News Details

DAR Distributes ?8.3M Worth of Farm Machinery to Ilocos Norte Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

NPO

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July 5, 2025

Batac City, Ilocos Norte – In a continued effort to modernize agriculture and support local farmers, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over approximately ₱8.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to 12 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Ilocos Norte on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Held at the multi-purpose hall of Barangay Tabug, the ceremonial blessing and turnover was led by DAR Ilocos Regional Director Maria Ana Francisco, who emphasized the government’s unwavering support for farmers through the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPS) — a key program under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.

“These efficient and modern machines will ease the burden of our farmers and significantly boost their productivity. Most importantly, they will no longer need to spend on expensive machinery rentals,” Francisco said. She also noted that the ARBOs can lease the equipment to other farmers as a way to generate additional income for their organizations.

Among the recipients was the Paninaan Farmers Irrigators Association in Bacarra town, which received a combine rice harvester. For farmer Jesus Asuncion, 60, the new equipment is a game-changer: “This machine is very user-friendly. Tilling the land will now be much easier for us.”

The Baldias Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Dingras also expressed gratitude, with its president Ronita Valencia sharing that this was their second equipment grant from DAR, following a hand tractor previously received. “We are so happy and thankful. These machines will lighten our work, especially during harvest,” she said.

As part of the ongoing farm modernization drive, Director Francisco highlighted a growing number of young farmers engaging in modern rice farming techniques. “We are beginning to close the gap between traditional and smart farming. There is also increasing interest in agri-business education,” she added.

DAR assured farmers that more support is on the way as the national government intensifies its initiatives to improve food security, enhance climate resiliency, and empower agrarian reform communities.