A total of Php315 million worth of agricultural machines were distributed to 142 qualified farmers cooperatives and association (FCAs) during the turn over ceremony held on December 13, in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan.
The machinery distributed is under the program of Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech)
PHilMech Director III, Ronaldo Sebastian R. Reyes assured the farmers that the machines are brand new, branded and the latest models. He also asked the recipients to become good stewards of the machines they received.
“Kaya pakiusap namin na ingatan at alagaan ninyo ang mga makinaryang inyong matatanggap upang mapakinabangan ninyo ng mahabang panahon” Director Reyes said.
The Php315 million budget are expected to benefits the 42 municipalities and three cities in the province namely , Alaminos City, Agno, Anda, Bani,Bolinao, Burgos, Dasol, Infanta, Mabini, Sual, Aguilar, Basista, Bugallon, Labrador, Lingayen, Mangatarem, Bayambang, Calasiao, Malasiqui, Mapandan, San Carlos City, Sta. Barbara, Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Bautista, Binalonan, Laoac, Pozorrubio, Sison, Urdaneta City, Villasis, Asingan, Balungao, Natividad, Rosales, San Manuel, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Sta Maria, Tayug, Umingan.
The 238 units of machinery include Four Wheel Drive Tractor, Rice Combine Harvester, Hand Tractor, PTO driven Disc Plow/Harrow, Riding-type Transplanter, Walk-behind Transplanter, Precision Seeder, Rice Reaper, Recirculating Dryer, Mobile Rice Mill, Multi Stage Rice Mill, De Stonerand Rice Thresher
Department of Agriculture Regional Office II, Director Rogelio C. Evangelista encourage the farmers to support the RCEF program to become more competitive and achieve the goal “Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita”.
Provincial agriculturist and other government officials were present during the turn-over ceremony.
These machinery distributed in Pangasinan were procured under the 2021 funds and the excess of 2019 and 2020 funds as a result of the competitive biddings.
Article by Mark Dheniel A. Gutierrez