Around Php113, 512, 448.40 million worth of machines were given to the 30 FCA-beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program in Cotabato Province, held along with the conduct of the 17th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC) at the University of Southern Mindanao Auditorium in Kabacan, Cotabato on March 21.
A total of 74 units of rice machinery consisted of 30 floating tillers, 11 rice reapers, 9 walk-behind transplanters, 4 hand tractors, 11 combine harvesters, 3 precision seeders, 4 recirculating dryers, 2 riding-type transplanters, 2 mobile rice mill, 1 single pass rice mill, and 2 multi-stage rice mill.
The FCAs who received the brand new rice machines are from the municipalities of Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, Libungan, President Roxas, Antipas, Arakan, Makilala, Banisilan, Kabacan Matalam, M’lang Tulunan, and Kidapawan City.
Dignitaries in attendance are the representative of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and President of the Philippines Ferdinand E. Marcos- Undersecretary Joan Paula Domingo, IFOAM Executive Director Jennifer Chang, Governor of the Province of Cotabato-Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, MNSA, Department of Agriculture Region 12 Regional Executive Director- Sailila E. Abdullah Ph.D., University of Southern Mindanao President- Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia and other representatives from various agencies and Local Government Units.
The program concluded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the awarding of certificates to the beneficiaries. (Judy Golez)
