Batangas aims to make young farmers rich

BATANGAS — Farmers who produce food for the Filipino table are often left poor and that is precisely what the provincial government wants to change, at least in Batangas.

Batangas Provincial Agriculturist Pablito Balantac said the provincial government has partnered with national agencies to make true its slogan “Rich Batangas” for its farmers, particularly the young and vibrant ones.

Balantac said this can be attained through modern farming technology and learning mechanisms through the interventions of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government through the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

He said it is saddening that farmers nowadays have an average age of 57, reflecting a great decline in the interest of today’s generation to get into farming.

He said there are about 13 learning centers which are strategically located within the province to encourage the youth into farming business for them to learn adaptable modern technologies.

Last Thursday, the province celebrated “Farmer’s Day” where individuals and groups of farmers were awarded for their exemplary contribution to farming business.

The Gawad Saka 2018 awardees were: Armando A. Bagsit – Outstanding Yellow Corn Farmer from Soro-Soro Ilaya, Batangas City; Javier B. Casas and Family, Outstanding Farm Family from Soro-Soro Karsada, Batangas City; Victor B. Malibiran, Outstanding High-Value Cash Crops Farmer; Leopoldo P. Garcia, Outstanding Rice Farmer with Integrated Farming System; Orlanda G. Pedraza, Outstanding Small Animal Raiser with Intergrated System; Melinda S. Vidal, Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur; Flora R. Limoico, Outstanding Fisherfolk for Fish Culture; Arvin V. Escueta, Outstanding Large Animal Raiser with Integrated Farming System; Eljay A. Consigo, Outstanding Young Farmer and Joseph C. Villegas, Outstanding Organic Farmer.

Awardees in the Group category were: Soro-Soro Multipurpose Allied Services Cooperative, Outstanding Small Farmer/ Fisherfolks organization; RIC Cooperative, Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal; RIC Leviste, Outstanding Rural Improvement Club; MFARMC Calatagan, Outstanding Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council; 4th Club of Tiquiwan, Outstanding Young Farmers Organization and MAFC Sto. Tomas, Outstanding Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council.

BLACK NAZARENE IN ANGONO — Devotees to the Black Nazarene join yesterday’s procession of its pilgrim image in Angono, Rizal as part of the activities during the religious image’s five-day visit. (Nel B. Andrade)