A total of 194 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon received new farm machinery under the second phase of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) led the turnover, which included two four-wheel drive tractors and 20 combine harvesters.
PHilMech Director Joel Dator encouraged other FCAs that have yet to benefit from the program to coordinate with their Department of Agriculture Regional Field Offices. “Everyone is qualified to apply,” he said, stressing that eligible FCAs receive machinery free of charge.
The recent turnover is part of 228 units of machinery worth P497 million scheduled for delivery across Central Luzon this year. Remaining units will be distributed through PHilMech Luzon A Cluster’s onsite delivery.
Beneficiaries include the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Zambales Agri-Farmers Entrepreneurship Association Inc. Vice President Danilo Labrador shared that their newly awarded four-wheel drive tractor is the first machinery received by their group. “We are grateful for this opportunity. We will ensure proper care and use so it can also benefit non-members,” he said.
From 2019 to 2024, PHilMech distributed 3,726 units of machinery worth P4.2 billion in Central Luzon under RCEF Phase 1.
