In Surigao Del Sur, Php 34.49 million worth of four-wheel tractors with 54-58 hp and complete implements were recently distributed to 15 qualified farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) on August 2. This allocation was facilitated under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

The initiative aims to enhance agricultural efficiency, benefiting local farmers who now experience mechanized land preparation processes. According to Gilberto Plaza of Gamut Farmers Irrigators Group, Inc., the use of tractors has significantly reduced the time required for land preparation from seven days per hectare to just two days, enabling faster and more efficient farming operations.

 “Sa land preparation noong high school ako, umaabot ng pitong araw ang isang hektarya, pero nang may tractor na, may rotovator, daalwang araw lang tapos na ang isang hektarya. Mabilis na ang trabaho ng mga Farmers.“-Gilberto Plaza, Gamut Farmers Irrigators Group, Inc.
Since RCEF started, PHilMech has delivered various agricultural machinery in the province. This includes 118 float assist tillers, 70 four-wheel tractors, 77 hand tractors, 70 rice combine harvesters, 67 walk-behind transplanters, 23 riding type planters, 21 recirculating dryers, 9 single pass rice mills, 5 precision rice seeders, 2 rice reapers, and 1 multi-stage rice mill, totaling Php 463.62 million in value.

The turnover ceremony for these agricultural assets was attended by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, officials from the Department of Agriculture RFO-CARAGA, PHilMech, representatives from the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar, Surigao del Sur Provincial Agriculture Office, and San Miguel Mayor Michael T. Corilla. (FB, DA-PhilMech, August 3, 2024)