Public agencies in Region II and Cordillera showed unity in assisting farmers become agripreneurs during the regions’ launching of RiceBIS 2.0 in Dupax Del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Nov. 16.
The event, held concurrently with the mass graduation of four batches of Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP), strengthened the ties among key stakeholders including the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Local government units, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the income and resources of organized farmers.
Dr. Diadem Gonzales-Esmero, program lead, emphasized the importance of building alliances, stating, “We highly encourage our partners to strengthen our alliances, because together we can ensure the success of our RiceBIS farmers to become millionaires.”
Vincent Gonzales, chairperson of the St. Vincent Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative, commended the collaborative efforts, declaring, “The DA and its attached agencies tirelessly work together to uplift our farmers. So, I also call them the Department of Love and Passion.”
The event also celebrated the graduation of 200 farmers completing the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) training.
“We are so grateful for the assistance that PhilRice and other agencies have given us. You are gradually changing and improving our farming activities. We have never thought that farmers can become rich, too,” Eva Carpiso of the Marasat-Dagupan RiceBIS Cooperative in San Mateo, Isabela said.
