Fifty-three (53) accredited rice-based farmer’s cooperative and associations (FCAs) in the province of Surigao del Sur received rice production and postharvest machinery and equipment amounting to P150.1 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development & Mechanization (PhilMech), held at Sports Complex, Tandag City, earlier today.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together with SDS Governor Alexander Pimentel, PhilMech Mindanao A Cluster Head Engr. Edgard Testa, and SDS Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico handed over the farm machineries to the qualified farmer-beneficiaries.

“I hope you will maximize the uses of these machineries, if there are problems consult right away with our office. And if you know small associations that are in dire need of machinery, you can let them rent this so that we will be productive, all of us will be productive,” RED Monteagudo said.

Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quicostressed how necessary all of the equipment in the development of the agriculture sector in the province.

“I only have two desires to all of you beneficiaries, use this equipment to improve our agricultural productivity and develop the livelihood of all organizations in Surigao del Sur. This is not the time for competition, let us help each other for a better farming sector in the province,” Quico said.

Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel also expressed his appreciation to the administration for putting the utmost effort to help the agriculture sector in the region.

“Our goal as public officials have always been for the betterment of the people in Surigao del Sur. I want our fellow farmers to improve their livelihood, and right now we have these farm machineries before us. I am just thankful for the efforts of our government officials to prioritize us, especially with the recent Tropical Depression Auring,” he said.

According to PhilMech Cluster A Head Engr. Edgar Testa, the mechanization component is just still on their second year of implementation, “If you thought this is the last time that we will be seeing each other giving you machinery and equipment, No, this is just the beginning, we still have more years to celebrate for the future of mechanization,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries is Felipe L. Busbus, President of Cambagang Farmers Association from Barobo, Surigao del Sur. He said that their 195 hectares’ production area needs additional farm The RTL or the Republic Act 11023 is principally authored by Committee Chairperson in Agriculture Cynthia Villar. Of the total project cost for the province, P60.5 million was from 2019 2^nd Tranche and P89.6 million from the 2020 1^st Tranche Budget. (Kent Warren Fugoso/DA13-RAFIS)