DA gives free tarp mats, advice via “Usapang Palay”

By LAIMINH MABULAY
July 16, 2013

CATBALOGAN CITY – City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan facilitated in giving laminated tarpaulin mats to 160 farmers from various barangays last July 11, 2013 at Cocina de Cabral, this city.

The laminated tarpaulins mats are to be used for the process of drying harvested rice grains under the sun, a method that is recommended by agricultural technologists instead of laying the grains on asphalt or cement roads.

Prior to this, Catbalogan City’s farmers benefited from the free advice and tips on farming that were given to them during the “Usapang Palay”, a question-and-answer type of forum regularly conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Here, farmers were given the opportunity to raise the concerns and problems that they commonly encounter on the field. This also serves as a venue where representatives of key offices get to share updates on rice technology as well as the different services that are available for the farmers.

Agriculture Program Coordinating Officer Johnny Ibanez led the panel which included representatives from the National Food Authority, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. Provincial Rice Program Coordinator Enrico Cinco served as the moderator for the said forum.