ASIPULO, IFUGAO – Implemented under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), two coffee satellite buying stations were launched for the operations of the Ifugao Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise on February 20-21, 2020.

Separate launching activities were held in these buying stations located in barangay Pula and Camandag in the municipality of Asipulo. According to Shirley U. Tagtag, manager of HOJAP Multi-purpose Cooperative, the buying stations will be used in the consolidation of coffee produce for the operation of their enterprise.

“Coffee growers in these areas have been bringing their produce to our office in barangay Haliap which is one to four hours away from barangay Camandag. With the construction of these buying stations, it will be less hassle for the farmers to travel all the way from their barangays to this place,” she said.

The HOJAP MPC is the Proponent Group (PG) for this coffee enterprise subproject in Asipulo. Along with the buying stations, a coffee processing and consolidation center is currently being constructed in barangay Haliap where the office of the PG is located.

Facilitated by HMPC, the launching activity was attended by their coffee-grower members, and representatives from the municipal and provincial local government units (LGUs) and from the DA-PRDP.

Governor Jerry U. Dalipog, through his representative, Provincial Administrator Abellardo C. Yogyog, assured the members of the HMPC of the continuous support of the provincial LGU to the operations of this enterprise.

“People earn for a living through farming and the governor said he will always be supportive to the development of agricultural livelihoods. He hopes that this coffee enterprise will thrive,” Yogyog said.

Lorna E. Panyo of the DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office-CAR commended the HMPC for their efforts and patience in the realization of this project.

“Although the construction of the main consolidation and processing center is not yet finished, HMPC is very determined to continue the operations of their enterprise on coffee and I hope you are too, added Panyo.

Moreover, Gladys Dadi, member of HMPC encouraged her fellow coffee growers to improve their coffee production and processing practices.

“We have been waiting for this project and now is the chance for us to maximize its use. Following the proper coffee processing methods, we will deliver quality coffee that HMPC will buy at a higher price,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tagtag briefly shared to the gathered audience the milestones of the subproject.

“This is not only a project, but a business so let us pursue its purpose and earn from it,” she said as she encouraged the members to put into practice what they have learned in attending several trainings on quality coffee production and processing.

With a subproject amount of P18.22 million (including PG equity) shared by the World Bank, the DA, and the PLGU, the Ifugao Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise is a consolidation, processing and marketing business that was conceptualized to strengthen market linkage and opportunities that ensure higher income for coffee growers. Aside from these buildings, coffee equipment and supplies including hauling trucks will also be procured for the operation of the enterprise.

While waiting for the other interventions from the DA-PRDP, the HMPC is continuously producing packed roasted ground coffee from the produce of its members. ### ELVY S. TAQUIO (DA-PRDP-CAR)