SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — A ₱1.3 million farm tractor was recently awarded to a farmer’s association in the municipality of San Jose through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program.
In partnership with the Local Government Unit, the program seeks to boost the livelihood of those in vulnerable sectors, such as the Sitio Esperanza San Isidro Farmers Association’s 129 members.
In a statement, DOLE Provincial Director Peter James Cortazar said the intervention highlights the government’s commitment to uplift the lives of farmers, the backbone of the economy.
He added that providing equipment will improve the farmers’ productivity and contribute to food security in the province.
Catalina R. Monterola, president of the farmer’s association thanked DOLE for the grant as it will help lead to better harvest.

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa DOLE para sa bagong traktora na ipinagkaloob po ninyo sa amin. Malaking tulong po ito sa aming mga magsasaka para mapadali ang aming trabaho at makatulong na rin upang mas makakuha po kami ng mas magandang ani,” she said.
(Thank you very much to DOLE for the new tractor you gave us. This is a big help to farmers, making our work easier and helping us achieve better yields.)
Mayor Rey C. Ladaga, Vice Mayor Santiago Javier, San Jose Public Employment Service Office Manager Rolando Ladao III, and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Gener L. Francisco attended the awarding ceremony. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA/Occidental Mindoro/Photos from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Information Office)