MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon– Strengthening its commitment to rice sector modernization during the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over PhP85 million worth of rice production and postharvest machinery to Irrigators Associations (IAs) and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across Northern Mindanao on November 14, here

The activity reaffirms the government’s continuing commitment to bolster the country’s rice industry through the grant of sustained mechanization support.

This aligns with the NRAM’s advocacy, which highlights the importance of rice self-sufficiency, responsible consumption, and minimizing postharvest losses.

According to DA-10 OIC–Regional Technical Director for Operations, Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, the machinery pave way for increased farmers’ productivity, “These machineries are tools for empowerment – helping you, our farmers, work faster, harvest better, and earn more. But with increased productivity also comes the responsibility to promote responsible rice consumption. Every grain saved is a great honor.”

The machinery includes five hauling trucks valued at PhP2.9 million each, one forklift worth PhP2 million, 16 rice harvesters valued at PhP1.8 million each, and 16 tractors worth PhP2.5 million each. These interventions are expected to significantly boost farm efficiency, reduce labor and production costs, and enhance overall productivity across rice-producing communities in Northern Mindanao.

Bienvenido L. Calo, Jr., President of Brgy. Pily Communal Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. noted the impact of the DA’s support to farmers at the grassroots level.

“Financially, this really helps our association, and I’m very thankful because we at the grassroots are truly supported. Before, we paid PhP5,000 per hectare to rent machinery. Now that we have our own, that money we used to pay for rent can be used for other needs. That’s why this assistance is really important to us” he said.

Beyond machinery distribution, the event also served as a platform to remind the public to value rice as a staple food commodity, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure national food security.

This initiative supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening the local rice industry as driving force for economic and social transformation in the country. (pr/NQA)