By Aaron A. Cotejar

Calbiga farmers’ days of backbreaking toil under the scorching sun could be coming to an end. The burdensome tasks of planting, harvesting, and hauling that could take weeks can now be completed in days. Thanks to modern farm machines that have reached their fields. 

“It’s very difficult for us to harvest,” recalls Nilida R. Bacsal, secretary of the Calbiga Lowland Rice Farmers Association in Brgy. Patong, Calbiga. “We harvest manually using what we call ‘garab’ (sickles). The process takes time because of the limited number of tracers available.”

Through its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Samar provided a rice paddy hauler valued at ₱847,000, a walk-behind transplanter worth ₱645,000, and more than ₱200,000 in farm inputs—bringing the total investment to nearly ₱1.7 million.

Bascal shared the association’s experience with backbreaking manual rice harvesting using sickles, often losing crops to rain because they lack dryers. “That’s why our rice sometimes turns black, especially when it rains, and we don’t have a dryer to help after harvest,” she said. 

With DAR’s machinery — such as the Kubota transplanter and rice paddy hauler — planting and harvesting are now quicker, simpler, and more efficient.

Sigundino L. Pagliawan, DAR Samar’s Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, reported that Barangay Patong benefited from this turnover, with 50 out of 61 members of the Calbiga Lowland Rice Farmers Association, mostly agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Over 200 others from nearby barangays may also benefit. 

He also mentioned that they first held consultations to determine genuine needs. He pointed out that providing items that didn’t meet actual needs hindered progress, highlighting their focus on sustainable solutions rather than just machines.

Meanwhile, Ricardo S. Flor, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer, reported that assistance was also previously given to Barangay Tagnaw in Gandara, Samar; Barangay Majacob in Tarangnan, Samar; and Barangay Canlapwas in Pagsanghan, all of which received farm machinery. 

“It’s a big thing; it’s a really big help for us. Our harvesting has become easier, especially since we received the Kubota Transplanter from DAR. Since it plants six rows at once, it’s easy to finish one hectare,” Bascal said. 

With machinery and support, Calbiga farmers now view farming as a sustainable livelihood, not just a means of survival. The program also helps younger generations learn modern techniques. “Some of them, we train,” she added, “so now they use new farming technology.” 

She and the other beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for providing them with equipment that supports their livelihoods. 

For Calbiga’s rice farmers, the hum of engines across their fields is more than just noise—it signifies resilience, empowerment, and hope finally taking root. (AAC, PIA Samar)

Published Date: September 11, 2025