Twenty-four farmer cooperatives and associations, and local government units received farm machineries, all worth P178.57 million, in a turnover ceremony in Bago City Oct. 21.
These include 17 tractors worth P39.95 million, 15 rice combine harvesters valued at P30 million, four village-type rice mills worth P2.72 million, two precision seeders valued at P3.46 million, and one drying system amounting to P102.44 million, the city said.
The allotment was sourced from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program 2024-2025 Fund, and aims to enhance farm productivity, reduce production costs, and improve the overall competitiveness of rice farmers in Negros Occidental.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) for the various projects extended to farmers of Negros Occidental.
He said that these initiatives will significantly enhance the productivity and efficiency of the farmers, providing them with better access to modern technology and sustainable agricultural practices.
Lacson said in a Capitol press release that such support strengthens the province’s efforts toward achieving food security, rural development, and improved livelihoods for farming communities.
Aside from Lacson, the turnover ceremony at the Bago City Community Center was also attended by Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao, Engr. Mae Ville Castro, and OIC provincial agriculturist Dina Genzola, among others. ||
