IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – To develop the agricultural sector in conflict-affected areas, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over three units farm tractors to the 403rd Infantry Brigade on June 25, 2020 in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 led the turn over of said machineries worth P7.470 million with accessories, 100 horsepower four-wheel drive farm tractors with trailing harrow, disc plow and trailer to Col. Ferdinand T Barandon INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 403rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The tractors will be used by its Infantry Battalion units under its operational control, the 8th Infantry (DEPENDABLE) Battalion, 88th Infantry (MARINGAL) Battalion and 1st Special Forces (Anytime Anywhere) Battalion as its recipients.

RED Collado said, the assistance is in support to the agency’s thrust in increasing productivity and income and reduce poverty among the marginalized sectors in agriculture and fishery in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

Collado underscored the support is in line with Executive Order 70 signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte which aims to end local communist armed conflict.

Col Barandon stressed, the farm machineries will greatly help the production of farmers, including the army’s peace and order programs.

“Rest assured that these machineries will be maximized in helping conflict-affected areas into becoming productive and resilient communities,” he added.

Meanwhile, 8IB Commanding Officer LTC Edgardo V Talaroc, Jr INF (GSC) reminded the farmers, “There is only one government” and urged them not to be swayed by false promises of leftists.

Said turnover of machineries forms part of the P10 million agri-fishery assistance which DA-10 poured to farmers in barangays Kalabugao, Hagpa and Bulonay of said town. # (AMBManto)