Batangas City – Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto met with officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) today at the Batangas Capitol for a high-level briefing on agricultural programs, farmer support initiatives, and pressing challenges facing the province’s farming and fishing communities.
The meeting, led by DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, highlighted the current and upcoming projects in Batangas, as well as the support mechanisms in place for the province’s 123,213 registered farmers.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto also joined the briefing and explained that the national government has released unprogrammed funds to the DA for its rice program. This is expected to further strengthen efforts in ensuring rice sufficiency across provinces like Batangas.
Key updates shared during the briefing include:
- Fuel Subsidies: Continued distribution of fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on production costs.
- Post-Harvest Support: Release of RCEFMP (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program) post-harvest machinery slated for 2025 to improve efficiency and reduce losses.
- Irrigation Gaps: Addressing irrigation issues not only for rice but also for other crops like coconut and sugar, which are vital to the province’s agri-economy.
- Aquaculture Review: A review of the 9,000 existing fish pens in Batangas’ lakes to ensure sustainability and compliance with the lakes’ carrying capacity.
- Farm-to-Market Initiatives: Strengthening farm-to-market linkages, including the upcoming “Farmers’ Day” exhibition that will serve as a platform for local farmers to showcase and directly sell their produce to consumers.
“Batangas’ farmers and fisherfolk are at the heart of our economy. We need to make sure they are equipped, supported, and connected to markets so they can thrive,” Gov. Santos-Recto said.
The governor also underscored the importance of balancing agricultural growth with environmental sustainability, especially in light of concerns about overcapacity in aquaculture.
The provincial government, in collaboration with the DA, will continue to roll out programs aimed at boosting productivity, enhancing resilience, and empowering Batangueño farmers and fisherfolk in the face of climate and economic challenges.
