The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently announced the turnover of P2.1 million worth of farm equipment to six agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the province of Occidental Mindoro to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The farm equipment was distributed to the following ARBOs: Samahan ng Magpapatubig ng Paclolo in Magsaysay, Catmon Mapaya III Association in San Jose, Amnay-Cabagan Irrigators Farmers Agriculture Co-operative, and Barangay Ilvita United Farmers Agriculture Co-operative, both in Sta. Cruz, Alipaoy Harrison Harrison FIA, Inc. in Palauan, and the United as One Agriculture Co-operative in Sablayan.
“These farm machines will service more than 500 farmers here. All these would make farming easier and faster for them. It will also greatly improve their yield and increase their income,” DAR Assistant Secretary for Support Services Ubaldo Sadiarin Jr. said in a statement.
The equipment distribution was undertaken under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP), a DAR program that provides farm machines to improve farm productivity and earning capabilities of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in a sustainable manner through their organizations.
“We are encouraging the members of the ARBOs to be diligent in convincing farmers, especially ARBs to become members of farm co-operatives so they can be part of the government’s interventions,” Sadiarin said.
“The equipment will help revitalize the livelihood of farmers, enhance productivity, and encourage prospects for agribusiness development in storm-hit areas,” Sadiarin added.
Mark Anthony Silao, manager of the United as One Agricultural Co-operative in Sabyalan said the provision from DAR is an answered prayer.
“We are so grateful for these farm machines. As beneficiaries, we will do our part to boost farm production and income not just for our members but for our community, as well,” Silao said.
After the turnover of farm equipment, training sessions on the proper way of using and maintaining the equipment will be conducted for the farmer-beneficiaries.
