Some P35.7-million worth of farm machineries were distributed to qualified farmer cooperatives and associations at the Research Outreach Station for Lowland Development at Barangay Paraiso, Tarlac City, on 24 October 2025.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 3 distributed the P35.7-million worth of machineries that include 20 units of rice combine harvesters funded under the Rice Banner Program. The Field Operations Division led the turnover.

Among the provinces of the farmer cooperatives and associations, six units were given to Bulacan, seven units to Tarlac, two units to Bataan, and five units to Pampanga.

A rice combine harvester is an agricultural machine that streamlines rice harvesting by combining the separate operations of reaping (cutting), threshing (separating grain), and winnowing (cleaning) into one process. This increases efficiency, reduces labor costs, and minimizes post-harvest grain loss compared to manual methods.

According to Matayumtayum Agriculture Cooperative Chairman Jose Jomily Clarito, the harvester is a big boost to their cooperative, citing that it will make harvesting faster and increase their production and income.

Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) of Tarlac Dr. Ricky Manguerra, APCO of Bataan Marilou Ramos, representatives of APCO Bulacan, Agriculturist II Arwen Lacanilao, and officials from the Offices of the Provincial Agriculturist of various provinces witnessed the distribution.

The distribution of these high-tech machineries is part of the agency’s thrust to boost agricultural productivity through modern technology and improved farm equipment.