An agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) organization in the municipality of Malinao in Aklan received PHP609,280 worth of farm machinery and equipment under the Rice Block Farm Productivity Enhancement under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

“The program aims to provide support services intervention to help alleviate poverty through enhanced agricultural productivity and income of ARBs and build resiliency amid the impact of climate change,” Aklan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ma. Teresa Valencia said in an interview on Thursday.

The Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Barangay Rosario Proper, Malinao received one hand tractor with implements and trailer, rice reaper/harvester, rice thresher, irrigation pump, floating tiller, two blowers, and three grass cutters in a ceremony held on October 13.

The equipment and machinery will benefit 345 farmer-ARBs engaged in rice production. Barangay Rosario has a total rice land area of 71 hectares.

“Rosario MPC is selected due to its readiness in adopting the climate-smart crop production system, which is one of the major interventions in climate mitigation measures,” she added.

Valencia added that the equipment should be used as business or revenue-generating assets to give importance to the value for money invested in such types of machinery.

“The said income will be used in the operation and maintenance of the machinery/equipment/facilities,” she said.

To ensure sustainability, the organization has also entered into a memorandum of agreement with the local government unit of Malinao and the DAR, stipulating their respective functions.

The Rosario MPC is the only beneficiary this year under the project, which is only given to one recipient annually.

The turnover ceremony was graced by DAR 6 (Western Visayas) director Sheila Enciso, Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr., and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores.

Miraflores said the programs of DAR are consistent not only with the priorities of the province but also of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, which is agriculture development to make the industry self-sustainable.

Rosemarie Remedios Maravilla, chairperson of the Rosario MPC, thanked the DAR for the farm machines they have received and for its continued support and assistance that contributed to the growth of the organization. (PNA)