LUNA, Apayao – Governor Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang led the awarding of the two hauling trucks to the Flora Multi-Purpose Cooperative last August 4 at the Provincial Capitol Complex, San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao.
The ten-tonner and five-tonner hauling trucks amounting to P4.6M was part of the P10.7 million Banana “Cardava” Production, Consolidation and Marketing subproject under the I-REAP component of the Philippine Rural Development Project implemented by the Department of Agriculture with the provincial government providing P2.1 million as counterpart funding during the administration of former Governor and now Congressman Elias C. Bulut, Jr.
Gov. Leah expressed hope that the trucks would help further empower the cooperative in its business ventures that would eventually benefit the community and the Province as a whole.
“Finally, after the lockdowns in the Province brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic, we already have these trucks to be utilized by our dear farmers. Continue to perform well as this is the basis for more assistance from the government,” she stressed.
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The Governor underscored the vital role of cooperatives in sustaining the economy of the province during this crisis. She urged the officers of the cooperative to submit developmental plan focusing on areas where the Provincial Government could easily provide assistance.
She mentioned also the need to establish a trading post for a more efficient transaction between and among the farmers and traders.
Aside from the trucks, the cooperative is also set to receive weighing scales, drying racks with wheels, plastic crates, pallet and trolleys under the subproject. A working capital of P1M was also allocated for the purchase of fresh bananas from member and non-member farmers.
The Governor cited the effort of her brother Cong. Butzy in pushing for this program. She then vowed to continue what he started and to capacitate the farmers to become self-sufficient in the future.
In behalf of the cooperative, its manager Narciso Semana expressed gratitude to all who took part in processing their request. He assured that they will take good care of the vehicles and other equipment to be provided. Semana also said they will try to venture other business which would probably help the farmers of Flora.
The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) is a six-year national project under the Department of Agriculture (DA) that aims to establish a modern, value-chain oriented and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. In partnership with Local Government Units (LGUs) and private sector, the project aims to provide key infrastructure facilities, technology and information to raise incomes, productivity and competitiveness in targeted areas.
By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
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