Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” P. Tiu Laurel Jr., visited Bataan on March 7, 2024 to observe the successful implementation of Precision Farming using drip fertigation, a method adopted from Israeli Smart Agriculture Technology.

3rd District of Bataan Representative Maria Angela S. Garcia, led the 1Bataan Farm Tour at Mr. Anthony Villanueva’s Farm, one of the 40 pilot farms in the province that focuses on crop diversification, involving conventional rice farming during the wet season and high-value crop cultivation during the dry season, with proper water and fertilizer proportions.

Oon the same day, Secretary Laurel, along with Limay Mayor Nelson David, Bataan Peninsula State University President Dr. Ruby Matibag, and Limay Polytechnic College President Dr. Elmer De Leon, signed a memorandum of agreement for the Limay 0 KM. Food Project. This project aims to study the structure of food supply and demand and establish a robust data collection system for supply and demand at the local government unit level.

In a related development, Mayor David also signed a memorandum of agreement with Mensch Filam Corporation for the Limay Invests for Farmers’ Triumph (LIFT): A Limay & MENSCH Collaboration Project or LIFT Project.

Secretary Laurel likewise oversaw the turnover of a ceremonial check under the enhanced Kadiwa for the establishment of a permanent KADIWA in Limay, Bataan, with a total project cost of five million pesos (P5M), and the turnover of a 20,000-bag capacity Onion Cold Storage Facility, together with Hermosa Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton.

Secretary Laurel commended the Provincial Government of Bataan (PGB) for incorporating modern technology to ease the workload of farmers in the preparation and planting phases on farms. Inspired by this initiative, Secretary Laurel plans to implement this project on a national level, starting with Bataan.

Additionally, Secretary Laurel granted the PGB and 1Bataan Farmers various agricultural facilities such as soil laboratory, solar-powered chillers or cold storages, and packaging and processing facilities. All these efforts are aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s goal to strengthen the agricultural landscape in the country.

Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III and 2nd District of Bataan Representative Cong. Abet S. Garcia thanked DA Sec. Laurel for his visit and projects aimed at lessening dependency on imports and promoting more locally produced goods in the local market towards a “Masagana at Bagong Pilipinas.”

Also present at the event were Cong. Jett Nisay, Cong. Geraldine Roman, Vice Gov. Cris Garcia, Balanga City Mayor Francis Garcia, Orion Mayor Tonypep Raymundo, Board Member Tony Roman, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture Region III and 1Bataan Farmers.

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