The PhP12.41 million Potato Tuber Production and Marketing Enterprise implemented under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) and the Municipal Local Government of Bauko was officially turned over to the Sadsadan Association of Vegetable Producers, Inc. (SAVPI) yesterday, November 16, 2021.

The enterprise was proposed to provide quality potato planting materials, and make it accessible to potato growers in Bauko and its neighboring potato-producing municipalities.

As part of the enterprise, a storage facility and three (3) greenhouse structures were constructed for the production of potato tubers. A hauling truck was also turned over to the SAVPI to facilitate the transport of their produce.

The greenhouse structures were physically completed in the last quarter of 2019, while the construction of the storage facility was completed in February 2020. Since then, the SAVPI has already started their enterprise operations.

During the turnover ceremony, DA-CAR OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey emphasized the importance of technology adoption in producing quality planting materials.

“More farmers will benefit if you produce your own planting materials instead of importing them,” Odsey said.

The director also added that farmers should strengthen their association, and use the production facilities and delivery truck provided by the DA-PRDP to develop their business.

Likewise, Bauko Mayor Abraham B. Akilit advised the SAVPI officers to maximize the use of the facilities and truck in accordance to their responsibility of maintaining it.

“Adi yo bukudan di technology, i-share yo ti daduma nga farmers tapnu ad-adu ti makinabang (do not keep the technology to yourselves, share it to others so that more farmers will benefit),” Mayor Aklit said.

SAVPI Chair Teresita Gaocen expressed her gratitude to the DA-PRDP and to the LGU for the fulfillment of their enterprise subproject. She also thanked the members of the association for their unity and coordination in the operation of their enterprise.

“Let us continue to work together for our enterprise to prosper. Now that it is finally and officially turned over to us, our duty now is to continue to manage and sustain it,” Gaocen said.

Elvy T. Estacio (RPCO-CAR InfoACE Unit)