DOLE turns over Dinagat town’s 1st milling machine to corn farmers’ group
By Renelle L. Escuadro
DINAGAT ISLANDS (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently turned over a corn milling machine to the New Mabuhay Cassava and Corn Farmers Association from the town of Dinagat, this province.
Under the DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), this equipment served as the first and only corn milling machine in the town of Dinagat.
‘This is the first and only corn milling machine in the municipality of Dinagat. Thank you DOLE for choosing our group as beneficiary of the equipment,” said Cresencio Romo, president of the New Mabuhay Cassava and Corn Farmers Association, who also shared on the how the members endured the difficulty of bringing their harvests to distant areas for milling due to the absence of a corn milling machine in the town.
“This marked a fulfillment of our long-cherished aspiration on efficient production of our harvests which will also result in better income to our members,” he added. “With this corn milling machine, we do not have to travel and bring our harvests to other areas, thus cutting the cost of our operation and our members have more time to plant and harvest for more corn, among others.”
According to the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in terms of percentage distribution of cereal production in Dinagat Islands, corn has a minimal contribution of four percent only for the second quarter of 2024. However, with this equipment, the corn farmers of the town can now contribute better to the crop production of the province, making the corn industry more sustainable in Dinagat Islands.
For Engineer John Ritche A. Tangpos, provincial head of DOLE Dinagat Islands, the corn milling machine will boost the corn industry and farming community in the town. “Beyond improving productivity, the equipment will foster self-reliance, strengthen collaboration and open new opportunities for growth across the town’s agricultural sector.”
He also conducted a thorough inspection of the unit and reminded the members of the association on its proper use for the collective good.
“This machine is not just a tool; it is a stepping stone to greater opportunities. We are here to support you, but the key to its success lies on how you manage it,”’ he said. “The sustainability of the equipment depends on your shared commitment to maintain it.”
The turnover of the corn milling machine on August 26 served as a significant milestone for the New Mabuhay Cassava and Corn Farmers Association, reflecting DOLE’s steadfast commitment to empowering grassroots communities. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOLE-PDI)
