F2C2 Program Brings Success to Farmers in Sara, Iloilo: A Model for Sustainable Agricultural Development

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Farmers of Sara, Iloilo in the Philippines recently celebrated a successful Farm Consolidation Project, as part of the BayanAgri 2023 PPP Program.

The project was blessed at the new Kubota Iloilo Satellite Office, and was attended by a host of guests and visitors, including government officials and private sector representatives.

Mayor Jon “Onick” N. Aying, Vice Mayor “Toto” S. Zerrudo, and other Sangguniang Bayan members led the event, which was also graced by 5th district Rep. Raul “Boboy” C. Tupas.

They were joined by guests from the Department of Agriculture Region VI, including OIC-Regional Executive Director Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, OIC-RED, and Mr. Andrew Palomar, F2C2 Focal Person; and Mr. Romar A. Areno, PhilMech Cluster head for Visayas.

The event was made even more special by the presence of the guest speaker, SAGIP Partylist Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta, who emphasized the importance of the F2C2 Program of the Department of Agriculture.

He shared his inspiring life story of overcoming hardship as the son of farmers and his efforts to give back to the agricultural community.

Former congressman Anthony M. Bravo, president of PBBM, also lent his support to the F2C2 program, which aims to consolidate small farms into larger, more efficient units.

The Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, DTI, Archipelago Insurance Limited, J1 VISA, and Philippine Carabao Center were among the financial partners who showed their support for the program.

JJ Agri Corporation, Maharlika Golden Eagles Holding Inc., Iloilo New Agri-Industrial Marketing and General Services Inc. (Kubota Iloilo) also joined the celebration as an example of a successful partnership with Sara FACOMA MPC.

In closing, Nielo P. Velasco, the newly elected Chairman of the Board of Sara FACOMA MPC, gave a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude and commitment to the Bayanihan spirit that underpins the program.

The successful implementation of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program in Sara, Iloilo is a testament to the power of Bayanihan, and the unwavering support of both the government and private sector in ensuring the availability of sufficient food for every Filipino family. It is an inspiring model that other communities can follow, to achieve sustainable agricultural growth and development.