Hopes are high for cacao farmers as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducted a Preconstruction Conference with the PAGLAUM Multipurpose Cooperative and Local Government Unit of Misamis Occidental for their  Cacao Processing and Marketing facilities worth Php 2,377,835.30 under the IREAP component on February 19, 2020 at the PAGLAUM Conference Room, Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.

The facilities will consist of a mechanical and solar dryer and cacao facility/warehouse and will be constructed by Grace Construction.

Christian Hernandez, Finance Specialist of PSO Mindanao welcomed the attendees and stakeholders of the conference and expressed his delight on the upcoming construction of the facilities. He also explained the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved, especially during the project implementation.

In his message, Gadwin Handumon, General Manager of PAGLAUM assured the RPCO of a good partnership with the cooperative. He also shared his vision for their cacao farmer members.

“Let me assure you that there will be no problems when you partner with PAGLAUM. We are focusing on the farmers. We want our PAGLAUM members to be the champion in the Agri sector,” Handumon said.

The subproject aims to achieve good quality fermented beans of at least 70% of the total production; increase annual net income of the cooperative with an average of 5% after 3 years of implementation; increase farmer-member’s net income per hectare by at least 40% and generate additional jobs for the enterprise.

The SP will benefit cacao farmer members not only in Plaridel but from other municipalities in Misamis Occidental as well. (Isa Agawin/ RPCO 10)