Another Multi-million project worth Php 157.9 million is set to be established in South Cotabato for the Construction of High-Value Crops Processing Center with Machineries and Equipment which will benefit 300 small processors, 75 farmers cooperatives/associations, and 20,242 HVC farmers in the province.
Earlier, representatives from the ADB-funded Mindanao Agro-Enterprise Development Program (MAEDP) in coordination with DA 12 AMAD, OPAG, and PPDO Project Development Division visited the province for the project validation/discussion/deliberation on the submitted proposal.
The consultants who visited for project validation were Paul Arthorp – Asst. Team Leader for MAEDP and Mr. Luis Pacana – Agribusiness and Value Chain Specialist for MAEDP with Andy Ango – Supervising Agriculturist of DA 12 AMAD.
This proposed project aims to adopt the value chain system of processing, packaging, distribution, and marketing that will ultimately reduce hauling cost and food wastage, maximize the value of commodities, minimize the interference of middlemen in the course of trading and bring about competitive prices for fruits and vegetables thereby increasing farmers income.
Considering its strategic location, the proposed project is set to be established in Tupi town which will serve as a catchment area for High-Value Crops.
The project has been shortlisted for endorsement by ADB and to NEDA for review before its implementation.
Atty. Renette B. Bergado, Prov’l. Administrator and Mr. Hernani Villanueva, Special Assistant to the Gov. With Ms. Marites Tanseco, Project Devt. Div. Head of PPDO together with Ms. Regine Eladia and Ms.Mylene Delos Santos of OPAG represented the PLGU So. Cot. in the validation/deliberation Process.
