A total of 48 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) were trained in farm machinery operation, management, and enterprise development under the RCEF Mechanization Program on July 16-19, 2024.
The training workshops, led by the Enterprise Development Division of PHilMech, were conducted in Nueva Ecija, Quirino, and Occidental Mindoro. It aimed to equip FCAs with essential knowledge and skills to prepare operational plans for effective and sustainable management of farm machinery operations, specifically through farm machinery service provision.
“Let us consider that the machinery provided by RCEF will help you create livelihoods and improve our lives. Therefore, let us work together to maximize the use and maintain the lifespan of the machinery provided by the government,” remarked PHilMech Director IV, Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia during the program in Nueva Ecija.
Dir. Alvindia also encouraged participants to take the opportunity by sharing their experiences and learning from both PHilMech experts and fellow farmers.
The two and a half-day workshop covered various topics including the concept of farm machinery enterprises, the roles of FCAs in achieving program goals, and strategies for sustaining farm machinery service provision.
“Natutunan namin dito na hindi lang basta na tinanggap namin ‘yung ibinigay na machinery, kundi pati na rin ‘yung responsibility na habang nasa amin ang mga ito ay kailangan naming pangalagaan at ibigay serbisyo ng maayos sa kapwa namin magsasaka,” shared Cipriano M. Buco, president of Pinagpanaan ang Kilusang Samahang Magsasaka in Talavera, Nueva Ecija.
Participants were introduced to the farm machinery utilization record book and were expected to develop a draft operational plan by the end of the workshop.
(FB, DA-PHilMech, July 19, 2024)
