BANGUED, Abra – The provincial government and Nestle Philippines formally launched the Abra Coffee Industry Development program that will contribute in uplifting the economic activities of the members of coffee farmers associations and newly registered multipurpose cooperatives that is envisioned to spur the province’s economic growth in the future once the industry will become sustainable.
In line with the Local Economic Development Program of the Province, Gov. Eustaquio P. Bersamin launched the Abra Coffee Industry Development Project attended by registered various farmers’ associations and cooperatives. The concept began during an exploratory-meeting with farmers and fisherfolks spearheaded by the Provincial Agriculturist, Mr. Jesus “sonny” Villamor and Mrs. Genelyn Verzola, the Provincial Administrator who brainchild the model. After series of consultations conducted, the Office of the Governor identified the beneficiaries and promised them to receive coffee seedlings and agricultural equipment such as Depulper, Dehuller and Moisture meter to start-up the business.
This Coffee Industry in Abra is one of the pipe dreams of Gov. Bersamin to uplift the economic condition of the marginalized. From the loan amount approved by the Land Bank of the Philippines for the province, the Chairman of the Local Economic Development, Gov. Bersamin apportioned the amount of P10M for the project.
From the thirty one (31) qualified applicants, fifteen (15) received their respective equipment after the recent launching of the coffee industry development program that was attended by stakeholders and representatives from concerned government agencies and local governments.
These are; Brgy. Ud-udiao, Sallapadan; Brgy Ableg and Cabaruyan, Daguioman; Lamao, Bucloc; Lingey, Bucloc, Subagan-Mapisla Baay, Licuan; Brgy. Bulbulala, Baay, Licuan; Nagpawayan, Baay, Licuan; Malibcong Poblacion, Pacqued, Mataragan, Umnap, Lat-ey, Gacab, Bayabas, Dulao, Bunao, all in the Municipality of Malibcong, Abra. The remaining sixteen (16) applicants will obtain clonal materials come the month of October.
Part of the activities from identification and determination of quality coffee, skills research on clonal gardening was signed by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement to the Local Trade and Industry Provincial Director Arell Banez, Department of Science and Technology Provincial Director Menandro Buenafe and Abra State Institute of Science and Technology President Dr. Aurelio Labanen.
Nestle Philippines promised to provide necessary technical assistance to the member-beneficiaries by buying the produced or served as market outlet of coffee growers. Same multinational firm pledged to guide the farmers until the same will totally capacitated and self-reliant.
By Dexter A. See and Serafin Alzate
