HAMTIC, Antique (January 19, 2025) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday led the turnover of financial assistance and insurance claim checks through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to rice farmers from Hamtic and San Jose de Buenavista, helping them recover from crop losses caused by weather-related disruptions. Selected beneficiaries received ceremonial check handovers from the President.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also turned over Php770,000 worth of 11 units of 20-foot Fiberglass Plastic-Reinforced (FRP) boats with marine engines and accessories., to fisherfolk beneficiaries, strengthening livelihoods in coastal and maritime communities. In addition, multiple farmer and producer groups received agricultural machinery, including four-wheel tractors and rice combine harvesters, to support land preparation and harvesting.
Support extended to livestock and poultry development, with multiplier farms for cattle, carabao, native pigs, goats, chickens, and ducks established under the Department of Agriculture’s LEED Program. Several cooperatives were also awarded photovoltaic solar power systems to reduce energy costs and improve the sustainability of farm operations. ### (By DA – OSEC Comms & photos by Alan Jay Jacalan, AFID)
