To support local farming, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) distributed over P103,000-worth of banana suckers to some 90 farmers in Barangay Igang-Igang, Bataraza.
To support local farming, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) distributed over P103,000-worth of banana suckers to some 90 farmers in Barangay Igang-Igang, Bataraza.
The banana suckers or lateral shoots, being developed from rhizomes, were part of requests of farmers from the 2020 Planning since Igang-Igang residents are known as farmers with vast potential land farming areas.
Community development coordinator Monessa Usop said Igang-Igang also engages in rice, coffee, and corn farming.
“Farming talaga ang pangunahing kabuhayan sa Barangay Igang-Igang kung saan ako na-assign kaya ito rin ang kanilang naging request sa nakaraang planning para sa ASDMP 2020. Karamihan sa kanila ay may palayan, kapehan, at maisan,” said Usop.
Usop added that based on the allocation, each farmer will receive 61 seedlings to be planted to their individual farms.
“Ang bawat farmer ay makakatanggap ng 61 seedlings na imo-monitor din ng aming opisina kapag nasimulan na itong itanim,” added Usop.
Usop shared that they are yet to plan for the formation of the farmer’s association to support the maintenance and operation of the project.
“Magkakaroon din ng asosasyong i-rerehistro sa DOLE upang maging maayos ang samahan nila,” added Usop.
Bong Dela Rosa, RTNMC community relations manager, said that RTN continues to support the Bataraza local farmers and producers as part of its initiative in Enterprise and Livelihood program.
“Ito pa rin ay bahagi ng aming patuloy na suporta sa ating mga bayaning magsasaka kaloob ng aming mga inisyatibo sa Enterprise and Livelihood programs,” said Dela Rosa.
The distribution was conducted from June 29-July 4, through RTNMC’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) initiatives.