ROMBLON, February 14, 2024 – In pursuit of boosting vegetable productivity in Banton Island, Romblon, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA delivered a tiller/cultivator valued at Php 279,000 to Toctoc Organic Farmers Association (TOFA).

Specializing in vegetable farming, TOFA is the 27th group of farmers being supported by the SAAD Program in Romblon. The tiller/cultivator is the first assistance the association has received since its formation and official registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on October 19, 2023. Comprising 25 members, with 7 men and 16 women, TOFA actively advocates for organic farming and practices this approach in cultivating vegetables on their 1.5-hectare communal farm. These include pechay, mustard, bok choy (chinese petchay), radish, carrots, eggplant, sitao, okra, ampalaya, and upo (bottle gourd).  

During the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA), members expressed the need for increased production support to lower costs and enhance income. Banton Municipal Agriculturist (MA) Garry Fano shared their municipality’s objective to boost TOFA’s production, aiming to meet the local demand for vegetables without relying on imports.

The tiller/cultivator is expected to expedite land preparation for vegetable cultivation, aligning with TOFA’s goal of increasing production while reducing costs. Aside from the said machinery, TOFA is also set to receive interventions under the Vegetable Production Project, such as vegetable seeds, fertilizers, farm tools, a shedder, and a hand tractor, all funded under the SAAD FY 2024 budget. 

Expressing gratitude, TOFA President Ms. Denly Falcatan emphasized the significant assistance provided by the machinery, noting its user-friendly operation, even for women.

“Makakatulong ito ng malaki sa aming paghahanda ng lupa.  Madali pong gamitin at kayang-kaya kahit ng mga kababaihan. Tinitiyak po namin na ito ay aming gagamitin ng maayos at iingatan upang mas matagal naming mapakinabangan. Muli po, maraming salamat,” said Pres. Falcatan.

(This will greatly help in our land preparation. It is easy to use and manageable even by women. We assure you that we will use it properly and take care of it so that we can benefit from it for a longer period. Again, thank you very much). 

After the delivery, the supplier of the tiller/cultivator also conducted an actual demonstration on its proper use and maintenance for TOFA members, which was also witnessed by MA Fano. ###

Writer: Melissa F. Lingco, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer II
Sources: Engr. Maiden Marie N. Segui, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Associate Project Officer II, Ian Von A. Yadao, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer II