Six Surigao Sur farmer groups receive P1.1-M farm machines

Six (6) farmer groups from the towns of Lanuza, Marihatag, Bayabas, Cagwait and Bislig City received 1.1 Million worth of farm machinery and equipment funded under Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform last December 15-16, 2020.

Among the organizations benefited are Bunga Samahan Nayon Multi-purpose Cooperative (BUSANAMCO), Bayan Free Farmers MPC, Sta. Cruz Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, Bitaugan East Solar Power Association, Airfield Poblacion Bislig Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers Association and Cooperative of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Bayabas.

The farm machines and equipment include one (1) unit 4wd 35 HP Farm Tractor, one (1) unit Water Pump 6HP and four (4) units grass cutter with harvesting implements all amounting to P1,126,000. The six farmer groups are all DAR assisted organizations engaged in rice production.

Chairperson Lucily Rivas of Sta. Cruz Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association expressed her thanks to DAR for the grant and said, “Bisan ug mao pa mi ma organize karon nga tuig, swerte nga na tagaan dayon kami ug grass cutter with harvesting implements nga mahimong sugod namo nga livelihood.” (Despite that we are only organized this year, we are very lucky to immediately received this equipment), she said.

Chairman Geraldo Rosil, Jr. of BUSANAMCO is grateful for the farm tractor granted to their cooperative. “Dugang kini nga negosyo para sa among kooperatiba pinaagi sa rental fees nga among makolekta, ug maka serbisyo pud kini dili lamang sa mga members kun dili apil na ang ubang mag-uuma nga walay farm tractor” (This is an additional income for the cooperative through collecting rental fees, and this will serve not only to the members but also to the farmers who don’t have this equipment), Chairman Rosil said.

In the message of CARPO Restituto Marilla during the ceremonial turnover, he encouraged all the officers and members to allocate funds for the operations and maintenance of the farm equipment to sustain the livelihood assistance.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Victor Canda made emphasis that DAR does not only limit to the awarding of lands, but also extends various support services to ease farming and make it more profitable.

The series of ceremonial turnover and MOA signing was participated by PARPO I Victor Canda, CARPO Restituto Marilla, CRFPS Coordinator Engr. Yolanda Diaz, MARPO Doris Salang and witnessed by DAR staff, ARBO officers and members.

-by Myra Yu, PIO Surigao del Sur