TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — Five Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino provinces received P10.35 million worth of agricultural equipment from the Department of Agriculture Region 2 under the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).
The assistance aims to improve agricultural productivity and empower farmers in the region.
The beneficiaries of the program include Tapao Agriculture Cooperative, Sanguit Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Aritao Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Women’s Garlic Onion Growers Association Inc., and Paraiso United Farmers Association.
The groups received farming tools such as a 4-wheel drive tractor worth P1.6 million, four hauling trucks valued at P2.19 million, and other agricultural inputs, all funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
Dominga Tibingen, an FCA representative from Cagayan, highlighted how the equipment would significantly boost their cooperative’s productivity, while Joselyn Agcaoili from Nueva Vizcaya assured that they would maximize its use to benefit their members.
Bonnevie Dumayan, another beneficiary from Quirino, emphasized the importance of the government’s support in sustaining their livelihood.
Meanwhile, DA Regional Technical Director Kay S. Olivas encouraged the beneficiaries to take care of the equipment, stressing its value and purpose.
“We hope that you see this not as something imposed upon you but as what you truly need. Many others are in need, and you are fortunate to be chosen,” Olivas said.
HVCDP Program Head Carol P. Albay echoed this sentiment, emphasizing inclusivity by urging women members to take active roles in operating the equipment.
“If women members are willing and capable of operating the machines, they should be given access,” Albay stated. (OTB/MFJ/with reports from DA Region 2)
