Davao: The Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) announced Tuesday its recent transfer of PHP6.5 million worth of support to assist farmers in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. The assistance was facilitated through DA-11’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division and Livestock Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra personally handed over a PHP1.5 million hauling truck to the local government unit (LGU) of Kiblawan under the Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program. Additionally, PHP500,000 in cash was provided as extra capitalization for the consolidation and marketing of agricultural commodities, benefiting the Pasig Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Upland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (PARBUF MPC).

The LGU also received a PHP4.5-million check for the establishment of a Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Project focused on cattle production, under DA’s Livestock Program. The Kadiwa grant is a special DA program designed to improve food availability and access through partnerships with LGUs and producer groups.

‘More than 500 farmers in Kiblawan will benefit from this support. It will assist cooperatives and associations, particularly in transporting their produce,’ Guevarra said. In a separate statement, PARBUF MPC chairperson Josephine Barsalote expressed gratitude to DA, stating, ‘Without DA’s support, the cooperative would continue to struggle to meet its needs. These interventions will help ensure food reaches every household in Kiblawan.’