To boost rice production in the town of Jimenez, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over P1.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME) to the Macabayao Farmers’ Association, Inc., a group of farmers based in Barangay Macabayao, Jimenez, Misamis Oriental.
The initiative was implemented through the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP) – Major Crop-Based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement Program, which aims to boost rice production and build resilience among local farmers through essential farm and post-harvest machinery.
The FME package includes one 24-horsepower mobile rice million worth P1.3 million, two weighing scales, two sack sewing machines, and ten knapsack sprayers. These tools are expected to reduce production costs, improve milling efficiency, and increase the income of the 64-member MAFAI cooperative.
DAR Misamis Occidental officials, led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Rolando M. Libetario, Jr., said the government continues to empower farmers not only through land distribution but also by providing equipment that supports long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability.
MAFAI President Letecia B. Cocolan said the machinery will enable farmers to process their own harvests and earn higher income from their produce.
DAR officials encouraged the cooperative to properly manage and maintain the equipment to ensure sustained benefits for their community.
This project marks another milestone in DAR’s mission to enhance productivity, profitability, and climate resilience across agrarian reform communities in Misamis Occidental.