FEW days before outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia leaves the Capitol, over P108.2 million worth of agricultural aid, including farm equipment and seed capital, was turned over to local government units and farmers in the Camotes Islands, in a bid to strengthen yellow corn production under the Sugbo Maisan program.
In a statement from the Capitol's public information arm Thursday, June 26, 2025, the turnover held at the San Francisco gymnasium on Wednesday, June 25, was highlighted as part of the Capitol’s initiative to boost high-yield, in-demand crops like corn under the province’s broader push to revitalize its agricultural sector.
Each of the four municipalities in Camotes -- San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar -- received P10 million in seed capital. The checks were formally handed over to San Francisco Mayor Al Arquillano, Poro Mayor Gary Rama, Tudela Mayor Greman Solante, and Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago.
In addition to the seed fund, the provincial government also turned over P68 million worth of farming machinery and equipment.
This includes tractors with implements, corn combine harvesters, platform weighing scales, corn dryers, and a dedicated facility for corn drying.
The ceremonial turnover was formalized through the signing of a Deed of Donation by the mayors and Garcia, witnessed by Vice Governor-elect Soco and Provincial Board Members Mika Villamor and Red Duterte.
These resources are intended to assist local farmers' organizations in starting or expanding their corn production efforts.
Inter-LGU partnerships for Sugbo Maisan
To ensure the sustainability of the Sugbo Maisan program, the Capitol also established partnerships with key government agencies and private stakeholders.
These include the Department of Agriculture Region 7, the Department of Labor and Employment Region 7, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, the Land Bank of the Philippines (offering loans at two percent interest), the Cooperative Bank of Cebu (providing zero-interest loans), and institutional buyers San Miguel Foods Inc. and Upland Stocks Food Inc.
The four local chief executives signed a memorandum of agreement establishing the Inter-Municipality Economic Enterprise Council, which will manage and institutionalize the corn production initiative across Camotes.
The event gathered some two hundred farmer associations, one hundred from San Francisco, and fifty each from Poro and Tudela, demonstrating strong support for the program.
Sugbo Maisan aims to boost local corn production, foster inter-LGU collaboration, and provide farmers with seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and financial assistance. (CDF)