28.2 C
Philippines
Thursday, November 7, 2024

6:57 AM

28.2 C
Philippines
Thursday, November 7, 2024

6:57 AM

DA NorMin gives P7.47M farm equipment to 403rd Brigade in support to peace process

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon (PIA)—To develop the agricultural sector in conflict-affected areas, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently turned over three units of farm tractor to the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of DA-10 led the turnover of said farm equipment worth P7.470 million to Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, Commander, 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade (403Bde), 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The donated agricultural equipment includes three units of McCormick C110 Max tractors with 100 horsepower four-wheel drive and accessories such as trailing harrow, disc plow, and trailer.

The tractors will be turned over by the 403Bde to the three Battalion units under its operational control namely 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion; 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion; and 1st Special Forces “Anytime, Anywhere” Battalion.

RED Collado said the assistance is in support of the agency’s thrust in increasing productivity and income of farmers in remote communities, thus reducing poverty among the marginalized sectors in agriculture and fishery in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

Collado emphasized that the support is in line with Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which aims to end local communist armed conflict.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr, 8IB commander, meanwhile, said this is part of the government’s efforts to continuously achieve peace and development, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

He urged the farmers to cooperate with the government’s projects and programs and reminded them not to be swayed by false promises of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Col. Barandon also explained that the farm equipment will greatly help farmers in boosting its crop yields, which translates to less risks of NPA influence.

He said this move aims to address the root causes of insurgency through focused, coordinated and sustained delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government in far-flung areas in region 10.

“Rest assured that these farm equipment will be maximized in helping conflict-affected areas into becoming productive and resilient communities,” Barandon added.

DA 10 also reported that the said turnover of farm machinery units forms part of the P10 million agri-fishery assistance poured by DA to farmers in barangays Kalabugao, Hagpa, and Bulonay, all in Impasugong town. (DA 10/PIA Bukidnon)