Tractors distributed to Nueva Ecija farmers. Contributed photo
SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ – Thirty-six farmers cooperatives in Nueva Ecija received machineries under the government’s farm mechanization program in simple rights at the PhilMech here Thursday.
Agriculture officials said this was the first batch of distribution to coops in 57 provinces of the country as beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) which is a component of the Rice Tariffication Law.
Gov. Aureluo Umali who was guest speaker during the distribution noted that the agriculture sector has been the strength of the country in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic that hurt not only the Philippines but other countries in the world.
“Ang mga bansang nagdadala ng bigas sa ating bansa ay isinara na ang tarangkahan, ang tanging sumagip sa bansang ito ay ang magsasakang Pilipino,” Umali said.
He expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for continuously extending support to Nueva Ecija farmers.
DA regional director Crispulo Bautista Jr., and PhilMech director Baldwin Jallorina led the distribution while Agriculture Sec. William Dar relayed his message via Zoom.
The farmer leaders said the machines will cut the cost of producing food, particularly rice.
