A total of 128 rice farmers from Victorias City recently received financial assistance, amounting to P7,000 each, under the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA).
The distribution was coordinated by the City Agriculture Office, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, at the Bandong covered court in Barangay VII Sept. 15.
City agriculturist, Dr. Samson Garzon, said that under the leadership of Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, the city is giving its all-out support to farmers through strong partnerships with programs of the Department of Agriculture.
Jenny Babe Torrenueva, assistant APCO in Region VI, gave the overview of the RCEF-RFFA, on behalf of agriculturist II Rammy Baylosis; while area supervisor of USSC Negros Occidental Wilfred Garino gave an orientation on FIMC onboarding, payout, and card printing process to ensure a seamless distribution for all participants, the city said in a press release Sept. 18.
Rice program coordinator Myro Ramos thanked the rice farmers for the hard work that they do, and for the vital role they play in ensuring food sufficiency.
The RCEF-RFFA provides support to rice farmers, who face increasing production costs and challenges.
Victorias will ensure that local producers receive these benefits, as it emphasized the city’s thrust in ensuring the livelihood of all farmers and fishers.
The city government, meanwhile, conducted “Operation Pagbulig: Medical and Recovery Support for Gawahon” to provide medical, psychological, and relief support to residents of Barangay XI, Gawahon Sept. 18, following a recent armed encounter in their area.
The outreach was conducted, in partnership with the 79th Infantry Battalion and the Victorias City Police Station, with the active participation of city officials.
Residents benefitted from a range of services, including a bloodletting activity facilitated by the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital – Blood Bank, free medical consultation and medicines courtesy of the City Health Office, headed by Dr. Richard Garlitos, and relief goods provided by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Psychological first aid was also administered by the City Culture and Ethics Office, led by Dr. Joselito Diaz, to help affected families cope with the trauma.
Punong Barangay Mary Pugna expressed her gratitude to the city government for prioritizing the welfare and safety of her constituents.
Former Rebel Information System NCO, Mary Joy Venerable, shared insights on the deceptive tactics of armed groups, reminding the residents to remain cautious and vigilant.
Victorias City Police chief, P/Lt. Col. Terence Paul Sta. Ana, assured the community of continued security in the area, and stressed that the government remains committed to safeguarding the residents.
Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso of the 79th IB, likewise expressed the Army’s full support in maintaining peace in Barangay XI.
Mayor Bantug encouraged residents to remain vigilant, and to stay cautious against any misleading influences that may disrupt peace and order. ||
