The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over a total of P2.6 million of farm machineries and equipment (FMEs) to two agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARB) organizations (ARBOs) to boost the income of small farmers in Ifugao province.
Funded under the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), the initiative aims to empower ARBs and support rural enterprises in the province.
DAR said they expect farmers to benefit from increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved market access.
In Alfonso Lista, the agency handed over a P1.438-million hauling truck to the San Quintin Rural Improvement Club Inc. (RIC).
The vehicle is expected to provide a faster and safer mode of transporting farm produce and reduce postharvest losses, cut costs, and expand market opportunities for ARB members.
RIC President Eliza Sevilleja said the new vehicle will significantly support the cooperative’s mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.
‘This hauling truck will greatly ease the burden of our local farmers.’
Meanwhile, in Lamut, DAR also turned over a P1.2-million four-wheel-drive tractor to the One Lamut Agriculture Cooperative (OLAC). The tractor is expected to improve land preparation, reduce production costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of OLAC’s farmer-members.
OLAC General Manager Grace Marie Balaquit said the provision of the tractor will strengthen the cooperative’s operations and inspire members to improve their services.
Both turnovers were formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Trust Agreement between DAR-Ifugao and the recipient ARBOs, outlining clear guidelines for the use, management, and maintenance of the machinery.
DAR officials, led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Laurence Bulayungan and Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Leonor Bascos, emphasized that DAR’s mandate extends beyond land distribution to include vital support services that directly uplift farmers’ livelihoods.
The twin projects demonstrate DAR-Ifugao’s ongoing efforts to promote mechanization and rural enterprise development. Beyond easing farm labor and transport challenges, the new machinery is expected to foster cooperative growth, create more income opportunities, and contribute to the broader socio-economic development of agrarian reform communities in the province.