The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over PHP178.57 million worth of machinery and equipment to 24 farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental on Tuesday.
The assistance, sourced from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) 2024-2025 allocation, aims to enhance farm productivity, reduce production costs, and improve the overall competitiveness of rice farmers in the province.
Speaking at the turnover held in Bago City, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the DA-PhilMech for its support to Negrense farmers through appropriate technology and equipment.
“You are the instrument to further enhance the capacity of our farmers, allowing them to earn more profit from their hard work,” he added.
Lacson also thanked the farmers for their efforts in achieving the required rice production in Negros Occidental.
Bago City Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao acknowledged the continued support of both the DA and the provincial government, particularly for the Bagonhon farmers.
“We celebrate another milestone for our farmers who continue to give life and strength to our city. Through this program, our government shows that our farmers are seen, valued, and supported,” she added.
Bago City is the province’s top rice-producing LGU, contributing about 30 percent to the total rice output of Negros Occidental.
Under the RCEF Mechanization Program, the recipient FCAs and LGUs received 17 units of four-wheel drive tractors totaling PHP39.952 million and 15 units of rice combine harvesters worth PHP30 million.
Also distributed were four units of village-type rice mills amounting to PHP2.72 million, two units of precision seeders worth PHP3.46 million, and one drying system with a cost of PHP102.44 million.
The mechanization and postharvest facility intervention intends to reduce the production cost of farmer-users by PHP2 to PHP3 per kg. and post-production losses of farmer-users by 3 percent to 5 percent using appropriate and efficient post-production technologies.
Covering the 2019 to 2025 fund sources, Negros Occidental has received 1,053 units of various rice machinery and equipment amounting to PHP719.908 million for 205 FCAS and 23 LGUs, DA-PhilMech data showed. (PNA)
