ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — Two farmers’ associations in the town of Romblon recently received agricultural machinery from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA region amounting to ₱1.12 million to address labor shortages in the island town.
DOLE Romblon Provincial Director Philip Ruga said the agency awarded ₱520,000 worth of one unit of rice reaper and one unit of thresher to the Mapula Farmers Association, benefiting 32 members.
Meanwhile, the Macalas-Tambac-Ilauran-Lamao-Calabogo-Agbaluto (MTILCA) Farmers Association, with 52 members, received two units of multifunction tillers amounting to ₱600,000.
In an interview with PIA Romblon, Gilbert Molo of the Mapula Farmers Association thanked the DOLE for the new machinery that they provided.
“Kahit medyo naninibago po kami dito kasi ngayon lang kami nakasubok ng ganitong model, salamat parin po sa DOLE. Sigurado naman na magagamit namin ito habang nasasanay ang aming mga miyembro,” said Molo.
He added that they would offer the machine to other farmers through rental services so they could earn extra income.
The machinery was awarded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, which aims to support farmers by providing modern equipment to improve efficiency and productivity.
Meanwhile, DOLE Romblon said in a statement that the assistance aims to boost modernization in agriculture, earn more income for their future business endeavors, and help high-value crops and rice farmers lessen their production costs. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon/Photo from DOLE Romblon)
