By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet, hilly town of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, farmers now have new hope after receiving much-needed support from the government. For many of them, this could mean more income, better tools, and a stronger farming future.
The Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA-11) recently turned over a total of P6.5 million worth of assistance to local farmers and the local government unit (LGU) of Kiblawan. The aid includes transportation equipment, funding support for agricultural cooperatives, and a major livestock project aimed at strengthening the town’s cattle industry.
A key part of the support came from the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program, which aims to help small farmers bring their products directly to markets. As part of this program, a hauling truck worth P1.5 million was given to the Kiblawan LGU. This truck is expected to ease the transport of farm goods from remote areas to markets, especially for farmers with limited access to delivery vehicles.
In addition, a P500,000 cash grant was awarded to the Pasig Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Upland Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (PARBUF MPC). This fund will help the group in consolidating and marketing their agricultural produce, giving them better bargaining power and higher profit margins.
But the biggest chunk of the assistance came in the form of a P4.5 million check handed over to the LGU for the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Project. This program focuses on cattle production, with the goal of turning Kiblawan into a stronger player in the region’s livestock sector.
According to DA-11, these interventions are part of the national goal under the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas program to empower farmers, increase food security, and support the growth of rural economies.
Kiblawan Mayor and local agriculture officials expressed gratitude for the interventions, saying this will open more opportunities for farmers, especially those in far-flung barangays who often struggle with limited government access.
The Livestock Program, in particular, is expected to create jobs and improve income for farmers who depend on cattle raising, which has long been part of Kiblawan’s agri-based livelihood. The program will include training, proper animal care, and marketing assistance.
The Department of Agriculture also reminded beneficiaries to use the equipment and funds properly, as these are investments from the Filipino people meant to uplift rural communities.
With this multi-million peso aid, Kiblawan’s farmers are now better equipped to face the challenges of modern agriculture—transport, market access, and livestock development—paving the way for a more stable and sustainable farming economy.
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