Tarlac farmers advance mechanization through DAR’s provision of tractors

Secretary Castriciones and SSO Undersecretary Emily Padilla turns-over two (2) farm tractors to the two ARBOs in Tarlac.

Anao, TARLAC, July 8, 2020 -- Farmers here are now advancing toward modern rice farming through the grant of P 1.3-million-worth of farm equipment by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in a ceremony held at the municipal covered court here.

DAR Secretary John Castriciones, on Wednesday said the “equipment grant” of farm factors were turned over to two (2) farmers’ organizations of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the project called “The PaSSOver: ARBOld Move to Heal as One Deliverance of our ARBs from the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

Turned over were two 90-horsepowered farm tractors with complete farm implements. Castriciones said that more than 800 farmer-members of the two organizations will benefit from the tractors.

"The DAR is not only giving common service facilities like mechanized farming equipment but also introducing new farm technologies to ARBs to develop their farm cooperatives. We aim to help them increase their farm yield especially in this time of the pandemic," Castriciones said.

Secretary John Castriciones fists bump with Mang Jose Sanchez after the latter personally received his long-awaited land title from the Secretary himself.

Assisting the Secretary in the turn over ceremonies was DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Emily Padilla who said that the project is a continuous effort of the department to improve the economic condition of farmers in Tarlac.

Also turned over were personal protective equipment (PPEs) to nine agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs); farm productivity assistance consisting of vegetable seeds and fertilizers to 113 farmers; and rice retailing enterprise to seven women ARBs.

“In the midst of the virus scare, we are carefully following health protocols as we endeavour to help farmers survive the ill effects of the pandemic in their economic lives by providing them with the much needed assistance in crop production,” Padilla said.

During the event, Castriciones also distributed certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to 16 ARBs covering 6.4 hectares of agricultural lands in the municipality of Anao.

Castriciones urged the beneficiaries to do their part in improving their respective farmlands and elevating their economic lives.

Secretary John Castriciones led the groundbreaking rites for the construction of ninety-two (92) houses for ARBs of Tarlac.

“Hangad po naming mapaunlad ang buhay ng mga magsasaka. Gusto ko komportable na buhay para sa magsasaka,” he said.

Castriciones said the department will not stop at land distribution. They have also lined up housing projects for farmers.

The Secretary led the groundbreaking rites for the construction of ninety-two (92) houses for agrarian reform beneficiaries of Tarlac.

“We promise to give you support services like farm machines, access to credit and various trainings to help you sustain the gains that you reap from this land that is now legally yours,” the DAR chief added.

Among those who received a land title was 84-year-old farmer, Jose Sanchez, who said he had waited for over 30 years for his CLOA.

“I am really happy now that the land I am tilling is legally mine. Nobody can take this away from me and my family,” said Sanchez, who is tilling his land in Barangay San Roque, Anao, Tarlac.

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