A total of P168 Million worth of rice farm machineries and equipment under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, were distributed to various rice farmer cooperatives and associations in Negros Occidental, today.
Governor Bong Lacson and Philmech Director Baldwin Jallorina led the distribution of the projects, held at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City.
Negros Occidental Board Member Andrew Montelibano, Sixth District Rep. Genaro Alvarez, Jr., Mayor John Rey Tabujara of Cauayan, Mayor Thirdy Maranon of Sagay City, Arjay Venus from the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar, Engr. Albert Barrogo of the Dept. of Agriculture – VI, and OIC Negros Occidental Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Dina Genzola, were also present at the activity.
The agricultural machineries distributed include 36 units of four-wheel tractor, 24 units of rice combine harvester, 13 units of riding type transplanter, and five units walk-behind transplanter.
These project aims to reduce the cost of rice production and reduce postharvest losses, that will eventually help the farmers increase their productivity and income.
The implementation of the project is through the collaborative effort of DA, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), in cooperation with DA-RFOs and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
The rice farmer cooperatives and associations who were recipients of the projects were from the LGUs of San Carlos City, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Murcia, Victorias City, Bago City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Carlota City, Hinnigaran, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, Ilog, Cauayan, Sipalay City, Candoni, and Hinobaan.
Gov. Lacson thanked the thanked the DA and PHilMech for the projects given to Negrense farmers.
He stressed that the agricultural sector plays an important role in recovering from the pandemic, in ensuring strong food value chains, and in promoting a vibrant rural economy.
He also said that it is fair and reasonable to further equip the farmers with projects that will help them in rice production, as they play a major role in food security.
WATCH. Turn over of P168 Million rice farm machineries and equipment under Dept. of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, held at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City, today.
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