DA project expands Bokod farmers farms

ECO-BOOSTER – Farmers are now increasing farm activities after the DA-PRRD make this slope protection project in Barangay Bagu, Bakun, Benguet -- Francis Dumagas

By Elvy S. Taquio

BOKOD, Benguet -- Farmers here in Barangay Bagu are now expanding their production area following construction of a 300-meter slope protection project implemented under the Dept. of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

Bagu is located at the northern most tip of Benguet province, towards Ilocos Sur.

Since it is situated at the lower part of the mountain, the area is susceptible to landslides and floods.

Tito Pacuz, chairman of barangay Bagu said the project site was once a wide area of rice fields until an erosion occurred in 1967 caused by heavy rainfalls followed by the eruption of Mt. Tenglawan in 1984.

“Rice and sweet potato were previously grown in the area but after erosions occurred, the soil was altered and people do not want to cultivate the lands anymore. Hence, the then-rice fields became a pasture area),” Pacuz said.

The lack of slope protection structure has significantly caused a reduction in the production area of farmers in Bagu.

With the completion of the slope protection, unproductive lands will cultivated increasing production area from 17 to 36 hectares and increasing average yield by 29.33 percent.

“We are thankful because people are now working hard to restore the covered production area with the construction of this slope protection that would protect our fields,” added Pacuz.

The construction of slope protection in Bagu was completed February 2018.

Farm activities are now observed in the area such as tilapia ponds, pastured livestock animals, and cultivated lands.