SP OKs pact with DA-10 for farming equipment

FARMERS will benefit from the Department of Agriculture’s modernization program.
The City Council during its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Rainier Joaquin V. Uy enacted an ordinance authorizing Mayor Oscar Moreno to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DA-RFO-10 covering the grant of one unit mechanical sheller for corn to the city government.
This is in line with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), which aims to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sector through modernization, greater participation among farmer’s cooperative, farmers, fisherfolks and non-government organizations for people’s empowerment.
The Power learned that the DA is implementing the corn and cassava program to increase productivity, competitiveness of domestic corn and cassava production and increase farm income, among others.
The MOA provides that the DA shall pay the cost of the mechanization facility, extend technical services as may be needed by the city relative to the project preparation and conduct regular monitoring and evaluation before, during and after the completion of the project to sustain sustainability, among others.
For its part, the city shall secure all legal documents necessary for the project implementation, provide a permanent shed for the mechanical sheller as additional counterpart and utilize the mechanical sheller in accordance to its intended use. The city shall, likewise, ensure its maintenance and sustainable operation, among others.
The legislation was endorsed by the committees on agriculture and fisheries and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Annie Daba and Ian Mark Nacaya, respectively.