THE Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), distributed on Monday, November 8, P78.1 million worth of farm machinery in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

DA Regional Executive Director Ran Donn Cedeño said the distribution of farm machinery was made possible through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program of PhilMech.

PHilMech is mandated to generate, extend and commercialize appropriate and problem-oriented agriculture and fishery postharvest and mechanization technologies, practices and systems.

Cedeño said a total of 50 farm machineries were distributed to qualified beneficiaries and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay.

He said among the farm machinery and facilities distributed were Rice Combine Harvesters, four-wheel drive tractors, walk-behind transplanters, mechanical dryers, multi-pass rice mill and float assist tillers.

The recipients of the farm machinery expressed their gratitude to PhilMech and DA for the support given them.

The Provincial Government officials of Zamboanga Sibugay also expressed their full support to the farmers’ empowerment and mechanization program. (SunStar Zamboanga)