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DA-Caraga vows to continue farm mechanization amid pandemic

By Alexander Lopez

August 21, 2020, 6:26 pm

<p><strong>FARM MECHANIZATION.</strong> Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera (right) and Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo (2nd from right) of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region lead the distribution of over PHP79 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to different farmers’ association on Thursday (Aug. 20, 2020) in Taguibo, Butuan City. Monteagudo says DA-13 will continue the agency's farm mechanization program in Caraga Region even amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. <em>(Photo courtesy of the Agusan Up Facebook Page)</em></p>

FARM MECHANIZATION. Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera (right) and Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo (2nd from right) of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region lead the distribution of over PHP79 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to different farmers’ association on Thursday (Aug. 20, 2020) in Taguibo, Butuan City. Monteagudo says DA-13 will continue the agency's farm mechanization program in Caraga Region even amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of the Agusan Up Facebook Page)

BUTUAN CITY – The threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will not hinder the implementation of the farm mechanization program in Caraga Region, according to the Department of Agriculture in Region 13 (DA-13).

On Thursday (August 20), DA-13 said a total of PHP79.7 million farm machinery and equipment were handed over to different rice-based farmers’ and irrigators’ associations in the province of Agusan del Norte in a ceremony held in Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City.

DA-13 Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said the continuing implementation of the farm mechanization program of the agency is part of the priorities of DA Secretary William Dar.

“The advancement of farm equipment through mechanization will continue to help farmers increase their farm productivity,” Monteagudo said.

Farm mechanization is under the DA’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMec) with the support of the agency’s Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Among the recipients of the program in Agusan del Norte include the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma Alang sa Lamdag nga Kaugmaon (Kamalaka) Irrigator’s Association from Barangay Sanghan, Cabadbaran City; the Tagbongabong Farmers Association (TFA) from Tagbongabong, Remedios T. Romualdez town; Sto. Nino Muti-Purpose Cooperative (SNMPC) from Sto. Nino, Butuan City; and the Taguibo IPM Irrigators Association (TIIA) from Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City.

Kamalaka received a four-wheel tractor with one riding-type trans-planter and one combined harvester.

Kamalaka president Ruenston Delalamon expressed thanks to the government, saying the equipment will greatly benefit their association and members.

“Before, our association just visualized having these pieces of machinery and equipment that could lessen the burden that we are facing during land preparation and harvesting season. We even hire laborers from other places for additional manpower during both seasons. We are very glad that through this, our vision for our farms will not be in vain anymore,” Delalamon said.

Another group, the TFA also received seven units of floating tillers, a four-wheel tractor, and a combined harvester.

“The months of waiting for the turnover of the machinery and equipment is over. This is a big boost to us in the organization. We express thanks to the government for the support we received despite the threat of the pandemic,” TFA chairperson Jimmy Loreno said.

A unit of a four-wheel tractor with one combined harvester was also given to TIIA while the SNMPC was given one unit of a precision seeder.

Agusan del Norte governor Dale B. Corvera, who witnessed the turn-over ceremony, thanked e DA-13 for its continued support to the farmers in Agusan del Norte and the rest of the region.

“I see this as a competition for the development of the economy of our region since we are blessed with an agri-based Caraga region,” Corvera, who also chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC) said.

He said the best thing the government can do to improve agriculture production is to invest in agriculture and to the farmers.

“I’m glad that the mindset of our farmers changed through the years. Before they go into farming to have some food in the table but now, we go into farming to develop our economy, to create a business,” Corvera said.

He also stressed the importance of education to strengthen the various agricultural programs in the region.

“I hope that our future generation here in Caraga will eye for a progressive agriculture sector by studying agriculture-related education. For our farmers who have experienced technological advancements, they should encourage their children to continue what had been started,” Corvera said. (PNA)

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