By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least P23.5 million worth of farm machinery was turned over yesterday morning to various agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) organizations in northern Negros Occidental.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Teresita Mabunay said the turnover was implemented under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Sugarcane Block Farm (SBF) and Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) projects.

Around 200 ARBs, cultivating a total 248.38 hectares of sugarcane and other crops, would benefit from the program.

She pointed out, the SBF project seeks to improve the productivity of sugarcane farms that are collectively managed by cooperatives, with 19 ARB organizations in northern Negros currently enrolled in the program.

The CRFPS project, meanwhile, supports farmers in developing and sustaining farm productivity through the provision of equipment, in order to enhance and sustain a high yield, amid the vulnerability to climate change.

The machinery turned over comprised of four farm tractors, two six-wheeler dump trucks, among other equipment.

Witnessing the turnover were Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, and DAR Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong./DGB, WDJ