The DA Bicol Rice Program turned over 2 units of P1.9 million worth precision planters to Taban Farmers Association based in Minalabac, Cam Sur and Patson del Pilar SWISA Inc. in San Fernando, Cam Sur on June 8, 2022. DA OIC and Chief of Integrated Laboratories Division Lorenzo Alvina together with Earl Vincent Vegas-Rice and Corn Program Coordinator turned over the machineries.

Mr. Renato Cultivo Jr., president of Taban Farmers Association expressed his gratitude as he received the award. “Ma-upgrade naman ang pagtanom, through mechanism na; dae na malalabuyan”, he said. Taban Farmers Association is composed of 83 members cultivating a total of 361 hectares rice area.

On the other hand, Mr. Benito Noora, chairman of Patson del Pilar SWISA Inc. also received the same unit. “Mas mapapadali na (ang pagtanom) at less gastos”, he said. Organized in 2009, Patson del Pilar SWISA Inc. has 134 members (including their Agrarian Reform beneficiaries) and covers a total of 122 hectares rice farm. (Zandra G. Abogado)