BAGO CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Bong Lacson emphasized that the continued support of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program plays a vital role in advancing food security, rural development, and farmer livelihoods in the province.
The governor made the statement during the turnover of PHP 178.57 million worth of farm machineries to 24 farmer cooperatives, associations, and local government units at the Bago City Community Center recently.
Lacson expressed gratitude to DA-PHILMECH for its sustained support, noting that mechanization helps reduce production costs, increase yields, and improve the competitiveness of local rice farmers.
“These machineries will not only modernize our rice farming but also fortify our long-term goal of achieving food security and sustainability,” Lacson said.
“By empowering our farmers with technology and training, we are also building the foundation for a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector,” he added.
Joining Lacson at the ceremony were Bago City Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao; Engr. Mae Ville Castro, chief science research specialist; Mary Ann Duran, representative of Senator Kiko Pangilinan; and Dr. Dina Genzola, officer in charge of the Provincial Agriculturist Office.
The PHP 178.57 million mechanization package was sourced from the RCEF 2024–2025 fund and implemented by DA-PHILMECH in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
The RCEF Mechanization Program provides equipment such as four-wheel tractors, rice transplanters, combine harvesters, and mechanical dryers to improve farm efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses.
Created under Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, the RCEF allocates PHP 10 billion annually for six years to enhance the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers.
Of the total, PHP 5 billion is allotted to the mechanization program led by DA-PHILMECH, while the rest supports seed distribution, credit assistance, and training programs.
Negros Occidental remains one of the major rice-producing provinces in Western Visayas and contributes significantly to the region’s food supply.
The province continues to enhance its agricultural productivity through partnerships with national agencies, farmer cooperatives, and local governments. (Dolly Yasa via tdg)