The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it released P500 million to farmers in Cagayan Province as part of the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid) in an effort to achieve its two percent agricultural sector growth by year-end.

The DA and the Land Bank of the Philippines turned over P15,000 worth of cash cards to 803 farmer-beneficiaries from the municipalities of Piat, Tuao, Amulung, Iguig, Solana, Alcala, Enrile and Peñablanca in the province as part of the program.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said that about P30 million from SURE Aid is allocated for Cagayan Province alone, which will benefit 2,000 farmers tilling one hectare and below.

He added that soon, farmers who are tilling more than two hectares and are most affected of the falling prices of palay, will also receive a one-time P5000 cash assistance.

The province also received P321 million-worth of hybrid seeds — P195 million for rice and P126 million for corn — and P187 million-worth of agricultural machinery, irrigation facilities and infrastructure.

Dar accounted the hard work of rice farmers to the agricultural growth.

“We are much inspired and we will do much more to help you become more productive, more competitive and more prosperous. We have to our best to produce enough food safe and nutritious food for this country to plan for more export,” he said.

Dar vowed that the DA will also formulate a fertilization program to help farmers increase their production and double their income, saying that the “Buy 2 Take 2” program will focus on providing urea fertilizer to farmers.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also awarded P500,000 worth of projects for the local government of Apari for winning as third place in the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan to its effective law enforcement, mangrove rehabilitation, and for implementing ludong close season.