Calabanga, Camarines Sur--Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap urged the over 220 graduates of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) here to keep alive the entrepreneurial spirit and to be job generators, engaging in any enterprise in line with their field. He urged the graduates never to stop learning, find their own niche, be always cheerful and to always keep faith in God.
Yap, who is con-currently Cabinet steward for the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) in Bohol and Region 2, took time to attend the 35th Commencement Exercises of CSSAC upon the invitation of Dr. Alden S. Bonot, Dean, Institute of Industrial Technology and head of the Calabanga campus and CSSAC President Atty. Marito T. Bernales.
Officers and members of the Hinagyanan Integrated Farmers Association (Hi-Farm) and Federation of Irrigators Association of Bombon, Magarao and Canaman lead by Ernesto de los Reyes, president, met briefly with Secretary Yap to personally thank him and hand over their resolution of thanks for all assistance extended to their association. Among the package of assistance they have received so far are: 1 unit flatbed dryer; 2 units recirculating dryers; 1 unit rice drum seeder; 120 bags certified seeds;1 water pump and the fertilizers discount coupons. In addition, the association was chosen as site for the 50-hectare techno demo on modified rapid composting (MRC); the federation also received 7 units of flatbed dryers.
Yap led the ceremonial turn over of the P3.87 M check to CSSAC president Marito Bernales. The amount represents DA’s counterpart to the P5.4-M Improved Goat Production for Increased Chevon and Milk Supply in Camarines Sur under the Bicol Calamity Assistance Rehabilitation Efforts (BCARE).
When asked about the probable absorption capacity of the DA to utilize the 57% increase in its budget under the Economic Recovery Program, Yap replied that it is about 80 to 90 per cent. (DA/PIA)