THE Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-Davao) took a significant step toward modernizing local farming by distributing P11.68 million worth of advanced agricultural machinery to farmer cooperatives and local government units on February 24, 2025.
The equipment, which included four-wheel tractors with rotavators, was funded through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), a national program aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
DA-Davao regional director Macario Gonzaga underscored the crucial role of the RCEF Mechanization Program in advancing farming operations.
“With the support of RCEF, we are enabling more provinces to reach higher levels of mechanization, which is vital in making our farming sector more competitive,” Gonzaga said, highlighting the long-term benefits of technological investments in farming.
The distribution of machinery benefited various farmer associations and local governments across Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
Among the recipients were the Isirosary Farmers Association and San Isidro Carmen Irrigators Association Inc. in Davao del Norte, as well as the Dalawinon Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative and Laral Gomitoyom Irrigators Association in Davao del Sur. The provincial government of Davao Oriental, along with farmers' groups such as Kinablangan Rice Farmers IA Inc., Caraga-San Pedro IA Inc., Mantunao IA Inc., and Saranay Farmers IA of Rang-ay Inc., also received new farming equipment.
Marie Ann Constantino, DA-Davao’s Technical Director, underscored the long-term impact of these efforts, stating that the initiative is not just about providing equipment but also about enhancing efficiency and productivity. She emphasized that these investments are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable agricultural future.
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) played a key role in facilitating the distribution, ensuring that much-needed mechanization reaches the region’s farmers.
With the rollout of new machinery, DA-Davao expects local farmers to reduce manual labor, increase crop yields, and strengthen the agricultural economy. This initiative is part of a broader push to modernize Philippine agriculture, equipping farmers with the tools to boost productivity and efficiency. DEF