The four new tractors turned over by the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) will be utilized by the provincial government of Catanduanes in its own version of Virac’s “Libreng Arado” program.
A Capitol source told the Tribune that the guidelines of the program have yet to be finalized by the concerned officials.
Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza led provincial and local officials, including San Andres Mayor Aly Romano and Viga Mayor Jennifer Tuplano, in formally receiving the P14.4-million worth of farm equipment from PhilMech Regional Focal Person Engr. Joseph Corporal Jr., who represented PhilMech Director Dionisio G. Alvindia as part of the enhanced support of the national government for the agricultural sector of Catanduanes.
The chief executive said the tractors will be allocated for the Libreng Arado Program of the provincial government that would provide free services in cultivating farmlands in each of the 11 municipalities so as to lower production costs and increase harvests.
In thanking PhilMech Director Alvindia at DA Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla for their continued support, Gov. Azanza said the project is the result of his meeting with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in May last year – before he assumed the Capitol post – which he said is proof of the honored promise of assistance for Catanduanes farmers.
The chief executive said six more tractors will be sent to the province as part of the assistance from the DA.
Engr. Corporal disclosed that the equipment from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) would help local farmers to raise their agricultural production and earning capacity.
This would also enable them to keep pace with worldwide competition through modern and appropriate production and postharvest technology,
Representing DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla, Agricultural Program Officer Rafael Magallanes stressed the importance of farm mechanization in reducing the physical labor in farming, addressing the lack of workers and encouraging the youth to join the agricultural sector.
He urged beneficiaries to help maintain and properly use the machinery to ensure continued palay production and improve the livelihood of farmers.