Legazpi City:The city government of Legazpi took proactive measures on Friday by distributing vegetable seeds and fertilizers to local farmers. This initiative aims to sustain agricultural production and mitigate the anticipated impact of an impending strong El Niño.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution event in Barangay Mabinit benefitted 148 vegetable farmers, with 121 from Mabinit and 27 from Barangay Bonga who are yet to claim their assistance. Each farmer received 15 kilograms of fertilizer, including types such as Triple 14, 4600, and 0060, to help reduce production costs and ensure food security.
In addition to the vegetable farmers, the initiative also supports rice farmers through the Department of Agriculture's fertilizer allocation. A total of 23 inbred rice farmers received foliar fertilizers, while nine hybrid rice farmers were provided with granular fertilizers, including urea and Triple 14.
Zaira Ramirez, agricultural technologist of the City Agriculture Office, noted that the recent distribution in Mabinit was a continuation of the city's ceremonial rollout conducted the previous week. The City Agriculture Office has scheduled distributions in various barangays to make it more convenient for farmers.
Plans are underway to distribute additional seeds from the Department of Agriculture for rice farmers, pending their arrival. Meanwhile, supplies for vegetable seeds are still awaited.
Danny Baranquil, a councilman of Mabinit and committee chair on agriculture, expressed gratitude to the City Agriculture Office for the assistance. He emphasized the importance of this support as farmers prepare for a new planting cycle amid the approaching El Niño.
Farmers like Ofelia Perez and Gabriel Azores have welcomed the assistance, noting the financial relief it provides by offsetting the high cost of fertilizers, allowing them to allocate funds for other essential needs.
