BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has awarded a PHP5 million grant to the provincial government of Dinagat Islands under the Enhanced Kadiwa Program.
The grant, handed over Wednesday, is in addition to the PHP1.6 million released to the local government of Libjo on Tuesday.
In a statement on Thursday, DA-13 said the provincial government will use the grant to purchase a winged-van hauler truck and a refrigerated van to transport farm and fishery products to market centers.
DA-13 Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen personally turned over the grant to Nilo Marco Demerey, representing Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., during the handover ceremony.
“The grant will also support the Dinagat’s ‘Kadiwa sa Kapitolyo’ program and other agribusiness activities intended to assist farmers and fisherfolk groups in the province,” DA-13 said.
The facilities to be acquired through the grant aim to ensure the safety and preservation of perishable farm and fishery products, the agency added.
In a separate statement, the Dinagat provincial government commended the DA’s priority programs under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“The Enhanced Kadiwa Program contributes to the efforts of the provincial government for food security by ensuring the steady and affordable supply of fresh produce and fishery products in our markets,” the provincial government said.
The grant is expected to benefit thousands of farmers and fisherfolk in the Dinagat Islands. (PNA)