CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened, July 21, with the Talakag Living Waters Agro-Forestry Farmers Association (TALIWA FA) at the agency’s compound in this city to discuss appropriate agri-assistance to help augment the FA’s farm production.

The TALIWA FA is a newly formed association of 60 farmers, primarily indigenous peoples (IPs) from the Talaandig and Higaonon tribes of Bukidnon.

Dir. Collado discussed with the group the DA programs and projects they can avail through the DA’s Rice, Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops Development, and Organic Agriculture programs, as well as other special projects of the Department.

He also detailed the agency’s SOPs for granting DA interventions to eligible recipients. Kennek Suarez Lake, interim president of TALIWA FA, particularly requested from DA the grant of draft animals (horses, cows, and water buffalo), livestock (pigs, goats), vegetable and corn seeds, organic fertilizers, agricultural training, an irrigation system, a storage facility, and mechanical equipment.

To be eligible DA beneficiaries, Collado urged the FA to enroll its members in the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) and closely coordinate with their Municipal Agriculture Office to guide them in their pursuit to grow as an association. (DA-10/PIA-10)