Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, May 18 – Two farmer-cooperatives, in the province of Bukidnon received one unit each of 100-horsepower farm tractor from the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10).

The Maray-Maray Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (MARBC) of Don Carlos, Bukidnon and the First Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (FARBECO) of Talakag, Bukidnon received each unit worth P2.5 million for the development of the agricultural sector, specifically the corn production in their locality.

The farm tractor comes with complete implements which include disc harrow, disc plow and trailer.

OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of DA-RFO 10 said, “the distribution is a component of the Corn Program which aims to increase farmers’ productivity thru farm mechanization.”

RED Collado added, that the equipment is also part of DA’s commitment to mechanize farm work by helping farmers and farmer-associations/cooperatives or local government units in acquiring their own farm machinery.

“After 30 years, it is the first time nakadawat nami ug tractor diin maka benepesiyo dili lang ang mga miyembro apan ang ubang mga mag-uuma sa among dapit,” said Rey M. Mapano, Vice-Chair of FARBECO.

[After 30 years, it is the first time we have availed a tractor that would benefit not only the members, but including the non-member farmers in our area.]

FARBECO exists for 30 years now with 209 active members, tilling 407 hectares of corn area in Talakag, Bukidnon.

“Maayo nga ang mga mag-uuma mo mechanize aron dali ang pang-uma busa dako among pasalamat sa DA niining tractor nga nadawat namo,” said Benedicto S. dela Cruz, member of said coop.

[It would be best for farmers to adopt mechanization for efficient farming, that’s why we are thankful to DA for the tractor we have received.]

The MARBC has an existing 140 active members, cultivating around 360-hectare corn area in Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Noting that not all cooperatives or associations were granted with their request, RED Collado emphasized, “the machineries is a full grant from DA, with no equity. I am requesting you [beneficiaries] to maintain and use the equipment properly.”# (ATCabig)