ATI-Caraga Center Director Samuel Calonzo joins dignitaries like PhilMech Director Dr. Baldwin Jallorina, DA-RFO 13 RED Abel James Monteagudo, and DA-RFO 13 OIC-RTD Rebecca Atega in the ceremonial ribbon cutting and turnover of postharvest facilities to Agusan del Norte farmers.
TAGUIBO, Butuan City – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-Caraga), through the representation of Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo, witnessed the “Agricultural Machinery Distribution under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program” last February 10, 2021 at the Department of Agriculture – Integrated Laboratory Division in Taguibo, Butuan City.
Combining the allocated budget for CY 2019 and 2020, Agusan del Norte will receive 56 units of postharvest machineries or equivalent worth of Php 42.38 million. These machineries include four-wheel tractors, hand tractors, floating tillers, precision seeder, riding-type transplanters, walk-behind transplanters, and rice combine harvesters.
Other dignitaries who were present during the turnover were Dr. Baldwin Jallorina, Philmech Director; Abel James Monteagudo, DA-RFO 13 Regional Executive Director; Rebecca Atega, DA-RFO 13 OIC-RTD for Operations; Hon. Joseph Omar O. Andaya, Butuan City Councilor; and Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven, Butuan City Agriculturist.
Farmer-beneficiaries and their leaders who came from various irrigators’ associations were present to express their gratitude and accept the state-of-the-art facilities.