By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar arrived in Negros Occidental yesterday morning to lead the turnover of P462.7 million worth of bridges and assistance to local farmers at Bacolod City’s Panaad Park and Stadium.

During the event, Dar turned over P206.8 million in farm equipment to local farmers cooperatives and associations, and local government units. A total of 35,545 farmer beneficiaries in the province have also received cash and food assistance worth P177.7 million.

The assistance is under the DA’s program in assisting farmers and fisherfolks which were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dar also signed a memorandum of agreement for a feedlot fattening project for cattle worth P5 million for Binalbagan town. He also released a P1 million financial grant for the Multi-Sectoral Alliance for Development Cooperative, as well as P4.5 million for the Caridad Hog Raisers Association.

Following the event at the Panaad, Dar also visited Cadiz City for the turnover of the Dalapayan Bridge in Barangay Caduhaan worth P23.4 million and the Sicaba Bridge worth P36.9 million.

He also attended the signing rites for a memorandum of agreement with the Central Philippine State University in Kabankalan City worth P2.5 million as part of the Bayanihan II program in Victorias City, which will be used for the university’s cacao, sweet potatoes, and bamboo nursery.

The DA chief is also expected to attend an event at May’s Garden in Bacolod City this morning./DGB, WDJ