Various sets of equipment were distributed to farmers and fishers within Mindanao region as part of the government's efforts to mechanize the farm sector in order to level up the country's competitiveness and gear for the integration under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Farmers, fishers and their organizations recently received farm machineries and equipment amounting to ₱127.4 million from the Department of Agriculture. The farm machineries and facilities that were distributed are part of various DA programs, which seek to equip farmers and fishers in their rice, corn and high value crops production and post-production activities.

DA gives assistance to farmers and fishers (2015, March 9). Manila Bulletin, p. B-12.