Some 90 farmers in Barangay Igang-Igang, Bataraza have received P103,168.45-worth of banana suckers from Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) initiatives.
All 5,500 pieces, the banana suckers or lateral shoots that develop from rhizomes, were part of requests from the 2020 Planning since Igang-Igang residents are known as farmers with vast potential land farming areas, said community development coordinator Monessa Usop.
Among others, she said Igang-Igang also engages in rice, coffee, and corn farming.
“Farming talaga ang pangunahing kabuhayan sa Barangay Igang-Igang kung saan ako na-assign kaya ito rin ang kanilang naging request sa nakaraang planning para sa ASDMP 2020. Karamihan sa kanila ay may palayan, kapehan, at maisan.” said Usop.
Usop added that according to the allocation, each farmer will receive 61 seedlings to be planted to their individual farms.
“Ang bawat farmer ay makakatanggap ng 61 seedlings na imo-monitor din ng aming opisina kapag nasimulan na itong itanim.” added Usop
Usop shared that they are yet to plan for the formation of the farmer’s association to support the maintenance and operation of the project.
“Magkakaroon din ng asosasyon na i-rerehistro sa DOLE upang maging maayos ang samahan nila.” added Usop
Bong Dela Rosa, RTNMC community relations manager, said that RTN continues to support the Bataraza local farmers and producers as part of its initiative in Enterprise and Livelihood program.
“Ito pa rin ay bahagi ng aming patuloy na suporta sa ating mga bayaning magsasaka kaloob ng aming mga inisyatibo sa Enterprise and Livelihood programs.” said Dela Rosa
The distribution was conducted from June 29-July 4.
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