Ilocos Norte received over P105 million worth of Agricultural Machineries from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), for the benefit of Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations in the province, at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center, Laoag City, last December 1.
DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., DA-Regional Director Annie Q. Bares, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and PHilMech Director Dionisio G. Alvindia led the turnover and awarding ceremony.
The rice production machines, post-harvest facilities, and coconut processing facilities were funded by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan Shared Processing Facility (CFIDP) of PhilMech.
The addition of agricultural machineries and processing facilities in the province will help raise efficiency of farm operations and inputs, and lowers production costs and post-harvest losses, thus increasing farmers’ profits.
Governor Matthew Manotoc expressed his gratitude to DA and PhilMech, stating:
“We’re very grateful, we know na kailangan din itong mechanization dito sa Ilocos Norte kasi kahit leader po tayo sa ibat-ibang mga crops like garlic, native shallots, and mangoes, kulang pa rin ang ating efficiency. And we know mechanization and technology are the keys to improving our yield dito sa Ilocos Norte.
Maraming salamat kay Sec. Kiko and Director Dionisio, rest assured, have you had friend and partner in the provincial government of Ilocos Norte and its governor,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sec. Laurel conveyed his continuous support to the province, stating:
“Patuloy kaming makikinig sa inyong mga tinig upang sama-sama nating abutin ang masaganang agrikultura at maunlad na ekonomiya. Maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala sa Department of Agriculture. Para sa masaganang bagong Pilipinas.”
Moreover, Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food expressed her support to the farmers through a video message.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte remains committed in improving the agricultural sector through advanced technologies, responsible practices, and collaborative partnerships with farmers and its stakeholders to stimulate economic growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the overall development of the province. (Allyssa Charisse G. Magno)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)