LANAO DEL NORTE — In a province-wide push to strengthen agriculture and uplift rural livelihoods, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, under the leadership of Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, has rolled out a series of support initiatives for farmers through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), marking Agriculturists’ Month with meaningful action on the ground.
On July 29, the provincial government launched the distribution of essential inputs—including foliar fertilizers, hybrid corn seeds, and grafted calamansi seedlings—at the Provincial Nursery Seed Farm in Kapatagan. The intervention is funded under the 20% Development Fund for CY 2025, with a total allocation of ₱24.5 million, and is aligned with flagship programs such as the Masaganang Ani Rice and Corn Programs and support for High-Value and Industrial Crop Production.
Farmers from Kapatagan were among the first recipients. A total of 1,800 gallons of foliar fertilizer were distributed to individual farmers, along with hybrid corn seeds to 150 farmers—50 for white corn and 100 for yellow corn. Additionally, 55 farmers received grafted calamansi seedlings.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Cristy Atay, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, lauded the farmers’ vital role in food security and local economic growth. “Kung wala mo, wala jud mi hinukad sa among mga lamesa,” she said, underscoring their importance.
Corn seed recipient Leo Guardaqevir expressed gratitude and reminded fellow beneficiaries to make full use of the support. “Ang kaning mga tanom nga gihatag, dili rani maluklok sa balay… kinahanglan gyud ni nato itanom ug palambuon,” he said.
Continuing the momentum, a fruit tree planting activity was held on July 31 in Barangay Pancilan, Sapad, as part of the Agriculturists’ Month celebration. In partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority–Region 10 (PCA-10), over 200 coconut seedlings were planted to promote environmental regeneration and bolster coconut production.
The activity brought together farmers, barangay officials, and representatives from multiple agencies including the Provincial Veterinary Office, Municipal Agriculture Offices, the Eagles Club, and the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC).
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Djam Macarambon, Vice Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, assured participants of sustained provincial support, emphasizing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s role in providing legislative backing for long-term agricultural development.
To ensure success, PAgrO and PCA-10 technical staff conducted on-site orientations on proper planting and seedling care.
The province’s support drive continued in Lala, known as the rice granary of Lanao del Norte, on August 1. At the Municipal Evacuation Center in Barangay Lanipao, 1,800 farmers each received one gallon of foliar fertilizer for their combined 7,325 hectares of farmland. Additionally, 80 farmers received hybrid corn seeds—30 for white corn and 50 for yellow corn.
Mayor Angel Yap acknowledged the challenges posed by erratic weather patterns and encouraged farmers to maximize the distributed support to sustain yields. Local farmer Nicolas Sumalpong echoed this sentiment, hoping for rain to boost crop survival. “Buligan unta kita sa Ginoo nga mo-ulan diin ma-salbar ug dako nga area diri sa Lala,” he shared.
In support of the local rice economy, National Food Authority (NFA) representative Jeremy Caballero encouraged farmers to sell their harvests directly to the agency, which will store unmilled rice for future emergency distributions.
These multi-location initiatives reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to empowering farmers, enhancing food security, and building a resilient agricultural sector. With more distributions planned in the coming days, Lanao del Norte continues to stand by its farmers as the backbone of its economy and food system.