The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has distributed P35.2-million worth of agricultural machinery to rice-based farmer’s and irrigators association in the province on November 19, 2021, at the Capitol Compound.
The distribution of agricultural machinery is under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program that aims to raise rice farmers’ profitability and competitiveness through the use of mechanization technologies.
A total of twenty-three (23) identified recipient associations received the said machines coming from the municipality of Compostela, Maragusan, Monkayo, Montevista, New Bataan, Mawab, Laak, and Nabunturan. Turned over were 14 four-wheel-drive tractors, 9 units of combine harvester, and 1 unit of hauling truck.
Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy thanked the national government for continuous support in upgrading and boosting agriculture in the province by providing farm machinery and equipment to the farmers.
He also encouraged the farmer recipients to give utmost care to the machines given to them and continue following good agricultural practices in farming.
In response, Jerry F. Barayuga, PAFC Chairperson of CVIPCO expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government for helping them save time and efforts for they will no longer endure the traditional way of farming by using modernized farm machinery.
“Kun kaniadto manual pa ang mga buluhaton sa pag-uma, karun dako kaayung tabang ang mga ekwepo nga inyuhang gihatag sa amua kay mas mapadali ug ginapagaan na niini ang amuang mga trabahoon sa umahan”, Barayuga said.
Present during the turn-over ceremony were Engr. Baldwin G. Jallorina PHILMECH Director, Epifanio Loyola Jr. Chairperson of RAFC XI, and Roy Jose D. Pascua DA-RAFC XI Coordinator.
The activity was made successful through the active support and participation of PLGU counterparts through the Provincial Agriculturist Office of Davao de Oro. (Rheafe Hortizano – Provincial Information Office)
