Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija — The Antipolo Farmers Association received farm tractors and machinery worth 2.6M from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program during the turn-over ceremony held last Friday, October 15.
The said POs was organized by the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army in Barangay Antipolo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija in 2019.
The farm equipment and machinery were received by the PO’s representative, Vice Chairman Bartolome Manresa.
During the activity, Manresa expressed his gratitude to the people behind who helped them, saying that the equipment they receive is an advantage in enriching their farms and improving their yields.
“Lubos po ang pasasalamat ng aming grupo sa inyong lahat na tumulong sa amin. The aid that you have given to us will surely speed up our work when we haul our harvest,” Manresa said.
Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food in her message, said that she supports the rice farmers and her programs aimed to uplift their lives to increase productivity and income.
She also congratulated the farmer-beneficiaries who received the machinery and equipment under the RCEF.
Meanwhile, the Acting Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Luis Rex D. Bergante PA said that the successful turn-over of the farm equipment and machinery to the rice farmers is the fruition of the Army’s efforts in linking the farmer’s group to the proper National Government Agency to address their needs.
“Natutuwa tayo dahil mayroon na namang grupo ng mga magsasaka ang madadagdagan ang ani. We in the Army supports this kind of programs benefiting our rice farmers. Kaya naman we encourage the members to focus on improving their livelihood and dismiss the idea of joining the CTG’s front organizations,” said BGen Bergante. (CRIS PALARCA)
