Members of the Rivera Palay Farmers Association marked a double celebration as they received a corn hammer mill from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program while commemorating their recent victory in the municipality’s Grand Farmers’ Day competition.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting activity signaled the turnover of the new machinery, valued at more than Php 400,000, which is expected to improve corn processing operations for the association’s 41 farmer-members. The facility is also anticipated to serve corn farmers from nearby communities who rely on corn production as a primary source of livelihood.
The event also coincided with the association’s recognition as the First Place winner in the Float Parade Competition, one of the highlights of the 52nd Foundation Anniversary of T’boli and the 28th Seslong Festival 2026.
For association president Ederlita R. Calis, the award reflects the collective effort and dedication of the organization’s members.
“Dako gid ang amon kalipay. Hindi ini namon mahimo kon wala ang pagbinuligay kag pag-isa sang tagsa ka miyembro sang asosasyon. Ang kada-isa naghatag sang ila oras, kusog, kag suporta nga nagpakita gid sang pagkahiusa sang tanan. Ini nga award indi lang para sa pipila ka tawo kundi para sa tanan nga miyembro sang Rivera Palay Farmers Association,” Calis shared.
(We are very happy. We could not have achieved this without the cooperation and unity of every member of the association. Each member contributed time, effort, and support, which truly demonstrated our solidarity. This award is not only for a few individuals but for all members of the Rivera Palay Farmers Association.)
Calis emphasized that the association’s accomplishments were made possible through teamwork and commitment, which continue to drive the growth of their farming enterprise.
She also expressed gratitude to the DA-SAAD Program for providing the corn hammer mill, noting that the equipment will help improve local processing operations and reduce production costs for small-scale corn farmers.
With the machinery now available within the community, farmers will no longer need to transport their harvests to distant milling facilities, allowing them to save time and reduce expenses while improving the quality of their processed corn products.
According to DA-SAAD SOCCSKSARGEN, the intervention forms part of the program’s continuing efforts to strengthen farmers’ organizations through agricultural support that addresses post-harvest challenges and enhances productivity.
Prince Christian S. Segundo, SAAD Area Coordinator for South Cotabato, highlighted the importance of the project in supporting the association’s long-term development.
“Nalipay gid kami nga mahatag ini nga corn hammer mill sa Rivera Palay Farmers Association. Dako ini nga bulig para mapadasig ang ila pagproseso sang mais kag mapakunhod ang post-harvest losses. Nagapati kami nga pinaagi sini nga proyekto, mas mapabakod pa ang ila organisasyon kag madugangan ang kita sang mga mangunguma sa komunidad,” Segundo said.
(We are happy to provide this corn hammer mill to the Rivera Palay Farmers Association. This will greatly help improve their corn processing operations and reduce post-harvest losses. We believe that through this project, their organization will become stronger and farmers in the community will have greater opportunities to increase their income.)
Segundo added that the equipment is expected to improve processing efficiency and create opportunities for farmers to generate higher returns from their harvests.
As the association celebrates both its festival victory and the acquisition of a vital agricultural asset, members look forward to expanding their operations and further contributing to agricultural development in T’boli.
The milestone highlights the value of strong farmer cooperation and sustained government support in advancing rural livelihoods and strengthening local farming communities.
