KLIBO, Aklan – An agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) organization in Malinao, Aklan received P609,280 worth of farm machinery and equipment as part of the Rice Block Farm Productivity Enhancement under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program.
“The program aims to provide support services intervention to help alleviate poverty through enhanced agricultural productivity and income of ARBs and build resiliency amid the impact of climate change,” Aklan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ma. Teresa Valencia said.
The Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Barangay Rosario Proper, Malinao recently received one hand tractor with implements and trailer, a rice reaper/harvester, a rice thresher, an irrigation pump, a floating tiller, two blowers, and three grass cutters.
The equipment and machinery will benefit 345 farmer-ARBs engaged in rice production in Barangay Rosario, covering a total of 71 hectares of rice land.
The Rosario MPC is the only beneficiary this year under the project, which is only given to one recipient annually.
“Rosario MPC is selected due to its readiness in adopting the climate-smart crop production system, which is one of the major interventions in climate mitigation measures,” she added.
Valencia stated that in order to get a good return on the money invested on the machinery, it should be used as a business or revenue-generating asset.
To ensure sustainability, the organization has also entered into a memorandum of agreement with the local government unit of Malinao and the DAR, stipulating their respective functions.
Rosemarie Remedios Maravilla, chairperson of the Rosario MPC, thanked the DAR for its continued support and assistance that contributed to the growth of the organization. (PNA)/PN
