In pursuit of transparent governance and to further strengthen partnership with the local farmers, Mayor Joseph A. Rañola organized another set of special meeting with farmers’ associations last November 19, 2022, at Function Hall, Old House.

The activity was attended by representatives from tilapia growers, livestock raisers, mango growers, and vegetable growers from the upland barangays that had received livelihood assistance programs from and/or thru the LGU.

The meeting aimed to discuss the status of livelihood projects given to each group, to know the issues and concerns in the project implementation, and to learn what other assistance they needed for project sustainability. Part also of the discussion was to get the commitment of the prospective beneficiaries on the major livelihood projects which will be implemented soon.

In his opening statement, Mayor Joseph A. Rañola, re-affirmed his strong support for the agriculture sector as the top priority of his administration. He cited some of the major projects for agriculture funded locally and/or sourced out from national partner agencies implemented during his term of office. He also shared his honest assessment of the level of acceptance and commitment of the different project beneficiaries. He strongly emphasized that as much as we have to be quick in accessing and accepting livelihood projects when there is an opportunity, it also needs concrete plans and preparations to make it sustainable.

“It is my responsibility to ensure that government funds are well-spent in meaningful projects to uplift the lives of our people. I cannot afford these projects to fail and that’s the reason we closely monitor and place a support mechanism for beneficiaries. Likewise, your commitment and capacity to nurture the resources entrusted to you also matter a lot. The LGU at all times is more than willing to extend assistance – capacity development, technical and financial support, to deserving associations who have signified interest in avail of livelihood interventions and take full responsibility for it. We will continuously assist you until such time that you can stand alone,” the Mayor said.

One of the agendas tackled is the update on the ₱2.5M Free-ranged Chicken Project to be funded by the Department of Agriculture Region 7 that is now ready for downloading. The project beneficiaries will be provided with breeder stocks, enclosure nets, and feed with biologics. The LGU will also provide assistance for the construction of chicken houses and technical training for native chicken production.

The Local Chief Executive also discussed the updates of the Mango Rehabilitation Project, of which additional 500 mango trees will be fertilized and rehabilitated under the cash-for-work program. Lastly, he also laid down his plans for the enhancement of existing tilapia projects – both for the hatchery and production in Lonoy and Mayana and for the expansion of additional areas for Calabacita.

The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to personally discuss their concerns and aspirations and for the clear direction set by the Local Chief Executive.

The said meeting was attended by Executive Assistant Mr. Joel Rosario, MPDC Peter Jamero, MAO-Designate Wendy Galero, and JASMED In-charge and Fishery Coordinator Timoteo Escolano, .