NTA Abra distributed 2,280 broiler chicks to farmer beneficiaries of its Gulayan at Manukan sa Barangay (GMB) project. The distribution was held simultaneously on October 5 at the Bangued Branch Office and in Pilar, Abra.
In all, 57 tobacco farmers each received 40 broiler chicks, feeds, and veterinary supplements. Farmers from Pilar, Abra received the feed and the supplements on an earlier date, September 28, in Pilar, Abra.
Minerva P. Mizal, NTA Vigan Branch Manager and currently in charge of NTA Abra, said the distribution of the “Manukan” component of the project is intended for tobacco farmers whose farms were heavily affected by freak rains during the first quarter of 2021.
“The project compensates for the losses in tobacco production of our farmers who were intensely affected by the heavy rains and contributes to food security and supply amid this pandemic,” Mizal said.
The distribution in Bangued was facilitated by Romeo Y. Paculdo, Senior Tobacco Production Regulating Officer (TPRO); Melben B. Bejarin, TPRO III; Marife P. Peralta , Agriculturist I; Natividad B. Quibilan, TPRO I; and Roger B. Talape, TPRO – Job Order (JO). Farmer beneficiaries are from Barangay Agrangao in Bangued, Libtec and Salucag in Dolores, Gayaman and Luzong in Luba, Nagtipulan in Laganinglang, and Basbasa in Tayum.
Julio A. Barbosa, TPRO I; Mardelito B. Bacaricas, TPRO (JO); Mary Ella Mae D. Agbusac, TPRO (JO); and Jemaima C. Santiago, TPRO (JO), supervised the dissemination of chicks and poultry supplies to the beneficiaries of barangays of Ocup, Dintan, Bolbolo, and Poblacion in Pilar.
NTA launched its Gulayan at Manukan sa Barangay Project in April 2020 to help farming households produce their food and raise additional income for their family during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in support of the thrust of the Department of Agriculture to strengthen flagship programs for food productivity and supply availability during an health crisis.
[Melanie Rapiz-Parel & NTA Abra / photos: Marife P. Peralta / Ryan Jay Sape]