Iba, Zambales – A total of five agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in this province received various farm machineries in an effort to boost their crops’ disaster resilience during this typhoon season.

Funded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the distribution of the farm machineries falls under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) — Sustainable Livelihood Development Support for Disaster-Affected Areas.

According to DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Emmanuel Aguinaldo, these farm implements include essential equipment capable of generating electric power for both enterprise and household needs, securing a reliable water source for irrigation and domestic use, and providing the necessary tools for rapid clearing and rehabilitation of high-value crop production zones.

He said that each ARBO received a comprehensive set of equipment, including a hand tractor with complete implements, a 7.5-horsepower gasoline generator, a four-stroke grass cutter, a power sprayer with a 100-meter hose, a steel chainsaw with a standard 20-inch guide bar, and a diesel water pump (2x2 engine).

Recipients include the Panan Botolan Farmers Association Inc. and Dojoc Farmers Association Inc. from Botolan town; Zambales Competitive Farmers Association Inc. and Lawin Unified Farmers Association Inc. from San Marcelino town; and the Looc Rice and Vegetables Growers Association Inc. from Castillejos town.

Meanwhile, the One Aningway-Sacatihan Farmers Association Inc. from Subic town received a four-wheel drive tractor with trailer through the Major Crop-Based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement Program, also under the CRFPSP.

DAR will also provide continuous mentoring and planning support to ARBOs, helping them institutionalize strategies for sustained agricultural activities, especially in the face of environmental challenges and climate change.