Four units of farm equipment and one processing center were recently turned over by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to the local government of Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes together with Surigao 1st District Representative Francisco Matugas and Surigao Norte Governor Sol Matugas led the turn over rites in Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte on July 14, 2015.
Under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project, the DAR handed over two rice reapers and two floating tillers worth P549,000.00 to the farmers of Del Carmen municipality.
“These farm machines would greatly help the 587 farmers in Del Carmen in their rice and sweet potato production and marketing project,” said de los Reyes.
Farmer Benito Comon, who could not wait to use the equipment for their farming activities said, “These machines will truly help us simplify our job, minimize our expense and increase our income.”
For the farmers in Barangay Sta. Monica, the DAR turned over a processing center to the Garcia Farmers and Fisher folks Credit Cooperative (GAFFARCRECO).
Tesie Virtudazo, chairperson of GAFFARCRECO shed tears when she received the documents of the building for their turmeric processing project. “The events are just coming too fast, but thank you. It’s a dream come true,” she said.
Governor Sol Matugas committed to support the turmeric processing effort of the organization. She vows to help in the marketing and making turmeric the “official health drink of Siargao.”
Congressman Francisco Matugas offered to help make the organization’s request of a farm-to-market road come true. The proposed road would make the organization’s 10-hectare expansion production area accessible, as well as, their existing two hectares.
During the turn over rites, the DAR awarded land titles to 94 farmers from the municipalities of Dapa, Del Carmen, Burgos, General Luna, San Isidro, San Benito and Sta. Monica.
Present during the ceremony were DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang, Sta. Monica Mayor Hon. Fernando Dolar, Del Carmen Mayor Hon. Alfredo Corro Jr., General Luna Mayor Hon. Jaime Rosellon and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Jose Sebucao. (Joie Ceballos)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
