The teleconference for the proposal presentation of the upgrading of Banana Trading, Processing and Marketing for Aborlan Rainbow Marketing Cooperative.

Banana trading and processing in Aborlan, Palawan to be upgraded through PRDP

Date Published: June 2, 2020

A banana trading and processing in Aborlan, Palawan that is operated by a small farmers’ cooperative will undergo expansion and upgrading through the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

Despite being in community quarantine where inter-island traveling is strictly prohibited, the proponent group which is the Aborlan Rainbow Marketing Cooperative (ARMC) and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Aborlan were given opportunity to present the project proposal through a teleconference with the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of MIMAROPA on May 28.

With a total cost of P19.5-million, the project includes construction of 500 sq.m. banana chips processing center, provision of vehicles (for hauling, delivery, and production), different food processing equipment, tools, supplies and working capital.

The upscaling of the enterprise aims to uplift the economic status of 284 (164 males, 120 females) farmer members of the cooperative and other banana farmers in the municipality by providing additional income to banana farmers, additional employment opportunities, and provide value added products.

The said enterprise is projecting P3.8 million gross sales in a year through producing a minimum of 1,978 packs of banana chips that will be distributed to 39 schools, three pasalubong centers and a trading post in Puerto Princesa City. Projected return of investment is around 21% or equivalent to P1.2-million a year, as stated in their project proposal.

Aside from banana chips, they will also process banana ketchup and flour as an added product to sell.

During deliberation, Department of Trade Industry Regional Director Joel Valera promised to assist the said farmers’ group to train them with other value adding techniques for added income and livelihood for the farmer members.

“I want to help them add (banana) weaving in their enterprise. Because sometimes bananas are being cut off after it bears fruit, but banana stem has good fibers. I will send trainers (to teach) them how they can utilize the stalks for weaving,” Director Valera suggested that was openly acknowledged by the Chairman of the Board, Regional Project Director Antonio Gerundio of PRDP MIMAROPA.

In addition, Director Valera also promised them to train the farmers’ cooperative in packaging their banana chips to add to its market value.

After a thorough discussion on the project’s feasibility and compliance with the government’s requirements and policies, the advisory board gave their green light for the funding of the project.

“Congratulations, Aborlan! Remember Director Valera and Chairman Mel’s (Melquiades Macalintal, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council Chairman) advice, especially on the design and the requirements for Food and Drugs Administration, as well as the marketing aspects of the project,” Director Gerundio ended. ### (Denice Joelle Benosa, DA-PRDP RPCO MIMAROPA InfoACE)

The teleconference for the proposal presentation of the upgrading of Banana Trading, Processing and Marketing for Aborlan Rainbow Marketing Cooperative.

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