To support local farmers and enhance agricultural productivity, the city government, through the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA), turned over two rice combined harvesters and 28 walk-behind transplanters to various farmer associations in a ceremony held at the City Hall grounds on Monday, February 24.
The two rice combined harvesters, valued at P5.2 million, were awarded to the Pasomaria Irrigators Association and the Siguinan Companio Bunguiao Irrigators Association. Meanwhile, the 28 walk-behind transplanters, amounting to P3.92 million, were distributed among several farmer associations. The districts of Tumaga and Ayala each received four units, while Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan, and Vitali were allotted five units each.
All the equipment, manufactured by Kubota in Japan, is expected to improve efficiency and enhance rice farming operations. The initiative aims to modernize farming techniques and ease the workload of local farmers.
Leading the turnover ceremony were Mayor John Dalipe, Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe, Councilor Al-Jihan Edding, City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo, and Assistant City Agriculturist Erwin Kulayan. The event followed blessing rites officiated by Fr. Filmore Calibo.
City Agriculturist Magdugo emphasized that the agricultural machinery was procured using funds from the 2024 annual budget under Mayor Dalipe’s administration. He also highlighted the importance of proper maintenance, stating that the recipient farmers would be responsible for ensuring the equipment’s longevity and continued efficiency in farming operations.
This initiative underscores the city government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting farmers in their efforts to increase productivity and sustain food security.
