Corn production and marketing processes are expected to improve in this province after the government handed over some PHP500,000 worth of farm machinery to agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) of Esperanza and Palimbang towns.

Richard Jay Gestupa, focal person of the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP) under the Department of Agrarian Reform, said Thursday the program aims to achieve higher farm productivity and profitability for the beneficiaries.

The pieces of machinery included a delivery truck worth PHP250,000 granted to the Tagumpay Vegetable Growers Association (TVGA) of Esperanza; and a corn and rice mill worth PHP100,000 and PHP150,000, respectively, given to the Pusot Women’s Organization of Palimbang.

The assistance was handed over to the two ARBOs on Wednesday.

Gestupa said the two ARBOs underwent a thorough selection process before they became qualified recipients.

Research and consultations were also done to ensure that the awarded farm machinery will meet the needs of the selected ARBOs.

Mary Jane Aguilar, the provincial agrarian reform officer, urged agrarian reform beneficiaries and ARBOs to “be resilient amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic to strengthen your organization to withstand any future difficulties.” (PNA)