Machinery distributed in Occidental Mindoro
More than Php34 million worth of agricultural machines were distributed to 13 qualified farmers cooperatives and association (FCAs) and two municipal local government units (LGUs) during the turnover ceremony on November 15, 2023, in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
Distributed machines is under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program implemented by Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).
Encouraging the FCAs, Engr. Niño D. Bengosta, FMFOD Cluster Head of Luzon C, stressed the crucial need to use the machinery effectively to ensure its longevity and lessen the production cost in farming and he assured them of continued support in providing services to benefit the farmers in the province.
“ Ang mga ipapamigay po naming mga makinarya ay inyong gamitin ng maayos upang mapakinabangan sa mahabang panahon at mabawasan ang gastos sa pagbubukid, at makakasiguro po kayo na tuloy-tuloy parin po ang aming serbisyo na tulungan kayong mga magsasaka sa probinsya ng Occidental Mindiro” Engr. Bengosta said.
Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano conveyed his appreciation to PHilMech, acknowledging the invaluable support provided through the machinery grants. He emphasized that these equipment will significantly help the the productivity of farmers in their province.
The Php34 million budget are expected to benefit the eight municipalities of the province, namely: Calintaan, Rizal, Magsaysay, San Jose, Sta Cruz, Sablayan, Lubang and Looc.
Fifteen units of four-wheel drive tractors, equipped with rotovator, front loader, and PTO driven disk plow attachments, have been provided to various FCAs and LGUs.
These include the Poblacion-New Dagupan Farmers Irrigators Association, Samarica Occidental Mindoro Farmers Association, Salvacion United Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative, Matabiaga Malawan Irrigators Association, Municipal Local Government Unit of Rizal, Bugtong Buri Farmers Association, Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Palanghiran, Nagkakaisang Lakas Multipurpose Cooperative, Camandang Irrigators Association, Sitio Esperanza San Isidro Farmers Association, Gintong Butil Farmers Association, Barangay Batong Buhay Farmers Association, Kaingin Tagumpay Farmers Irrigators Association, Brgy. Vigo Dangay Irrigators Association, and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Looc.
Provincial agriculturist and other government officials were present during the turnover ceremony. The machines distributed in Occidental Mindoro were procured under the 2022 savings from competitive bidding.
(FB, DA-PhilMech, November 15, 2023)
