PhilMech to Kalinga farmers: “Kung kulang pa, maaari pa tayong magdagdag… kung di napapakinabangan maari din naming bawiin”

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has assured farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Kalinga that more agricultural machinery can still be provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program—provided that the equipment already distributed is being fully utilized.

PhilMech Director III Joel V. Dator made the assurance during the second day of the Kalinga Mechanization Roadshow held on Wednesday, July 29, at the Kalinga Sports Center.

Addressing representatives of farmers' cooperatives and local government units, Dator encouraged them to maximize the use of the machinery already entrusted to them, saying PhilMech remains ready to extend additional assistance to qualified organizations with legitimate needs.

"Kung sa tingin niyo po ay kulang pa ang naibigay ng PhilMech, maaari pa po tayong magdagdag. 'Yan po ay puwede nating gawin. Subalit, kung ito naman po ay hindi ninyo napapakinabangan, maaari din po namin iyang bawiin. Sayang naman po kung hindi ninyo ito gagamitin. Maaari natin itong ibigay o i-reaward sa iba pang qualified na mga samahan," Dator said.

He explained that while the agency is willing to provide more machinery, equipment that remains unused may be withdrawn and reallocated to other qualified farmers' organizations that can put it to productive use.

Over ₱240 million worth of farm technologies delivered to Kalinga

Dator also reported that PhilMech has already delivered more than 200 agricultural technologies worth over ₱240 million to Kalinga under the RCEF Mechanization Program.

According to him, the assistance is now benefiting 112 farmers' cooperatives, associations, and local government units across the province.

"Dito po sa Kalinga, kami po ay nakapag-provide na ng mahigit 200 technologies... ito po ay nagkakahalaga ng mahigit ₱240 million na naibigay na ng PhilMech. At ito po ay pinapakinabangan na ng 112 farmers' cooperatives and associations and local government units," he said.

Why Kalinga was chosen

Dator said Kalinga was selected to host the 11th Mechanization Roadshow because of its vital contribution to rice production in the Cordillera.

He noted that exposing farmers to a wider range of modern agricultural technologies would help them identify mechanization solutions that can improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase farm income.

"It is our choice to hold the 11th Mechanization Roadshow here in the Rice Granary of the Cordillera, the Province of Kalinga... This exposure will allow you to appreciate the extensive range of mechanization solutions that can help boost agricultural production in the province," he said.

He added that the roadshow allows farmers to see the equipment in actual operation instead of simply hearing about it, citing the local expression "Diak pati, Diak Kita" ("To see is to believe").

Through live demonstrations, farmers were given the opportunity to observe how modern agricultural machinery works and determine which technologies are most suitable for their farming operations.

After-sales support guaranteed

Dator also assured farmers that PhilMech requires equipment suppliers to provide after-sales services, including the establishment of service centers capable of repairing machinery and replacing defective parts when needed.

He explained that these obligations are stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement and Terms of Reference between PhilMech and its accredited suppliers to ensure that distributed machinery remains operational and continues to benefit farmers for years to come.

The Kalinga Mechanization Roadshow forms part of PhilMech's continuing efforts to promote agricultural mechanization and encourage the adoption of modern farming technologies that improve efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen the country's food security.