CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur — The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (Philmech), in collaboration with the local government of Cantilan, successfully handed over agricultural machinery worth P3.26 million to the Cabas-an Farmers Irrigators’ Association on September 7, 2023, in Barangay Cabas-an, Santilan, Surigao del Sur.
According to Jingle Paloma, Philmech regional focal person, the farmers’ group received a unit of rice combine harvester worth P1.8 million, another unit of mechanical rice transplanter valued at P1.3 million, and a unit of hand tractor worth P160,000.
Accordingly, the project is implemented and funded by the Department of Agriculture, under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Mechanization Program.
Mayor Philip A. Pichay expressed his gratitude during the ceremonial turnover and pointed out that the equipment received will help boost the income and productivity of local farmers. It would also enable them to compete on a global scale by providing access to and utilization of suitable mechanization technologies for all stages, from planting to post-harvest activities.
In attendance during the ceremonial activity were DA – Philmech regional field coordinator ,Engr. Jingle T. Paloma; municipal agriculturist Ceasar Q. Blanco; SB member Romeo Emmanuel D. Azarcon; and punong barangay of Cabas-an Regelio G. Trazares. (With report from LGU-Cantilan/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
