SIQUIJOR, June 28 -- The Department of Agriculture through the Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) Siquijor recently turned over funds worth P13,261,050 to the Provincial Government of Siquijor. 

The ceremonial turnover was held at the Provincial Governor's Office with Cong. Jake Vincent Villa and Gov. Zaldy Villa who thanked  DA for continuously supporting Siquijor farmers.

Of the total, P10.7 million worth of projects have been funded under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program, of which around P6 million is allocated for the Livestock Production Project. 

This consists of two production projects - upgraded cattle production and upgraded goat production. 

At least 160  farmers have been identified to benefit from the project, of which 100 are cattle raisers and 60 are goat raisers. 

Still under the SAAD program, P4,640,000 will be for the chicken egg production project with 100 farmer beneficiaries. 

Another P2,546,050 under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP)  was turned over to support its implementation in the province. 

"Thank you very much. I hope for the continued support from the Department of Agriculture to improve the agricultural productivity of Siquijodnons,” said Villa.

The turnover was led by ACC III/Agriculture Provincial Coordinating Officer Gregolito Bunado and ACC II Bernadith Bunado.

It was witnessed by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Bernardita Tabada and Supervising Agriculturist Merlita Yabo from the Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Agriculturist Emiglio Coretico, SAAD Provincial Coordinator Agnes Guanella Cafe, and High Value Crops Development Program Coordinator Sul Adrian Dahunan. (Mary Jane Banglos, DA Siquijor/rac/PIA7 Siquijor)