Zamboangueños farmer testifies about impacts of RCEF mechanization, extension services

“Gamit na gamit namin ang mga makinaryang mula sa RCEF. Dati, kalabaw lang ang gamit namin sa pagsasaka, ngayon ay mechanized na. Mas mabilis na at mas maganda ang performance sa pag-aaro. Malaking tulong talaga ang RCEF, dahil liban sa makinarya, nag-coconduct din sila ng mga training courses sa pagpapalay na tunay na nakadaragdag kaalaman sa aming mga farmers,” Victoriano Mahawan of Tumapic Farmers Association said.

Victoriano’s association is one of the 24 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) that received four-wheel drive tractors with complete implement from the RCEF Mechanization Program during a provincial turnover ceremony held in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, on June 28.

These machines hope to benefit FCAs from the municipalities of Dumingag, Labangan, Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, Sominot, Tambulig, Bayog, Dimataling, Guipos and Lake Wood, by increasing their productivity and reducing the production cost.

Besides machines, PHilMech, under the Rice Extension Services Program, also disseminates various information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and conducts knowledge sharing and learning (KSL) activities; conducts training courses on the operation and maintenance of machines; and assists in the enterprise development through machinery service provision. (FB, DA-PhilMech, June 30, 2024)