Albay: Almost PHP79 million worth of agricultural machinery were distributed to farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Albay. In a report Friday, Albay's Provincial Information Office said the distribution includes four-wheel tractors and rice combine harvesters granted to 22 farmers groups from the Bicol Region's six provinces.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jhon Mark Licot, Senior Science Research Specialist and Luzon Cluster Head of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech), said the modern equipment would help farmers improve efficiency in land preparation, drying, and milling. Licot emphasized that the beneficiaries of the program receive various types of machinery which are essential for different stages of agricultural processes, including land preparation, harvesting, processing, drying, and milling.

DA-PhilMech has distributed PHP462 million worth of machinery to 152 farmers groups in Albay under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization program from 2019 to 2024. This initiative aims to boost the productivity and competitiveness of local farmers by providing them with necessary tools to enhance their agricultural practices.