Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

RCEF Mechanization Program marks new opportunities for La Union farmers
by Jhian Chrissie A-lea-son G. Padilla (October 31, 2024)
In a significant step towards enhancing the agricultural sector in the province of La Union, PHilMech through the RCEF Mechanization Program, held an official turnover and distribution of rice machinery and equipment worth Php17.29 million in the Municipality of Bacnotan on October 29, 2024.

Around 9 Farmers' Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) and 3 Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province received 4 four-wheel drive tractors, 10 PTO disc plows, 5 leeve makers, 3 precision rice seeders, and combine harvester all funded under 2023-2024 budget.

Engr. May Ville B. Castro, chief of Facility Management and Field Operations Division (FMFOD), highlighted that the primary objective of the program is to reduce the production cost of rice through the utilization of rice machinery and post-harvest facilities.

“Sa extension ng RCEF, inaasahan po natin na buong Pilipinas po ay makakasama, makakasali, at mararamdaman po ang biyayang magmumula sa RA 11203. Ang pondong ginagamit para dito ay nanggagaling sa collected na taripa, at ibinabalik din sa ating mga magsasaka,” Engr. Castro stated.
The FMFOD Chief also urged the beneficiaries to re-apply in the implementation of the RCEF 2.0 which will include the provision of warehouse, storage, and shed facilities.

Present local government officials include Hon. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, Governor of La Union; Hon. Divina C. Fontanilla, Mayor of Bacnotan, La Union; and Mr. Juanito Malazo Jr., representative of the Regional Executive Director, DA-RFO I.

In total, around 615 units of various rice machinery and post-production facilities amounting to Php363.10 million have already been distributed in the said province from the 2019-2024 budget allocation with over 100 FCA and LGU beneficiaries.