₱2.4-M Worth of Rice Seeds, Fertilizer Distributed by Prov’l Gov’t

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson led the turnover of ₱2.4 million worth of rice seeds and fertilizers under the “Binhi Sang Probinsya” program through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Tuesday.

The turnover ceremony was attended by representatives of 12 farmers’ associations from six recipient cities and municipalities in the province.

The assistance included bags of registered rice seeds, fertilizers, biofertilizers, and other crop protection formulations intended to support seed production.

Gov. Lacson said the program aims to boost rice production and enable farmers to produce quality inbred seeds that they can share with others after four months. It also seeks to address the shortage of quality seeds by helping farmers’ associations produce and store their own seed reserves.

The governor expressed confidence in the program’s sustainability, citing the farmers’ willingness to participate and help strengthen local rice production.

OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Dina A. Genzola said the program is anchored on the Abanse Negrense Development Agenda, particularly its thrust on agricultural competitiveness and food security in the province.

She said the beneficiaries were trained and selected to produce quality rice seeds, emphasizing that they were among the chosen farmers from approximately 64,000 rice farmers.

Representing the 12 farmers’ associations, Vicente Talaver, chairman of the Brgy. Sibucao Farmer Association (BSFA) of San Enrique, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the initiative would help members access quality rice seeds and benefit their respective associations.*