The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) disbursed over PHP28.4 million worth of fertilizer discount vouchers to rice farmers in four of Caraga’s five provinces from June to July this year. These vouchers support the second cropping season.
The DA-13 data indicated one distribution activity in June for Surigao del Sur’s rice farmers, followed by three separate releases during the first two weeks of July.
The vouchers cover various inputs: PHP18.2 million for fertilizers, PHP2.4 million for bio-fertilizers, and PHP7.8 million for soil ameliorants.
During this two-month period, Surigao del Sur received PHP7.2 million in discount vouchers, Agusan del Norte (including Butuan City) received PHP8.2 million, Agusan del Sur got PHP6.4 million, and Surigao del Norte was allotted PHP6.6 million.
Distribution activities took place in Madrid, Carmen, and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur; Buenavista and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte; Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur; and Claver, Bacuag, Placer, and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte.
DA-13 plans additional distribution activities this month to reach more rice farmers, with the last release occurring on July 9.
The agency aims to distribute a total of PHP84.3 million worth of discount vouchers across four provinces by the end of July, covering approximately 42,860 hectares of rice farms.
The Caraga Region comprises five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. (PNA)