Northern Samar is ambitiously planning to allocate PHP1.2 billion over the next six years to revolutionize its agriculture and fisheries sectors. This initiative, detailed in the recently approved Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Plan (PAFMP) 2024-2030, aims to enhance the province’s agricultural sustainability and stimulate economic growth.
Funding for this comprehensive plan will be sourced from multiple channels: 50% from the provincial government, 40% from the national government, and the remaining 10% from private sector contributions. The budget breakdown includes PHP535 million for improving crop production and marketing, PHP286.55 million for advancing livestock and poultry sectors, and PHP373 million dedicated to the development of the fishery industry.
Jose Luis Acompañado, the Provincial Agriculture Officer, emphasized the significance of the PAFMP’s approval, stating it will serve as a crucial roadmap for the province’s agricultural future. The plan encompasses a wide range of projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of agricultural facilities, the development of irrigation systems, the building of farm access roads, and the procurement and distribution of modern farm machinery and equipment.
Further, the plan focuses on introducing cutting-edge technologies, enhancing resource management, and optimizing production systems. It also aims to tackle food production vulnerabilities, promote self-sufficiency, boost the competitiveness of local products, generate employment opportunities, and draw investments into the agricultural sector.
Additional objectives include mitigating the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, and improving access to advanced tools, training programs, markets, and infrastructure, all of which are vital for the long-term success of Northern Samar’s agricultural and fishery sectors.