The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) officially hands in the Fermented Dried Cacao Beans Processing and Marketing subproject to the Bugcaon Kulasihan Manupali Irrigators’ Association, Incorporated (BUKUMA IA) thru the Local Government Unit of Lantapan on February 23, 2022.

Said subproject, worth Php 2,703,722.37, includes solar and mechanical dryer facility and a hauling delivery truck which is expected to help the association produce at least 70 tons of quality fermented dried beans, generate annual net income of Php 829,943.14, and increase annual farmer-member’s net income by at least 72.69%.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and DA-PRDP 10 IREAP Component Head Carmelita T. Bajarla, also representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director and the Project Head of DA-PRDP 10 Carlene C. Collado, congratulated the proponent group for finally getting the said subproject. “I am glad that BUKUMA IA was able to receive this subproject because I was with them during the proposal stage of this project. More than the benefits this intervention brings to the association, I am also excited that this will provide jobs to the community and contribute to its development.” Director Bajarla said.

Lantapan mayor Ernie R. Devibar is happy to receive another DA-PRDP subproject for BUKUMA IA and reminded them to properly utilize and maintain both the tractor and the newly turned-over subproject by allocating funds for its preservation.

“DA is pouring out interventions to the farmers of Lantapan so we should take good care of these and make use of according to its purpose in order to alleviate our living. We should be responsible enough to allocate budget for the operation and maintenance of these projects so the farmers and members of the association can utilize it for a longer time.”

Mayor Devibar added that BUKUMA IA was also a recipient of one farm tractor worth Php 993,000.00 under DA-PRDP’s Farm Mechanization subproject which was turned-over to 29 PGs in Bukidnon on February 20, 2019.

Also present in the said turn-over ceremony are staff of Bukidnon Provincial Agricultures Office headed by Engr. Alson G. Quimba, staff of LGU Lantapan, officers, staffs and residents of barangays Bugcaon, Kulasihan, and Manupali, and DA-PRDP 10 staff. #