SOCCSKSARGEN, November 12, 2024 – Ten (10) farmers associations (FAs) across Soccsksargen Region received corn shellers as a component for the Integrated Corn Production with Post-Harvest Equipment Support, Vegetable, and Livestock Production from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area For Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.

The distribution took place last September 4-6, 2024, which awarded each FA with one corn sheller costing P219,000.00 which amounts to P2,190,000.00.

The Sitio Sabaan Peace and Development Farmers Association, the Kisabao Bangsamoro Farmers Association, and the Badak United Farmers Association were among the FAs who received the equipment in Cotabato Province. Other 2 FAs in Sultan Kudarat Province who received the same were Nagpan Farmers Association and the Buklod Women’s Association while the remaining FAs were  Macol Integrated Farmers Association and the Nagpan Farmers Association in Sarangani, and Sitio Lamkling Community Farmers Association, the Rivera Palay Farmers Association, and the I Love Tampakan Albagan Highlands Farmers Association in South Cotabato Province.

Before the distribution, the DA Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), along with SAAD personnel, conducted thorough inspections and evaluations of the corn shellers. The assessments focused on milling recovery, shelling efficiency, mechanical damage, machine capacity, design and performance, net cracked kernels, kernel losses, accessories, and other requirements. These inspections were held at the Tupi Research and Experiment Station.

A training session on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) was also conducted to ensure the proper usage and maintenance of the corn shellers. Engr. Edvin Dellomes from DA RAED led the session, covering topics such as the introduction of machinery, feeding methods, basic operations, and the importance of preventive maintenance, which included a demonstration and the presentation of Certificates of Acceptance to the recipients.

“This corn sheller will be a great help to our farming because it will make processing our harvest easier, we no longer have to go to the center just to use a sheller, and it will increase our production. We are truly thankful to DA-SAAD for this valuable support,” said Michael G. Kasa, President of the Sitio Mudti Salatan Manobo-Dulangan Rural Workers Association.

(“Sobrang makakatulong ang corn sheller na ito sa aming pagsasaka, dahil mas mapapadali ang pagproseso ng aming ani, hindi na kami magpunta sa sentro para lang mag pag sheller, at madadagdagan ang aming produksyon. Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa DA-SAAD sa napakahalagang suporta na ito,” sabi ni Michael G. Kasa, Pangulo ng Sitio Mudti Salatan Manubo-Dulangan Rural Workers Association.)

SAAD Soccsksargen currently monitors the distributed projects to ensure they are effectively boosting agricultural productivity. Further, regular monitoring with the recipient associations will be conducted to assess the impact and provide ongoing technical support. This effort aims to maximize the benefits of the equipment, helping SAAD beneficiaries in Region 12 increase their yields and improve their livelihoods. ###

Writer: Jericho Jhon F. Palawan, SAAD 12 Information Officer II