TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- Five agrarian reform beneficiary cooperatives in the Cagayan Valley Region received P2.039 million worth of farm machinery and equipment from the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Regional Director Primo Lara said the distribution of the machinery was funded under the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty program, and the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support program. 

The Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative in Solana, Cagayan received a multicab utility vehicle worth P299,500, while the Patasda ARB Cooperative in Allacapan, Cagayan received a Kubota tractor worth P990,000.

Patasda Chair Marivic Arlocate said they are very thankful for the government's support as the machinery will cut down the production cost, lessen the planting process, and lighten their effort in producing agricultural products.

The Golden Harvest Cluster Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Abulug, Cagayan, and the Integrated Farmers Cooperative in Tuguegarao City also received two units of hand tractors and one unit of seeder amounting to P529,600.

Additionally, the Agani Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative was granted two units of hand tractors amounting to P219,900.

Lara said, that last year, a total of P7.3 million worth of farm machinery was distributed to various agrarian reform beneficiaries in the region that are now utilized in enhancing their productions. 

“The program aims to assist cooperative members in facing the challenges, threats, and potential impacts of climate change to improve their quality of life,” Lara said. 

He also added that DAR Region 2 will continue to bring government services closer to the intended beneficiaries to improve their lives and help boost the local economy. (OTB/GVB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)