The rains for the past few weeks remind us all that our farmers are about to plant rice. To help our registered rice farmers, the City Government will provide them with 1,000 packs of hybrid palay seeds, and 665 bags of fertilizer.

During a simple ceremony on June 10, 2020 at the food terminal in Barangay Biday, Mayor Alf Ortega, together with Councilor Tony Jucar Committee Chair on Agriculture and Ms. Joan Pasca, OIC, City Agriculture Office, led the initial distribution of the seeds and fertilizers.

In the same event, Mayor Alf Ortega acknowledged the vision efforts of Congressman Pablo Ortega in the establishment of health and wellness centers in every barangay. The centers greatly helped, and continue to help, in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and in providing social and health services during the health emergency. The Mayor also manifested his appreciation for the diligence and hardwork of barangay officials, frontliners, and volunteers in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Mayor Alf thanked the farmers for their dedication, patience, and sacrifices to continually produce for the people of San Fernando. To show the City Government’s recognition of the farmer’s efforts, the Mayor assured them that they will continue to be provided with the support that will, and the City Government will look for ways to extend our assistance to our farmers.

Barangays Sacyud, Pao Sur, Biday, Puspus, Pao Norte, Tanqui, Mameltac, and Apaleng were the first to receive the seeds and fertilizers. The distribution is done in batches to comply with the guidelines that prohibit the gathering of a big number of people while there is still the danger of COVID-19 infection.

(Photos by Clifford Mercado)