Philippines: Labor Department supports organic cut-flower production
DOLE in partnership with the Municipal Government of San Remigio has released the amount of P1 Million to 100 upland farmers for the Vegetable Growing through diversified Organic Vegetable Production Integrated with Cut Flower Production.
“Since the project was released sometime in July 2015, the farmers have gained a lot in terms of income and market linkages”, said Mayor Glenn Cabigunda of San Remigio in an interview.
The farmers have sustained their cut-flower and vegetable production year round, a big boost to their income to send their children to college, he said.
Some farmers supplied their veggies to restaurants in Boracay, Aklan and in Iloilo City while others are taking advantage of the local in San Remigio, Sibalom and San Jose.
Mayor Cabigunda thanked DOLE for this project. He likewise, encouraged farmers to sustain their production to meet the growing market demands and participate in training program to enhance their skills and knowledge especially in organic farming.
DOLE’s livelihood assistance includes vegetable seeds, cut flowers, garden tools, organic fertilizers and botanical pesticide, said Info Officer Donnabelle Baldonado.
On part of LGU San Remigio Municipal Agriculturist Marcos Milicano Jr has facilitated refresher course on organic vegetable growing and cut flower production with hands on training on concoction preparations for organic farming.
The project also strengthens the tourism program of the town being known for eco-tourism adventure like hiking, biking, cave exploration, viewing of rafflesia among others.
Barangay Aningalan, some 23 kilometers from the town is known as a little Baguio of Antique due to its cool weather even in summer months which make its conducive to vegetable farming and cut flower production.
Source: Philippine Information Agency