BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 25 -- With the aim to raise the rice farmers’ profitability and competitiveness through the use of mechanization technologies in the region, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMec) through the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Component turned over P79.7 Million worth of agricultural machineries to selected rice-based farmers’ association in the region, held recently at the Taguibo, this city.
The first batch of recipients of the program from the province of Agusan del Norte included Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma Alang sa Lamdag nga Kaugmaon (KAMALAKA) Irrigator’s Association from Barangay Sanghan, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Tagbongabong Farmers Association from Tagbongabong, RTR, Agusan del Norte; Sto. Nino Muti-Purpose Cooperative from Sto. Nino, Butuan City; and Taguibo IPM Irrigators Association from Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City.
KAMALAKA Irrigator’s Association received one four-wheeled tractor, one riding-type trans planter, and one combine harvester. Ruenston Delalamon, President of KAMALAKA Irrigator’s Association, said that the machinery and equipment will be of great benefit for their association in terms of labor and profit.
“Before, our association just visualized having these machineries that could lessen the burden that we are facing every land preparation and harvesting season. We even hire laborers from other places for an additional manpower during both seasons. We are very glad that through this, our vision for our farms will not be in vain anymore,” Delalamon said.
Furthermore, Tagbongabong Farmers Association also received seven floating tillers, one four-wheeled tractor, and one combine harvester. Jimmy Loreno, Chairman of the association, expressed his gratitude to the DA for being chosen as the beneficiary for the grant.
“The months of waiting for the turnover since the signing of the memorandum of agreement was worth it since as the only cooperative to be granted by this machineries, this will surely help me and the rest of the farmers of my association. We were also delighted that the brand of the machine being granted to us is one of the best high-quality machines for farming. We are very eager to be the ‘first’ to experience from our municipality,” Loreno said.
Moreover, Taguibo IPM Irrigators Association led by Romy Lasco received one four-wheeled tractor and one combine harvester. The Sto. Nino Multi-Purpose Cooperative led by Marilyn O. Aranas also received one precision seeder. The province of Agusan del Norte served as the pilot beneficiary from the region, this will be followed by a turnover ceremony in different schedules for the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.
Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera graced the ceremony expressing his interest and support towards the development of the agriculture sector in the region.
“What we can do about it is to invest more in agriculture, we invest in our farmers. That is the reason why we created a program called “Agusan Up” which focuses on the development of the agriculture sector in our region. I’m glad that the mindset of our farmers changed through the years. Previously, they go into farming to have some food in the table but now, we go into farming to develop our economy, to create a business,” Gov. Corvera said.
Governor Corvera also stressed the importance of agricultural education in the region to further progress the agri-based region. “I hope that our future generations here in Caraga will eye for a progressive agriculture sector by studying agriculture-related education. Especially to the farmers who have experienced technological advancements, they should encourage their children to continue what they have started,” he added. (Kent Warren Fugoso, DA 13 RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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