LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 8 -- Three cooperatives and a local government unit in Bicol were awarded PHP8 million financial aid through the Department of Agriculture's programs.

In an interview Wednesday, Lovella Guarin, spokesperson for DA in Bicol, said the aid would help farmers' groups increase their yields, as it would be utilized for the purchase of vehicles and processing equipment.

"The beneficiaries submitted proposals to the DA's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAD) office. They were selected based on the proposals. The purpose of the financial grants is to ensure the growth and sustainability of their products and their group. It will lessen the burden of traveling their harvest and will help ensure fresh, affordable products...