Bong Go to DA: Boost support for agri sector

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go renewed his call to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to intensify its support for the agricultural sector in providing livelihood and food security and in boosting economic activities in the countryside.

In a virtual meeting with government agencies involved in the Balik Probinsya, Balik Pagasa (BP2) Program on Monday, May 25, Go asked the Agriculture department’s readiness to assist Filipinos who are returning to the provinces.

He said agriculture is one key area that must be utilized to provide livelihood opportunities for BP2 benEfiCIARIES AND INCREASE AGRICULTURAL productivity to ensure food security throughout the country.

“Lalonasapanahonngayon naapektadongkrisisangating ekonomiya, back to basics potayo. Nakitanatinngayonkunggaano kahalagaangagrikulturasaating bansaatsaatingkabuhayan (Especially now that the crisis has affected our economy, we are back to basics. We have seen now how important agriculture is to our country and to our livelihood),”

Go added.

The DA vowed to assist those returning to their provinces and provide agricultural enterprises they might need or want, adding that its intervention would be demand-driven.

Earlier, Go asked the department to complement the BP2 Program in revitalizing the country’s agricultural sector as many Filipinos expressed willingness to participate in the program and be reintegrated in the rural communities.

He emphasized that the government must provide agricultural training and strengthen programs promoting agri-preneurship.

“Kunguuwiposilasakanilang silangoportunidadpang- livelihood naakmasakanilanglugarat karamihanpongatingprobinsya ay agriculture-driven anglokalna ekonomiya (Many lost their jobs and livelihood because of the crisis. If they come home to their provinces, they should be provided with livelihood opportunities that are compatible to their places and most of our provinces are agriculture-driven when it comes to local economy),” he explained.

Go added that agriculture would become the primary source of livelihood of those who were returning to the provinces, thus, programs that would teach them agricultural skills should be strengthened.

The senator also urged the Technical Skills and Development Authority to participate in the BP2 initiative by providing technical and vocational education and training programs that will be responsive to the needs of the local economy, including the agricultural sector.