Bukidnon, Philippines – In a significant effort to boost rice productivity and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), conducted a provincial turnover and distribution of agricultural machinery in Bukidnon on December 11. The event was held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan.
This initiative forms part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program, established through Republic Act No. 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law. The program aims to ensure food security and elevate the country’s agricultural sector by making it more efficient and globally competitive.
Agricultural Machinery Distribution
A total of 85 units of advanced production and postharvest machinery and equipment, valued at PhP160.81 million, were handed over to 45 qualified farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and local government unit (LGU) beneficiaries across Bukidnon province. The distributed equipment included:
- 21 rice combine harvesters
- 19 four-wheel drive tractors
- 10 power take-off driven disc plows and floating tillers
- 8 single-pass rice mills
- 7 levee makers
- 5 recirculating dryers
- 1 Rice Processing System II
These resources aim to streamline rice production and postharvest processes, enabling farmers to reduce costs and increase yields.
Beneficiary Requirements and Responsibilities
The recipients of the machinery are registered rice farmers’ cooperatives and associations accredited by the DA. To qualify, these groups must submit a letter of intent and a formal resolution highlighting their need for the equipment.
In return, beneficiaries are expected to:
- Operate the machinery within the project’s prescribed model.
- Provide storage sheds for the equipment.
- Ensure proper maintenance to sustain functionality.
Government Officials in Attendance
The turnover ceremony was graced by prominent officials, including DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, Mindanao A Cluster Head Edgar B. Testa, Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Senator Cynthia A. Villar Representative Edna Jangao, and other representatives from LGUs and DA-10.
Director Pacamalan emphasized the importance of mechanization in improving farm productivity and ensuring food security, while Senator Villar’s representative reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering rice farmers.
A Step Toward Agricultural Progress
The distribution of agricultural machinery is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of Bukidnon’s rice farmers, aligning with the government’s vision of a modernized and globally competitive agricultural sector. This initiative highlights the DA’s continuous efforts to support farmers and ensure the sustainability of the country’s rice production.