The provincial government of Occidental Mindoro will distribute eight hauling trucks to organic farming associations across the province to support sustainable agriculture programs, officials announced this week.

Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano’s administration, in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) led by Engineer Alrizza Zubiri, allocated provincial funds for the vehicle distribution program

Officials believe the vehicle will help strengthen organic farming cooperatives and organizations throughout Occidental Mindoro.

The program will resolve a critical logistical need faced by organic farmers in the island province, where limited transportation infrastructure has hindered the efficient movement of produce from rural farming areas to public markets.

The eight recipient associations span across several municipalities including the Organico Mindoreños chapters in Sablayan, Santa Cruz, Mamburao, Calintaan, and Paluan, as well as the Occidental Mindoro PGS Group in Magsaysay, the Samahan ng Organikong Magsasaka ng Kanlurang Mindoro PGS Group in San Jose, and the Organico Mindoreños Lubang Association.

The program implements Republic Act 11511, which amended the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 to provide government support for farmers and organizations promoting sustainable organic farming practices.

The Philippine government is committed to reducing chemical dependency in agriculture while promoting environmentally sustainable farming methods.

Occidental Mindoro has been positioning itself as a top player in the country’s organic agriculture sector.

The province’s diverse geography, ranging from coastal plains to mountainous terrain, provides varied growing conditions suitable for organic crop production.

Provincial officials said the hauling trucks will accelerate the transport of organic products to municipal markets while helping maintain product quality during distribution.

The vehicle-turnover ceremony will be held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Mamburao in the coming days.

Photos: courtesy of Occidental Mindoro PIO