Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA-RFO 02) served as Guest Speaker during the Monday’s regular Flag Raising Ceremonies of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Command 2, Camp Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

In his speech, Edillo discussed the major programs and services of the department that can be availed by the regional command as an institution.

“As a start, we are allocating assorted vegetable seeds, one (1) sheep multiplier (1 ram, 4 ewes), one (1) goat multiplier (1 buck, 4 does) and 300 heads free range chicken for you to grow and raise in the camp,” he said.

“We hope that these projects will pave the way for DA’s partnership with PNP in our quest for food security in the country.”

The executive director also challenged the regional command to venture into agriculture especially if there are areas inside the camp which can be planted with crops and can be utilized for livestock raising and even fishery.

“Just like what we did last year for our soldiers in Camp Upi, Gamu, Isabela, who practices organic farming, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through the DA had allocated 4-wheel drive tractor for their 40-hectare rice production, we can also consider giving you the necessary assistance.”

To help the government in food production, Edillo emphasized the need to get back to basics such as vegetable production through edible landscaping, vertical gardening and the like.

“We are currently coordinating with government agencies for the provision of vegetable seeds for the Gulayan sa Tanggapan, local government units for the Gulayan sa Bakuran and Department of Education for the Gulayan sa Paaralan.”

He also encouraged the staff to join associations or cooperatives in their localities for easier access to government interventions.

“We are dealing with groups in order for us to have a better delivery of government services on mechanization, credit, marketing, and other interventions,” he announced.

“To mitigate the effect of climate change in agriculture, we are also introducing mechanization, integrated farming, crop insurance and conduct of research on climate-smart technologies.”

He assured that DA-RFO 02 shall continue to give quality services not only for farmers and fishers but to everyone who will venture into farming.

“Despite the decrease in budget for 2019, DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol is positive that the department can still achieve its regional targets this year especially if Filipinos will change their mindset.”

Edillo explained that there are so many problems affecting the food production targets of DA.

“Cultural because of our inability to accept new technologies and political will to some policymakers to support DA’s budget which hinders the development’s take off.”

Likewise, he encouraged the PNP to coordinate with DA’s offices in the entire region if they have concerns about processing and value-adding techniques.

“To date, our office had already developed by-products of corn, peanut, mungbean, cacao, coffee, vegetables, and even livestock. We can also assist you if you are interested to venture into agribusiness,” he ended.