The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE XI) together with the Department of Agriculture XI – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has signed a memorandum of agreement for the provision of DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits under their Mag-uumang Mekaniko Program or Farmer Mechanic Program.

The MOA Signing was held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 during the sidelines of the 2018 Regional Gawad Saka Agri-Fishery Achievers Awarding Ceremony at Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.

Signatories for the MOA include DOLE XI Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante, DA XI OIC-Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. and PhilMech Director I Arnel Ramir Apaga.

Through the MOA, DOLE XI will be providing starter kits worth P20,000 each to 62 farmers under the Farmer Mechanic Program while DA will be the one responsible in the provision of technical assistance to the beneficiaries.

DOLE XI Regional Director Agravante during his short message after the signing expressed his appreciation of the program which can greatly help in empowering farmers to serve as mechanics as well.

“As an agriculturist myself, I am in full support of this program which helps in empowering our farmers as they are being equipped with skills,” Director Agravante said.

Total grant for the starter kits is at P1,240,000.

 

KMGL/DOLE XI