In a significant boost to agricultural productivity, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) has distributed rice machinery and equipment valued at PHP217.076 million to 50 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental. The distribution took place during a ceremony at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Bacolod City, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s efforts to enhance rice production efficiency.
Over the past six years, under the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, a total of 205 FCAs and LGUs in the province have received machinery and equipment worth PHP692.7 million. This initiative aims to lower production costs and reduce postharvest losses, thereby increasing the income of local farmers.
Nelson Santiago, Director for Research and Development at PhilMech, emphasized the importance of mechanization in reducing costs and improving yields. The ceremony was also attended by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and DA Negros Island Region Regional Executive Director Jose Albert Barrogo.
The latest batch of equipment distributed includes a variety of machinery such as tractors, plows, tillers, transplanters, combine harvesters, dryers, and rice mills, totaling 116 units. These tools are expected to significantly enhance the productivity of the recipients.
Albert Laberos, president of Lateral I-Pacol Irrigators’ Association Inc. in Bago City, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the new equipment has already helped increase their yield to over four metric tons per hectare, with potential to reach six metric tons under favorable weather conditions.
Pedro Limpangog, president of the Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System, highlighted the impact of the machinery on reducing production costs, which in turn improves the quality of life for farmers and their families.
From 2019 to 2024, the total grants received by Negros Occidental’s FCAs and LGUs under the RCEF Mechanization Program have amounted to PHP692.7 million, demonstrating a consistent commitment to supporting the region’s agricultural sector.