La Union receives RCEF machines
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) held another batch of machinery distribution amounting to Php51.36 million worth of agricultural machines under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program during the provincial turnover ceremony held on November 16 in San Fernando, La Union.
A total of 49 units of agricultural machines were provided under the 2023 fund including four-wheel drive tractors, hand tractors, walk-behind and riding type transplanters, rice combine harvesters, 6T recirculating dryers, and 1.5 tph multi-stage rice mill.
PHilMech Director III Joel V. Dator represented Director IV Dionisio G. Alvindia to challenge the FCAs to level up their agricultural facilities by investing in a warehouse to house the state-of-the-art rice processing facilities under RCEF in 2024.
“Ang challenge ko po sa inyo, kung ang inyong samahan ay makapagpatayo ng warehouse, kami po ay magbibigay sa inyo ng mga rice mill at dryers sapagkat ang pangarap po namin sa mga magsasaka ng probinsya ng La Union, hindi lang po kayo magbebenta ng palay, dapat po bigas na ang maibebenta ninyo,” Director Dator said.
In response, Provincial Governor Hon. Raphaelle Veronica A. Ortega-David expressed her joy for the turnover of different farm machines for the farmers of the province.
“Napakaswerte po ng mga farmers natin na makatatanggap ng mga kagamitang ito. Ito po ay patunay na ang pamahalaan natin ay handang magpaabot ng tulong para sa pag-unlad ng inyong kabuhayan at iangat ang antas ng inyong pamumuhay.” Governor David said.
A total of 34 beneficiaries, including 31 qualified FCAs and 3 LGUs, from the province of La Union received machinery grants.
Mr. Ronie P. Ulat, Chair of Nagsaraboan New Farmers Association Inc., gave his appreciation to the implementers for granting them machines and facilities that will help the farmers fulfill their dreams.
“Napakalaking tulong po nito sa aming pangkabuhayan. Maraming salamat po, dahil sa mga makinaryang ito abot kamay na namin ang pangarap ng La Union na maging sentro ng agrikultura at turismo sa rehiyon,” Mr. Ulat said.
Hon. Cynthia A. Villar, represented by Ms. Ruby Ann Pungutan, Hon. Vice Governor Mario Edward Ortega, Hon. Municipal Mayor Delfin C. Comedis, DA Regional Director Annie Q. Bares, DVM, represented by RTD for operations Engr. Dennis Tactac, OIC Provincial agriculturist Sharon Viloria, PHilMech FMFOD acting chief May Ville Castro, and other government officials were also present to witness the turnover ceremony.
(FB, DA-PHilMech, November 16, 2023)
