MANILA, Philippines - The government has launched some P228 million worth of projects to help farmers in Camarines Sur increase their income, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said yesterday.

The DAR partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the government’s National Convergence Initiative in order to implement a rural development program for farmers in Garchitorena town.

Launched in the coastal village of Asonvia, the program dubbed “Garchitorena: A Landscape in Rural Development” aims to boost farm productivity, augment household income and spur rural development.

DAR regional director Luis Bueno Jr. said the initiative seeks to decrease poverty in the countryside.

“Operationally, the DAR-DA-DENR convergence works on sharing expertise and information. We collaborate and complement each agency’s program for a more efficient delivery of support services. This way, we maximize the use of each agency’s resources,” Bueno said.

Under the convergence initiative plan, farm-to market-roads, school buildings, bridges, flood control projects, and potable water systems will be built in Garchitorena.

Bueno said 46 classrooms are also set for repair. He said farmers would be given farm machineries, tools, seedlings of seaweeds, coconut and other high-value crops and tilapia fingerlings.

“Intensified coconut production, tree planting under the National Greening Program and organic farming are also included in the package. A livestock and poultry multiplier farm will likewise be established in the area,” Bueno said.