The Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas, together with the National Commission for Indigenous People-Region VI, recently turned over P253,000 worth of farm machinery to the indigenous community of Tapaz, Capiz. The ceremony was conducted at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research in Iloilo City’s Jaro district.

“[This machinery] will open many opportunities for us [indigenous people] and farmers,” said Barangay Agpapali indigenous leader Jenito C. Macahilo. “We have the skills in farming but we lack knowledge on how to use and operate [this machinery].”

He noted, local livelihoods are primarily dependent on rice and corn.

“[This machinery] will greatly diversify the rice and corn production of the Barangay Agpapali Tapaz Indigenous People’s Farmers Association,” Macahilo explained.

He added, banana and fiber plantation are also sources of income in the community as well./WDJ