A promising tomorrow lies ahead for the cacao farmers of Balaoro Farmers Association or BAFA as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA PRDP-10), breaks ground for the construction of Processing Center in support to Cacao Processing and Marketing Enterprise on January 21, 2020 in Kadingilan, Bukidnon.

In her message, DA 10 Regional Technical Director and RPCO 10 Deputy Project Director Carlota S. Madriaga appreciated the efforts of the RPCO, Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), and Proponent Group (PG), on how this subproject began its course. “This project is meant for the farmers to prosper. We should always remember that our goal is to increase farmers’ production and income. We, the DA-PRDP and the Province of Bukidnon are so proud to see that this project will soon rise,” Dir. Madriaga said.

In a separate interview, Emmanuel Perales, Vice-Chairman of BAFA, said that “We hope this project will not only benefit our current farmers but also our future children as well. By partnering with PRDP, our vision is possible.”

On the other hand, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist said in her message that the subproject is a very good model for the province of Bukidnon. “We could see the community participating in this project. This is a good sign of their willingness to cooperate for the progress not only here in Balaoro, but also for the municipality of Kadingilan”, she said.

The estimated cost for the enterprise project is Php 10.9 million. Of which Php 5.2M is funded by World Bank, while the National Government and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) contributed Php 1.7M each. Meanwhile, the PG shared a total of Php 2.18M both kind and cash as equity.

This is the first IREAP enterprise to begin civil works for the province. The subproject covers the construction of the processing center, hauling truck, machinery and other equipment, benefitting 65 cacao farmer-members of the association. #