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MANILA – A total of 175 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Apayao have benefitted from the PHP3.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME) from the Department of Agrarian Reform.
In a news release on Thursday, DAR said the FME are expected to boost productivity and enhance the livelihood of the farmers who are members of six agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) across Apayao.
Gilbert Galut, chairman of the Cajoma Multipurpose Cooperative (CAJOMA MPC) of Pudtol, one of the ARBOs, thanked DAR for its continued support in empowering farmers with modern technology.
He said the equipment they received would have a lasting impact on their farming community as these would boost their farmer-members agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program officer Penelope de Ausen said the initiative is implemented under the DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP), which promotes modern farming technologies, climate-smart practices, and essential skills training to ensure sustainable agricultural production.
“Kung ano ang itinanim, siyang aanihin. Ngayon tinatamasa na ng anim na ARBOs sa Apayao ang bunga ng kanilang pagsisikap. Ang maliliit nilang sakripisyo ay nagbunga ng tagumpay (You reap what you sow. These six ARBOs in Apayao are now enjoying the rewards of their hard work. Their small sacrifices have finally brought them success),” she said.
Among the FMEs distributed to the ARBOs were heavy-duty hand tractors, tractors with rotavators, tractor-mounted corn seeders with trailers, standalone corn seeders, water pumps, knapsack sprayers, rotary tillers, and brush tillers.
Aside from increasing productivity, these advanced tools aim to mechanize farming operations and reduce the physical labor of ARBs.
Aside from CAJOMA MPC, other ARBOs that received the FMEs include the Sta. Lina ARB Association Inc. (STARBA) and Cagandungan Marag Valley ARB Association Inc. (CAMAVARBA) of Luna; Mallig Upland Farmers Association, Inc. (MUFA) of Flora; Guina-ang Community Development Agriculture Cooperative (GUICOMDA); and Mawigue Proper Farmers Association, Inc. (MPFA) of Conner.
DAR said the distribution was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers. (PNA)