President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of agricultural support to different farmers’ groups and associations from Agusan del Norte towns and this city during an activity conducted at the provincial capitol covered court here Wednesday.

At least PHP34.8 million worth of farm support were given to the farmers during the occasion, consisting of fertilizer discount vouchers, farm machinery and equipment and livelihood projects.

The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) said the President was welcomed by Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, DA-13 Director Ricardo Oñate Jr., Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada and Reps. Jose Aquino and Dale Corvera of the province’s first and second districts, respectively.

“A total of 745 farmer-beneficiaries from Butuan City received PHP3.9 million worth of fertilizer vouchers from the President,” DA-13 said in a statement.

The Lingayao-Kahayagan Cassava Farmers Association, a group from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, also received a hauling truck and a four-wheel drive tractor worth PHP4.6 million.

On the other hand, the Buenas Agong-ong Active Farmers Association from the town of Buenavista was also the recipient of a PHP10 million worth of swine production livelihood project.

Marcos also released PHP16.3 million worth of rice combine harvesters to nine farmers and irrigators associations in the province through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization.

Twenty units of fiberglass boats were also distributed by the President to beneficiary fishermen through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; and coconut seedlings for farmers from the Philippine Coconut Authority.

“The government is doing everything to uplift the lives of the farmers and fishers in the country through various government interventions. Whatever we do, if the sector in agriculture will be left behind, we won’t be able to strengthen the economy in the country,” Marcos said as quoted in the DA13 statement.

Moreover, Marcos joined jobseekers and employers during a job fair in the same venue on Wednesday organized by the Department of Labor and Employment in the region (DOLE-13).

DOLE-13 said various employers offered 1,000 local and overseas jobs during the fair.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in the province likewise wise distributed land preparation and carpentry toolkits to 25 beneficiaries during the presidential visit. (PNA)