25/06/2025
𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝟏𝟎𝟖.𝟐-𝐌 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐈𝐃, 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒
Governor Gwen Garcia and Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco facilitated the distribution of over P108.2 million worth of farm machinery, equipment, and seed capital to local farmers and the local government units of Camotes.
The program, held at the San Francisco gym, is a strategic push toward yellow corn production under the Sugbo Maisan program, as corn is a high-yielding and in demand product that is key to the Capitol’s efforts to revitalize agriculture in the province.
To jumpstart the initiative, the Capitol allocated P10 million in seed capital for each of the four LGUs in Camotes. The checks were received by San Francisco Mayor Al Arquillano; Poro Mayor Gary Rama; Tudela Mayor Greman Solante; and Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago.
Additionally, the province turned over P68 million worth of agricultural machineries and equipment, including tractors with implements, corn combine harvesters, platform weighing scales, corn dryers, and dedicated building for corn drying.
The Governor and the mayors formalized the turnover of equipment by signing a Deed of Donation which was also witnessed by Vice Gov-elect Soco and Board Members Mika Villamor and Red Duterte.
Both seed capital and equipment will be allotted to help the local farm groups in the LGUs as they venture on corn farming and production.
𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑-𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐁𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐍
Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, the provincial government partnered with national line agencies and private institutions, such as Department of Agriculture 7, Department of Labor and Employment 7, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Landbank of the Philippines (offering loans at 2% interest), Cooperative Bank of Cebu with 0% interest loans, Institutional buyers San Miguel Foods Inc., and Upland Stocks Food Inc.
The four mayorsalso signed an agreement establishing an Inter-Municipality Economic Enterprise Council for the Sugbo Maisan project, ensuring long-term institutionalization.
The event drew 200 farmer associations—50 each from Tudela and Poro, and 100 from San Francisco—showing their interest and support for the program.
The Sugbo Maisan project aims to boost corn production, ensure sustainability through inter-LGU cooperation, and provide farmers with seeds, fertilizers, and critical resources.