Daily TribuneThis is the long-term solution to the woes of local agriculture, to low farm yield. The distribution of farm machinery and commercial-type fishing boats are the first concrete steps toward the direction we want to take
IBA, Zambales — The provincial government here is calling on all stakeholders in the province to embrace new technology in the agriculture industry in its bid to develop farm productivity and sustainability in the province.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. made the statement following the distribution of farm machinery and equipment to local farmers by the Department of Agriculture.
The agency also allotted a 62-footer fiberglass-reinforced plastic fishing boat for local fishers through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
"This is the long-term solution to the woes of local agriculture, to low farm yield," Ebdane said. "The distribution of farm machinery and commercial-type fishing boats are the first concrete steps toward the direction we want to take."
Meantime, Zambales Provincial Agriculture Office head Melardo Feliciano said that local farmers groups received 26 units of farm machinery on 13 September which include two four-wheel drive tractors that went to Biangue Agro Farm Association in Botolan town and Canaynayan Farm Association in Santa Cruz.
Also, two rice combine harvesters were given to Dinumagat-Antipolo Farmers Association in San Antonio and Reserva-Baculi Lowland/Upland Farmers Association in Cabangan town while two multi-cultivators were provided to Batag Farmers Association in Palauig and Candelaria Organic Farmers Association in Candelaria.
A hand tractor for Samahang Magsasaka ng Poonbato in Botolan was also provided and 19 shallow tube wells for farmers groups in Cabangan, San Antonio, Candelaria, Santa Cruz, San Marcelino, Castillejos and Palauig towns were also given.
Aside from these, he said that registered farmers associations also benefit from warehouses with recirculating dryers, warehouse with mobile flash dryer, solar-powered fertigation systems for fertilizer application, and other facilities from the national government that PAO processes for approval upon endorsement by local government units.
Feliciano said that farmers' groups in Zambales received 37 units of various farm machinery and equipment worth P35.6 million in 2020; 21 units in 2021, and 55 units this year.
Meanwhile, the Iba Federation of Fishermen has received an allocation for a 62-footer fiberglass-reinforced plastic boat for handline fishing.
Neil Encinares, who is Zambales Provincial Fisheries Officer, said this will be one of the 33 vessels to be manufactured by the Subic-based Pacificfortia Marine Tech. Inc. for fishermen groups in the country under a DA-BFAR program.
"It can go as far as 200-300 nautical miles, well past the Scarborough Shoal, but it can also operate in municipal waters," Encinares said, adding that the DA-BFAR previously built 38-footer boats but gave these up for the new design that can operate in international waters and compete with foreign vessels.
