PGIN distributes almost 20M worth of assistance thru ‘Agri ka Dito!’

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, distributed almost Php 20 million worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolks in the province through the “Agri ka Dito!” program, at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (INAFEC) on April 25.

“Agri ka Dito!” is the flagship program in agriculture of the Governor's Office that aims to sustain the livelihood activities of community farmers and fisherfolks by providing them with immediate assistance in the face of rising agricultural input costs.

PGIN distributed 680 bags of organic & inorganic fertilizer, 8,442 bottles of foliar fertilizer or insecticides, and 26 units of agri-machineries. Moreover, it distributed livestock support namely 137 heads of goat and 500 heads of free-range chicken, 37,700 pieces of tilapia fingerlings, 313 pieces of fishnet, and 264 pieces of gill net. Documentation allowance and cash incentives for the beneficiaries of the Bamboo Rehab Project were also distributed. 

Gov. Marcos Manotoc pledged to continue supporting Ilokano farmers and fisherfolks, recognizing their important role in contributing to Ilocos Norte's journey as the top producer of high-value crops and becoming the commercial hub of northern Luzon.

“Rest assured, the Provincial Government will continue to support you. As your governor, I will give everything I can to serve our farmers and fishermen. We are always here for you,” the Governor said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Ma Teresa Bacnat, head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, stated, “We are thankful for the support from Gov. Marcos Manotoc because he is really prioritizing agriculture as he is always encouraging the farmers and fisherfolks, including those with livestock to request what they need because he is always ready to approve the requests. That is why we are grateful for his leadership.”

Moreover, Mr. Roben Patoc, a 66-year-old fisherfolk and a beneficiary from Brgy. 32-A Lapaz, Laoag City thanked the Governor, saying: “I and my fellow fisherfolks are truly grateful to the Provincial Agriculture Office together with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte headed by Gov. Marcos Manotoc for providing us the things we need for fishing even more efficiently,” in his local language.

Last year, "Agri Ka Dito!" provided almost Php 176 M worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolks.