Herminihilda Mesa of San Isidro, Paniqui, Tarlac received from Agriculture Secretary William Dar one bag of inbred rice as part of the interventions provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP).

RRP is part of the Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra Covid-19 program that seeks to increase the production of quality rice during the pandemic.

Mesa is among the local farmers from Paniqui who benefitted from the RRP assistance from DA through its regional office. The aid also includes fertilizer support, which follows a “buy two, take two” scheme.

During a simple distribution ceremony held on July 16, Dar stressed that the agriculture sector must remain united in pursuit of food security.

“Nagbibigay po tayo ng ayuda para maitaas ang ani at kita ng magsasakang Pilipino,” he said.

The agri chief added that the national government is pushing for the development of the agriculture sector, as it remains one of the strongest and steadfast pillars in nation-building.

“Labanan natin ang pandemya sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanim. Sa agrikultura, may pag-asa na babangon ang ating bansa, lalagong muli ang ating ekonomiya, at tataas ang ani at kita ng ating mga magsasaka,” he said. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)