DAR distributes P4.6M worth of farm machines, equipment to Antique farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Provincial Local Government Unit distributed Php4.6 million worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME) under the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Community (SuRe ARC) Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) to 17 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations in Antique on May 24.

The SuRe ARC program provides continuous support services to farmers, aiming to enhance food production and security. The distributed FME includes multifunction tillers, cultivators, and hand tractors with engines and accessories. 17 ARBOs, encompassing 2,604 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), benefitted from the said project.

Dr. Gina B. Jordan, OIC Provincial Agriculturist of Antique, delivered the welcome message, expressing gratitude for the successful partnership with DAR. “Farmers are the backbone of our society, without them, we would have no food on our tables. So kabay pa nga sa adlaw-adlaw nga tanan, mangin mabakod kag resilient gid kita sa pag atubang kang mga paghangkat sa pagpanguma”.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Florentino D. Siladan highlighted the significance of farmers in his message, stressing their indispensable role in food production. “Kung kita naka kaon kaina kang aga, dapat pasalamatan naton ang mga mangunguma, tungod kung wara ti mangunguma, wara kita ti karan-on”, Siladan said. He also thanked the PLGU for their collaboration, which enabled the timely procurement of the FMEs despite the short notice in 2021.

Mary June B. Andres, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer, presented the project brief, explaining the project's goal to improve food security through the provision of machinery that supports farmers' productivity. “Ang tinutuyo kang dya nga proyekto amo ang pagpa sanyog kang food security paagi sa dyang mga makinarya agud mag suporta sa produksyon kang mga mangunguma para matugro ang kinahanglanon kang andang pamilya kag mapa eskwela ang andang mga kabataan, mas maimprobar pa gid ang andang pagpanguma kag mataw an opportunidad nga mangin produktibo man ang lupa nga gin award kananda”, she said.

Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao expressed appreciation for the farmers, acknowledging their contribution to making Antique an agricultural province. She emphasized the importance of the FMEs in preparing farmers for the upcoming planting season and urged DAR to continue supporting local farmers. “Tungod sa dyang gamit nga gintugro kang DAR, mas mangin preparado ang aton mangunguma sa pagsulod ka planting season kadya nga tag-ururan. Ang dyang proyekto ginapangabay ko ang DAR nga padayunon ang amo nga pagtatap sa aton mga mangunguma”, Cadiao said.

DAR Regional Director, Atty. Sheila B. Enciso, noted that most of the land acquisition and distribution in Antique was nearing completion, and the focus was now on implementing support services. She reminded the ARBOs of their responsibility in maintaining and utilizing the provided equipment effectively. “Hindi naman malalaman ng DAR kung anong ipamimigay kung hindi nyo po ipapa-abot ang inyong kahilingan, ito pong mga proyekto ay may kaakibat nga responsibilidad na dapat gampanan ng bawat ARBO recipient”, Enciso said.

Helen P. Antonio of SASJ ARCoop expressed her gratitude saying “Duro-duro gid nga salamat sa gintugro ninyo nga machine. Sa malawid nga panahon ang amon nga kooperatiba ay pigado gid, sa makara paagi sa suporta it DAR makita nga ang amon kooperatiba medyo naga hubad- hubad run”.

Carlos B. Marcelino, Jr., Chairperson of AAAFA commits to use the FMEs to improve their agricultural practices and community livelihood. “Ang dya nga mga gamit tinguhaan namon nga magamit kang husto kag halungan agud nga mag tinir kay dya bahol gid ang mabulig para sa amon asosasyon, kabay nga ang dya nga mga equipment magatinir kang malawid kag makapaugwad kang pangabuhian kang mga mangunguma sa bilog nga Antique, duro gid nga salamat”, Marcelino said.

In his closing message, Fernando "Nanding" D. Corvera, III, OPA Consultant, recognized the potential of the areas receiving the machinery, particularly in high-value crop production. He assured continued support from OPA for the ARBs in Antique.

The event concluded with an orientation session on the use and maintenance of the FMEs, conducted by the supplier's technical team. Each ARBO then took responsibility for transporting the equipment to their respective areas, marking a significant step towards sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in Antique.