By Rick P. Quiambao

BALANGA CITY (PIA) — Some 98 farmers in the municipality of Morong, Bataan, stand to benefit from a newly awarded rice combine harvester from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).

The beneficiaries are members of the Poblacion Alilao Ambagan Farmers and Irrigators Association, Inc., who received the farm machinery under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

Under the RCEF Mechanization Program, the government aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the local rice industry by reducing post-harvest losses, lowering production costs, and improving farm productivity through the use of modern agricultural equipment.

In addition to the rice combine harvester, the farmers’ association also received 202 free-range chickens under the Palayamanan Project, a key component of the Department of Agriculture’s MASAGANA program.

Through the Palayamanan Project, farmers are encouraged to adopt diversified, integrated farming systems by engaging in complementary agricultural activities such as livestock raising, vegetable production, and inland fisheries alongside rice farming.

Morong Municipal Agriculturist Jimboy San Diego said the local government continues to monitor project implementation for its sustainability and positive impact on farmers’ livelihoods.

“Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy ang monitoring ng Municipal Agriculture Office, at ikinagagalak naming ibalita na ang mga ready-to-lay chickens ay nagsimula na ring mangitlog, patunay na maayos ang pagpapatupad at pangangalaga sa proyekto (At present, the Municipal Agriculture Office continues to monitor, and we are pleased to report that the ready-to-lay chickens have begun to lay eggs, a proof that the implementation and care of the project are being properly carried out),” San Diego said.

He added that integrating farm mechanization and diversified farming helps farmers improve income sources while strengthening food security in the community.

Meanwhile, Morong Mayor Leila Linao-Muñoz underscored that the programs reflect the government’s commitment to deliver compassionate service to the agriculture sector.

“Lubos ang pasasalamat ng ating bayan sa mga ahensiyang katuwang sa pagsasakatuparan ng mga proyektong ito, na patuloy na nagbibigay-lakas at pag-asa sa ating mga magsasaka (Our town is deeply grateful to the agencies partnering in the implementation of these projects, which continue to provide strength and hope to our farmers),” Linao-Muñoz said.

The local government of Morong affirmed its continued partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, and other national government agencies in implementing programs that support the Marcos administration’s agenda to modernize agriculture, ensure food security, and improve the productivity and income of Filipino farmers through sustainable and inclusive rural development. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan) 

Published Date: January 28, 2026