Mendoza to expand agri, anti-poverty programs

By Jefry M. Tupas
Farmers in North Cotabato are assured of continued support with the provincial government’s announcement of the expansion of its ongoing agricultural development and anti-poverty programs.
Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said the provincial government is set to start food security projects amounting to P62.9 million in the towns of Makilala, Arakan, and Aleosan.
Last year, North Cotabato was declared the Number 1 producer of rice in Central Mindanao with the annual production of 518,000 metric tons and Number 2 in corn with the production of 592,171 metric tons.
The projects, which are designed to boost the agriculture sector of the province, include farm-to-market roads, construction of multi-purpose drying facilities, and construction of village-type feedmill buildings.
“The province heavily relies on agriculture and it is only correct that we give all-out support to the agriculture sector,” said Mendoza on the sidelines of her State of the Province Address here Tuesday.  “Our farmers are assured of our 100 percent support. We have funds allotted for technology and infrastructures and we will make sure that the farmers and their families will benefit from these projects.”
Mendoza said her administration is doing everything it can to improve the lives of the people, especially those who are in the countryside.
At least 20 road projects are currently ongoing in different towns of the province. Under the Philippine Rural Development Projects, the road projects cost P119 million. Within the year, five more road projects amounting P410 million will also be implemented.
In her Sopa, Mendoza also announced the province’s shift from production of raw coconuts or copra to production virgin coconut oil and coconut sugar. The focus will also jump from the mere production of rubber cup lumps to dry rubber sheets.
“Let us find ways to make our high value crops truly of value,” she said.
The provincial government also intends to expand palm oil plantation to another 500 hectares from the current 12,000 hectares, additional 400 hectares of coconut plantation from the current 38,000 hectares, and additional 307 hectares of rubber plantation from the current 54,000.
Mendoza also cited her administration’s assistance to survivors of calamity – to ensure that there is enough food for them.
“On food security and production of cereal crops and other basic food products, we supported farmers who were victims of calamities by giving them open pollinated variety of white corn and certified rice seeds,” she said. “Because of this, they were able to jumpstart agricultural production without having to worry about capital. This has helped turn our farmers from victims to survivors of calamity.”
 To compliment the production of high-value crops, the provincial government has also been actively promoting the production of high-quality cassava and sweet potato. At least 656 farmers are currently leading this campaign.
“The objective is for us to have alternative staple food,” Mendoza said, adding that the potential of root crops as alternative sources of income is very high.
The governor also stressed the importance of backyard vegetable gardening in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
“We will revive the concept of Bahay Kubo ( nipa hut) – but this time with the integration of the correct agricultural technology,” she said.