DA-10 boosts farm-to-market link support, turns over agri hauler to farmers’ coop in Sumilao town

 

SUMILAO, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) boosts its agricultural transport support for Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) by turning over a hauling truck to the PANAW Sumilao Multipurpose Cooperative (PSMPC) on August 13, at Sitio Fatima, Brgy. San Vicente, this town.

Funded through the agency’s Corn Program under the Agriculture Machinery, Equipment, and Facilities Support Services, the PhP2.57-million truck is set to benefit the coop’s 163 farmer-members who collectively manage 712 hectares of corn, cassava, soybean, and expansion areas.

With the addition of this truck, PSMPC is poised to improve its overall logistical operations—avoiding costly third-party hauling services, cutting down hauling costs, reducing postharvest spillage, speeding up delivery times, and preserving the quality of farm produce. Ultimately, better transport efficiency can lead to higher profit margins for coop members.

A drop-side type and built with a 100-liter fuel tank with a 5-metric ton capacity, the agri hauler comes equipped with one spare tire (with rim), another five brand-new tires, a 25ft x 15ft laminated sheet, and two push carts.

PSMPC Chairperson Cheril M. Lorenza shared that the truck is an asset to ease the delivery of their harvests to the market.

Expanding its reach, the hauling truck, according to the farmer-leader in an interview, will also serve non-members in their logistical operations.

Further, in a message, PSMPC Board Member Elgine M. Orquillas said, “Ang among isaad sa DA kay amo gyud nang gahinan og pondo kining truck, among ampingan ug amumahon.”

(We assure the DA that we will allocate funds for this truck, take good care of it, and maintain it).

The coop officer added that 20% of the hauling truck’s net income is allocated for repair and maintenance, ensuring its sustainability for long term-use.

This intervention forms part of DA-10’s broader efforts to help farmers scale up their agricultural operations, with other 18 hauling trucks funded under the 2024 budget, already turned over to FCAs and LGUs regionwide.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, DA-10 continues to improve farmers’ agricultural logistics and market access in a bid toward achieving food security and making the agri-fishery sector a profitable industry.# (BJCE)