OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) — To boost crop production in Misamis Occidental, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), with the support of the provincial government, turned over approximately P56 million worth of farm equipment to local government units (LGUs) in the province during a distribution ceremony held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.
The recipients of seven units of 4-wheel tractors include Aloran, Baliangao, Jimenez, Plaridel, Clarin, Oroquieta City, and the PGMO. Additionally, Oroquieta City received a unit of a combined harvester to support the local rice farmers.
“This initiative is possible due to the strong support and leadership of President Bongbong Marcos and Secretary Francisco Laurel,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan.
He expressed gratitude to Senator Cynthia Villar and her family for their unwavering support of the RCEF mechanization budget. He urged the farmer-beneficiaries to take good care of the machinery to ensure they can continue to improve their farming practices, increase yields, and enhance their livelihoods. He also praised Governor Henry Oaminal for his dedicated leadership, which has significantly benefited the farmers of Misamis Occidental.
The program will also provide around 8,000 to 9,000 sacks of inbred and hybrid rice seeds to farmers with rice fields in the province. Municipalities have already received the hybrid rice seeds and are prepared to distribute them to farmers. Pacamalan stressed the importance of distributing the seeds, particularly the corn ones, by June to guarantee timely planting and efficient use by farmers.
Gov. Henry S. Oaminal thanked President Bongbong Marcos, Senator Cynthia Villar, and the DA for their support, highlighting the importance of making the agricultural sector competitive to boost food production. He reported that the province annually allocates P100 million to purchase fertilizers, supplementing those provided by the Department of Agriculture, to address the farmers’ needs.
“We have not incurred debt; we have managed to secure funds for this program. This demonstrates how we manage provincial funds effectively. Despite having a limited budget, we have made significant progress due to prioritizing essential programs,” Oaminal said.
The distribution of machinery under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program aims to promote and implement suitable agricultural mechanization to increase productivity and efficiency among farmers, resulting in higher income and an improved quality of life. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
