DAR Ifugao hands over ₱1.3M 4WD tractor to farmers

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao — The Department of Agrarian Reform in Ifugao province has turned over a ₱1.3-million four-wheel-drive tractor to a farmers’ organization to boost land preparation and strengthen farm productivity, officials said.

The equipment was awarded to the Calupaan Agrarian Reform Farmers Organization (ARFO) Inc. in Barangay Calupaan on Feb. 3, in a move local officials described as a push for mechanization and cooperative self-reliance.

Alfonso Lista Mayor Edralin B. Alipio said not all associations receive such support and urged members to ensure the tractor is used properly and shared fairly.

DAR-Ifugao Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Peter D. Bantasan said the agency provides technical and institutional assistance, but stressed that the cooperative must lead efforts to sustain its operations.

Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Eugene M. Culimay encouraged the group to secure official accreditation, saying it would make it easier for the local government to extend agricultural programs and projects.

The turnover was formalized through the signing of a Trust and Memorandum of Agreement among DAR-Ifugao, Calupaan ARFO Inc., and the local government of Alfonso Lista, outlining responsibilities, accountability measures, and conditions for proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

Calupaan ARFO President Danio Turibio presented the group’s internal policies, saying only authorized members would operate the tractor.

The organization has at least 70 active farmer-members. Officials said the tractor is expected to speed up land preparation and support crop production activities.