LAOAG CITY - The Ilocos Norte government is calling on its eligible farmers and fisherfolk to avail of various support services meant to ease the rising cost of fuel and other commodities.

In time for the planting season, Luz Ortal, the officer in charge of the Sustainable and Development Council of the Ilocos Norte government, said Saturday that several agricultural inputs and equipment are being distributed to vegetable and other high-value crops growers in the province.

Interested farmers' groups and individuals may proceed to the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (INAFEC) located near the Provincial Agriculture Office here to be enlisted in the program.

"The provincial government under the leadership of our governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc continues to support the agriculture sector particularly in attending to the needs of the different farmers and fishermen's organizations in the province," she said.

Currently, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Agriculture Office is providing vegetable seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, farm equipment, and machinery to farmer-beneficiaries including marketing assistance and fuel subsidy worth PHP1,000.

For livestock growers, the Provincial Veterinary Office also distributes vitamins, feeds, wormers, free-range chicken, and piglets for areas already declared safe from the African swine fever.

Those with existing fish ponds or those who wish to venture into aquaculture can also avail of free tilapia fingerlings including fish nets and other fishing paraphernalia.

In case of death and hospitalization, registered farmers and fishers in the province can also avail of up to a maximum of PHP50,000 insurance through the "matulungin card", valid for two years.

For other inquiries, the Ilocos Norte government announced that interested parties may contact the Provincial Agriculture Office and the Sustainable Development Center at 09164419914 or 09692905489. (PNA)