Manila: A group of women farmers in Magpet, North Cotabato, is expected to boost productivity after they received PHP1.4 million worth of farm machinery from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office. The recipients are members of the Malatab Women's Agrarian Reform Cooperative (MWARC) in Antipas, North Cotabato. They received the new equipment on July 16 under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the equipment package includes a rice mill, rice thresher, two mud boat-type floating tillers, and a power tiller with transmission. DAR regional officials, led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Mharlie Pasal, and local government officials were present during the turnover ceremony at Barangay Malatab's covered court. Pasal encouraged MWARC to convert the support into income-generating assets. A memorandum of agreement and a trust agreement were also signed during the event.

MWARC Chairperson Elsa Cariaz expressed her group's immense happiness, noting the DAR intervention aims to increase the productivity and income of ARB members. She stated in a radio interview that they would maximize the support from DAR for the benefit of both members and the wider community.