Gwen urges LGUs to sustain ‘Sugbo Maisan’ program

Local

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has urged local government units (LGUs) in northern Cebu to carry on the implementation of the Sugbo Maisan program, highlighting the need to sustain mechanized corn farming and market support for yellow corn amid the continued decline of sugarcane production.

Garcia made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, June 18, at the Bogo City Hall Complex, where she also announced the allocation of P10 million in seed capital for Bogo City and the municipalities of Medellin and San Remigio.

The funds will support the LGUs’ direct purchase of corn harvests from registered farmers under the

Capitol-initiated program.

A total of 190 farmers, of which are 130 from Bogo City, 50 from San Remigio, and 10 from Medellin, attended the meeting.

They were joined by Bogo City Mayor Carlo Martinez, Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr., San Remigio Mayor-elect Mariano Martinez, Vice Governor-elect Glenn Anthony Soco, Board Member Kerrie Shimura, and Bogo City Mayor-elect Maria Cielo Martinez.

Representatives from institutional buyers and lender banks were also present.

Sugbo Maisan aims to transition farmers from sugarcane to yellow corn production, particularly in areas affected by the closure of nearby milling facilities.

The program provides mechanized farm equipment, access to loan facilities, production inputs, and a guaranteed market through LGU procurement.

Under the program, LGUs manage machinery rentals, assist in farmer loan applications, and directly purchase wet corn at a targeted price of P15 per kilo, or almost double the current market rate.

Only registered farmers and accredited associations are eligible for these benefits.

The Capitol also turned over modern farming equipment to the three LGUs, including a corn dryer, corn harvester, tractor with implements, and a seeder planter.

Garcia said these are expected to increase corn yields from one to three metric tons per hectare to as much as 10 metric tons, using new farming practices and infrastructure.

Farmers may access financing through the Enhanced Countryside Development Program, with loans available at two percent interest from the Land Bank of the Philippines or zero interest from the Cooperative Bank of Cebu, to fund seed and fertilizer needs.

Institutional buyers such as Prifoods Corp., Universal Feed Mill Corp., San Miguel Foods Corp., Vienovo Philippines Inc., General Milling Corp., Pilmico Feeds, and the Central Visayas Pork Producers Cooperative have committed to purchasing the corn as feed input.

Garcia assured farmers that a trust fund mechanism will guarantee prompt payment after harvest, and that crop insurance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. and the Department of Agriculture will cover losses from typhoons and other natural calamities.

In 2023, Medellin farmers successfully shifted from sugarcane to corn production under Sugbo Maisan. A P5.9-million corn drying facility with four 15-ton dryers is now under construction in the town.

Garcia also announced that a similar seed capital allocation will be provided to the four island municipalities in the Camotes Group of Islands to expand the program’s reach.(MyTVCebu)