DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of over P83.4 million worth of farm equipment, machinery, and inputs to 7,645 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and 292 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Pangasinan on May 23.
The equipment turnover coincided with the groundbreaking of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS), also known as the Paitan Dam, in Sta. Maria town. Once completed, the project will irrigate 12,041 hectares of farmland and support the operations of 56 irrigators’ associations and nearly 12,000 farmers across Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.
Also among the farm machines being distributed were 10 four-wheel drive tractors with implements, benefitting 10 ARBOs and 1,719 ARBs.
Additionally, two multi-role power stations were awarded to two ARBOs, serving 326 ARBs.
Under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) Project, 5,600 ARBs and ARBOs received organic plant supplements aimed at enhancing sustainable farming practices.
President Marcos also led the ceremonial awarding of certificates for solar-powered irrigation pumps—touted as a breakthrough for sustainable agriculture.
These systems operate independently of the power grid and eliminate the need for fuel-based irrigation.
“Once these pumps are connected and drawing energy from the sun, there’s no more need for crude oil,” Marcos said.
This reduces environmental impact and operational costs for farmers.
The initiative underscores the administration’s focus on food security and agricultural development.
“Since taking office, we’ve prioritized the productivity and prosperity of our farmers to strengthen the agricultural sector,” the President added.
Violeta Rulliog, head of the Magandang Buhay Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative in San Quintin, expressed her gratitude after receiving a 4WD tractor for her group, benefitting 149 ARBs.
“We’ve long hoped for a 4WD tractor. Now that we have one—and from the President himself—we feel truly blessed and thankful,” she said.
Since 2022, the Marcos administration has consistently distributed modern farming equipment in Pangasinan, aiming to ease the burden on farmers, increase productivity, and improve quality of life through a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector. (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
