COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 17 May) – The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) is set to distribute farm aid inputs to farmers badly hit by the severe drought during the last quarter.
DAF-ARMM Secretary Alexander Alonto Jr. said there is an urgent response needed for the farmers to immediately cope with the rainy season now being felt all over the region, coming from the almost six months of crop failure due to the impact of the long dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
“Our office is now validating from the ground who are those farmers to be assisted and they are preparing the farm seeds and other inputs for the immediate response,” Alonto said.
DAF-ARMM is celebrating its 25th year of service after it was devolved to the autonomous regional government in 1991 by virtue of Executive Order No. 460 signed by then President Corazon Aquino.
A weeklong celebration recognizing the contribution of its employees, the fisher folks and farmers will mark this year’s event.
Today’s highlight features the Padian-Padian, a showcase of Halal, fresh and organic agriculture and fisheries products.
DAF-ARMM will also honor achiever farmers who, despite the challenges of climate change, managed to excel and produced more, especially those who were involved in organic farming methods.
There will also be an exhibit of other promising products like the Tawi-Tawi’s spicy chips made from seaweeds and the refreshing and unique tropical marang ice cream.
