Caraga region: The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Caraga Region (DAR-13) has distributed PHP5.5 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to six Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) across the region. This distribution is part of the nationwide "Handog ng Pangulo" initiative, aimed at bringing government support directly to farmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance is provided under DAR's Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) and is expected to benefit 569 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in six municipalities. Of the total amount, PHP4.9 million is allocated to four ARBOs under the Major Crop Block Farming program, while PHP560,960 worth of equipment is designated for two ARBOs under Sustainable Livelihood Support programs.

Among the recipients are the Rosario Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Agusan del Norte, which received a four-wheel-drive farm tractor; the Malipayon Pag-asa Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Agusan del Sur, which acquired a single-pass rice mill; the Rural Improvement Club Coop Producers (RICCP) in Surigao City, which received a tractor with a rotary tiller and trailer; and the Tagasaka Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Surigao del Sur, which was given a rice combine harvester.

In Dinagat Islands, the Cabungaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Navarro Multi-Purpose Cooperative each received a package of equipment including a rice thresher, mudboat, grass cutter, and knapsack sprayer.

Josefina Abig, chairperson of RICCP, highlighted the significance of the equipment in boosting their members' production. "The tractor, equipped with a rotary tiller and a trailer, is a big help to our members, especially during land preparation," Abig mentioned during a phone interview.

Antero Pa±a, manager of the Rosario Agrarian Reform Cooperative, expressed gratitude towards DAR and the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for their continuous support. "This tractor allows faster land preparation, plowing, and planting, and enables our members to cultivate larger areas in less time," he stated, adding that DAR's mechanization support reduces farmers' reliance on manual labor, thereby decreasing expenses for hired workers during peak farming seasons.

DAR-13 Regional Director Merlita Capinpuyan emphasized that the program is more than just machinery distribution. "The Handog ng Pangulo is a clear demonstration that government assistance can reach our farmers where it matters most - in their communities and on their farms," Capinpuyan said in a statement. She further added that the initiative aids ARBs in becoming more productive, resilient, and competitive by equipping them with necessary tools.

The initiative aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III's efforts in bringing government services closer to farmers and rural communities.