The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Ilocos Norte has begun early procurement of agricultural machinery worth about PHP9.3 million for use next year.

DAR Ilocos Norte chief agrarian reform program officer Rommel Aquino confirmed the bid opening Wednesday, calling it a significant move to modernize the province’s agricultural sector.

“This is an early procurement for next year. It includes one unit combine harvester, three units 4-wheel tractor, one unit transplanter, five units water pump, two units hand tractor, five units power tiller, and fertilizers,” Aquino told the Philippine News Agency.

Funded under the 2026 Climate-Resilient Farm Productivity Support project, the equipment aims to help qualified agrarian reform beneficiary organizations increase yields and combat climate change effects.

Aquino said organizations qualify based on their rating in DAR’s information technology-enabled assessment system, which measures organizational maturity to determine needed support services. (PNA)