The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) turned over 49 units of farm machinery and equipment worth PHP59.6 million to 20 farmers’ associations in Agusan del Norte on Friday.

The turnover ceremony, held in Barangay Sto. Niño here, was part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program under Republic Act 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law.

Domingo Miranda, the assistant chief of the Facility Management and Field Operations Division from PhilMech’s central office, said the program is designed to improve rice farmers’ productivity, profitability, and competitiveness by providing modern equipment.

One of the beneficiaries, the Tagbaluca Irrigators Association from Cabadbaran City, received a package that included a four-wheel drive tractor, a floating tiller, a rice combine harvester and a walk-behind transplanter.

“The machinery and equipment given to us by the government is enough to help us improve our rice production,” Cristina Damalerio, the association’s head, said.

Joining Miranda during the distribution were Edgar Testa, PhilMech Mindanao cluster head, and Jingle Tinambacan, PhilMech focal person in the Caraga Region.

According to PhilMech-13, a total of 594 farm machinery and equipment worth PHP407.3 million have been distributed to farmers’ associations across the Caraga Region from 2019 to 2024. (PNA)