Misamis occidental: Corn farmers in Misamis Occidental are set to boost their productivity and income following the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) turnover of PHP882,000 worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME) to three agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs).
According to Philippines News Agency, the support provided under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project- Sustainable Livelihood Support (CRFPSP-SLS) helps farmers adopt modern, efficient, and climate-smart agricultural practices. Over 100 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are expected to benefit from the newly distributed machinery, which includes corn mills and knapsack sprayers. The recipients are Balintonga CARPBA, Inc. in Aloran, Se±or San Roque CARPBA, Inc. in Panaon, and Tipan Farmers Beneficiaries Association, Inc. in Sinacaban.
DAR-Misamis Occidental Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Rolando Libetario Jr. said the turnover underscores DAR’s continuing commitment to empowering farmers through technology and innovation. ‘By providing machinery tailored to their production needs, we help our farmers save time, reduce costs, and achieve better-quality yields, even amid adverse weather or road disruptions,’ Libetario said.
Panaon Mayor Francisco Paylaga Jr. thanked DAR for its continued collaboration with local governments in strengthening agricultural communities. ‘When government agencies like DAR work hand in hand with us, our farmers become more capable, more confident, and more hopeful. We are deeply grateful for DAR’s commitment to helping us build a stronger and more productive agricultural community here in Panaon,’ Paylaga said.
Leaders of the recipient organizations echoed the mayor’s sentiment, expressing appreciation for the project’s immediate benefits to their farms. ‘This is a big help for us farmers. We are truly grateful for the support extended to us and our members. Thank you very much to DAR,’ Peter Eltagon, president of Se±or San Roque CARPBA, Inc., said.
Each turnover was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and Trust Agreement between DAR-Misamis Occidental and the ARBOs, outlining responsibilities for the proper use and maintenance of the machinery. Through initiatives like this, DAR continues to empower agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide, enhancing their productivity, strengthening rural enterprises, and promoting inclusive agricultural growth.
