Laoag city: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Friday distributed PHP8.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to 12 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Ilocos Norte province. The distribution was part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s ongoing support to farmers through the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPS).

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to help agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations enhance farm productivity and food security despite the challenges posed by climate change by providing support, training, and technologies to farmers. During the blessing and ceremonial turnover at the multi-purpose hall of Barangay Tabug, DAR Ilocos Regional Director Maria Ana Francisco expressed that the improved and efficient machinery will ease the work of farmers and increase productivity. Farmers will no longer need to lease machinery at high costs, and ARBOs can lease the equipment to others for additional income.

Ronita Valencia, president of Baldias Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Dingras town, conveyed gratitude for the machinery, noting it will lighten the workload during harvest. This marks the second piece of machinery the cooperative has received from DAR, following a hand tractor. Jesus Asuncion, from Paninaan Farmers Irrigators Association in Bacarra town, shared that the new "user-friendly" equipment will simplify land tilling for him and fellow farmers.

The ongoing farm modernization program has attracted some young farmers to modern rice farming, utilizing available technologies with government support. Francisco noted an increase in enrollment in the agri-business sector and highlighted efforts to bridge the gap between traditional and smart farming. She assured farmers of additional agricultural support from the national government to enhance food security, particularly for food producers.