MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a significant boost to agricultural productivity, fifty-three (53) farmers’ associations and cooperatives (FCAs) across Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental received over ₱140 million worth of pre- and post-harvest farm machinery under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Component on Wednesday, October 2

The comprehensive aid package, aimed at modernizing rice farming practices in Northern Mindanao, includes five (5) four-wheel tractors (Tier II), twenty-five (25) four-wheel tractors (Tier III), sixteen (16) rice combine harvesters (Tier II), eleven (11) rice combine harvesters (Tier II FDS), eighteen (18) village-type rice mills, and three (3) precision rice seeders. These cutting-edge tools were formally turned over during a ceremony graced by Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, alongside other local chief executives, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, and Engr. Edgar B. Testa, Mindanao A Cluster Head of the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHILMech).

Implemented by DA-PHILMech and funded under the Rice Tariffication Law, the RCEF Mechanization Component is designed to equip rice farmers with modern machinery and equipment. This strategic intervention aims to reduce production costs, increase productivity, and enhance profitability among local rice growers.

This initiative embodies the government’s commitment to elevating local agricultural competitiveness, highlighting how access to advanced rice farming technologies can empower farmers and strengthen the region’s agricultural backbone.

The farm mechanization grant is expected to benefit a total of 67,621 hectares of rice fields across Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, enabling farmers to harvest more efficiently, process faster, and ultimately increase their yield and income.

By merging tradition with technology, the program marks a milestone in the drive toward a more modernized, resilient, and productive rice sector in Northern Mindanao.

Meanwhile, in a press release, Gov. Roque expressed heartfelt gratitude to DA Region 10 and PhilMech for providing equipment to the province’s farmers’ cooperatives and associations. The support is seen as a game-changer for local rice production, helping farmers save time, reduce labor costs, and increase yield.

The statement highlighted that, in addition to the 11 rice combine harvesters and 3 four-wheel tractors with attachments already received during the regional turnover, DA-Region 10 and PhilMech are set to deliver 17 more four-wheel tractors, 8 rice combine harvesters, and 10 village-type rice mills, with a combined value of ₱91,114,620.00—a significant boost to the province’s agricultural productivity. (pr/melbmadera)