CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Mimaropa through the DOLE Oriental Mindoro Provincial Office has awarded a harvester worth P1.4 million to the members of the Samahan ng mga Magsasaka ng Barangay Maligaya (Samabama) in Barangay Maligaya in the town of Gloria in Oriental Mindoro.
The harvester is part of the agency's livelihood assistance to the barangay as part of its commitment to supporting local farmers, and providing them with technology designed to streamline harvesting processes, increase productivity, and enhance overall crop yields.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader goal of uplifting the agricultural sector and ensuring food security in the region.
In her speech during the ceremony, DOLE Mimaropa regional director Naomi Lyn C. Abellana expressed the department's dedication to empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. She highlighted the importance of providing farmers with the tools and equipment necessary to compete in the agricultural landscape.
"Ito ang klase ng proyekto na gusto ko dahil makikita mo talaga ang impact at makakatulong talaga ito sa panahon ng anihan. Isang paraan ito upang matulungan ang mga magsasaka sa pag-aani ng palay gamit ang makabagong teknolohiya dahil mas malakihan ang magagawa ng makina kumpara sa tao," Hernandez stated.
Samabama chairman Fortunato Villamarin expressed gratitude on behalf of the cooperative's members. He emphasized how the harvester would significantly reduce manual labor, increase efficiency, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of the farmers.
“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa pamunuan ng DOLE sa ipinagkaloob po ninyo sa amin na makinarya sa pagbubukid. Napakalaking katulungan po nito sa amin sa Barangay Maligaya, sapagkat ngayon lang kami nagkaroon ng ganitong makinarya," Villamarin said.
Local government officials also commended the initiative, recognizing its potential to elevate the standard of living in the community.
The awarding of the harvester is part of the agency’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) which aims to provide long-lasting livelihood and help various sector in the community, especially those from the agricultural sector. (JJGS/PIA Mimaropa - Oriental Mindoro)
*Photos courtesy of DOLE Oriental Mindoro
