FOUR Nueva Ecija farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) were given recognition for their efforts in promoting modern farming technologies during the 47th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and 26th Postharvest Loss Prevention Week on May 28, 2025.
As beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Program, the FCAs have helped PHilMech to advocate the use of technologies.
The Santor Bongabon Agricultural Cooperative, represented by Chairman Eulogio Federizo and Manager Jaime Guico, was recognized for promoting crop establishment technologies through the "Makinaryang Pantanim, Push na Yan sa Palayan" advocacy campaign.
With their rice precision seeder given to them under the program, Guico said the technology helped lower labor costs and improved planting efficiency. Their participation in the campaign enabled them to encourage more farmers to adopt the rice precision seeder.
The South Nueva Ecija Seed Growers Multipurpose Cooperative, represented by General Manager Maurice Padiernos, was also recognized for introducing the riding-type transplanter to farmers through their positive testimonies.
The Laur Farmers Association, represented by president Gerardo Esteban and board of director Christopher Zapatero, was also recognized for their active participation during capability building programs dedicated to rice machine maintenance. This allows them to help other farmers conduct proper operation and maintenance with their rice machines, essentially prolonging their service life.
The Makabilog-Maynabo-Tambo Irrigators' Association, represented by Chairman Rolando Maniquis Jr., was recognized for their active participation in the capability training of drying and milling, effectively reducing postharvest losses while also maximizing grain yield and profitability.
"We are grateful that PhilMech recognized us for helping in the RCEF-Mechanization Program's implementation. We are always open to the programs of PHilMech, especially for the farmers," said Maniquis in Filipino.
Present during the awarding were PHilMech Deputy Director Joel Dator; Interim Director for Research and Development Dr. Nelson Santiago; Sen. Cynthia Villar's chief of staff, Rhaegee Tamaña; and National Rice Program Deputy Program Director Ralph Alan Ceniza.