Successive groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) for two IREAP subprojects (SPs) in the municipalities of Damulog and Pangantucan, Bukidnon on January 15, 2024.

The ceremonies marked the start of the construction of the facilities for the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility of Migcawayan Tribal Agriculture Cooperative (MTAC) in Damulog, Bukidnon worth P 80,971,551.00 and the Coffee Processing Facility of Bayanihan Millenium Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMPC) in Pangantucan, Bukidnon worth P36,399,247.44.

DA-10 Regional Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado expressed his joy in witnessing the two activities in a day.

He challenged the LGUs, the cooperatives and the contractors to work hand in hand for a faster project implementation, following the timeline.

“Our line is open for clarifications, concerns, and even for assistance. May the LGUs, take this as an opportunity for the start of the progress of your municipalities. For the cooperatives, we hope that you will continue your harmonious relationship and cooperation with your coop with the guidance, support and leadership of your mayor,” Director Collado shared.

He further stressed that the coop officers should be watchful with their members and should be transparent in their financial activities. Importantly, he reminded the contractors to see to it that timelines and targets are met which can be achieved in working together.

“If this project will be successful, more cooperatives will follow suit, and look up to you as a model,” Collado added.

Meanwhile, Damulog Mayor Melino L. Buro is ecstatic that the crumb rubber facility will be a legacy for the municipality and the province of Bukidnon.

“I am so grateful for this project because this will be a legacy for Damulog. I also commend MTAC for pursuing the start of this project. We hope for more future engagements with DA-10, because we aim for the development of the municipality.” Mayor Buro said.

Pangantucan Mayor Miguel A. Silva also challenged his fellow colleagues, the BMPC, and the contractor to complete the SP within the year.

“Let us go hand in hand not only for today, but every day. Let’s share these blessing to the farmers that may this project become one of the reasons to entice more farmers to venture into coffee farming,” Mayor Silva said.

The two SPs are funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union and are expected to finish construction within 2024.# (IAgawin)