The Ilocos Norte provincial government distributed PHP12.6 million in livelihood assistance to 2,779 farmers and fisherfolk on Thursday at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center. The aid, funded through the province’s share of Republic Act 7171, or the tobacco excise tax, includes livestock, agricultural equipment, and production supplies intended to bolster local food security amid rising living costs.
What aid was provided to farmers?
According to the provincial government, the distribution package consisted of 363 piglets paired with starter feed, eight incubator units, and seven forage chopper units. Additional agricultural inputs provided to beneficiaries included water pumps, grass cutters, irrigation hoses, coolers, weighing scales, rice seeds, and fertilizers. All recipients were selected following a validation process conducted by their respective municipal agricultural offices to prioritize those with the greatest need.
Why the Agri Ka Dito program matters
Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos stated that the initiative is designed to support the agricultural sector as it recovers from the African swine fever outbreak. The program, known as “Agri Ka Dito,” aims to rebuild resilient livelihoods and ensure consistent food supplies for families. For beneficiaries like Romeo Dela Cruz, a farmer and father from Barangay Santa Maria, Piddig, the assistance serves as a critical restart for animal husbandry. Dela Cruz noted that the provision of piglets and feed provides the support necessary to resume farming operations after the province’s previous struggle with disease outbreaks in the livestock sector.
What happens next for local agriculture
The provincial government’s continued roll-out of the “Agri Ka Dito” program suggests a long-term focus on sustaining the agricultural sector. By utilizing funds from Republic Act 7171, the province is likely to continue prioritizing similar equipment and livestock distributions to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living. If these inputs are successfully integrated, the local farming community may see increased production capacity and improved stability in their livelihoods. However, the long-term success of these efforts could depend on the continued efficacy of the municipal validation processes to ensure resources reach the most vulnerable producers.
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