DA-11: P1.1-B fund for mechanization released since 2019
2024-Jun-19 15:00
2024-Nov-17 05:29
MECHANIZATION. Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) Director Macario Gonzaga said that the agency has disbursed some P1.1 billion fund for its mechanization component under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP) since 2019 during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Davao City on Tuesday (June 18, 2024). RCEP aims to improve the farmers' income, yield, access, and use of appropriate mechanization technologies from planting to post harvest. (PNA/Robinson Niñal Jr.)
DAVAO CITY – Since 2019, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) has disbursed over P1.1 billion in funds for its mechanization component as part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP).
During Tuesday's Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas event here, DA-11 Director Macario Gonzaga enumerated the following amounts for the mechanization component in the region: P198 million in 2019, P205 million in 2020, P212 million in 2021, P154 million in 2022, P236 million in 2023, and P146 million in 2024.
"RCEF includes rice farm mechanization, inbred rice seed development, propagation, and promotion. Also included is the expanded rice credit assistance and rice extension services," he said.
Mechanization intends to help Filipino farmers become globally competitive and improve the farming system and quality of service through the strengthened access and use of appropriate mechanization technologies awarded in the program.
Likewise, it promotes cost-efficient farm machinery, incentivizes manufacturers to improve production and technology, and facilitates access to appropriate machinery through farmer cooperatives and associations.
As to the recipients of the various farm machinery in the Davao Region, Gonzaga said 91 FCAs benefited in 2019; 2020 (86), 2021 (91), 2022 (87), and 67 in 2024.
"On June 6, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., led the RCEF machinery distribution during the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk, and Families at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City," he said. (PNA)