This developed as the governor learned that the Department of Agriculture (DA) directed most of its budget this year for the rehabilitation of agriculture industry in Southern Mindanao and other areas hit by disaster like Bohol and Leyte.

Consequently, the farm mechanization program (FMP) of DA will prioritize farmers in the said areas of immediate concern.

Gov. Pineda said the Capitol plans to create its own farm mechanization program to continue the distribution of equipment to qualified farmers group.

The governor saw the need to sustain the program to help boost the agriculture industry in the province.
“Do not worry the farm mechanization program will continue in the province. The capitol will allocate funds for the provision of equipment,” the governor told the group of farmers.

Previously, Central Luzon was given P200 million budget to sustain the FMP program that were distributed to the seven provinces of the region, where Pampanga received bulk of it under the counter parting agreement with the provincial government.

In the province, farm equipment where given for free because the 85 percent of the amount of equipment was subsidized by DA and the supposed 15 percent obligation of the farmers was shouldered by the Capitol. (PR)