PLARIDEL, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL- A new dawn rises for cacao farmers as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) turns over the Cacao Processing and Marketing enterprise subproject to PAGLAUM Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC) in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental on November 25, 2020.

The said subproject includes the construction of 1 unit cacao facility, 1 unit combined solar/ mechanical dryer and 15 metric tons of wet cacao beans with a total project cost of Php 3,500,785.97

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and RPCO 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA, leads the turnover ceremony. He congratulated PMPC for being the first association to complete an IREAP subproject in Misamis Occidental.

He also encouraged the cooperative and the province to invest in more projects under PRDP. “Talk and plan for future projects that you think is necessary for the development of cacao industry in your province, and we will do our part in pushing for its approval. We need your support and cooperation to attain growth and development in agriculture for the province of Misamis Occidental”, Collado said.

On the other hand, Misamis Occidental vice Governor Aurora Virginia M. Almonte is grateful for the assistance received from DA-PRDP. “Our province is very lucky for acquiring our own combined mechanical and solar dryer. It brings in development for our farmers as we will not be drying along the road anymore. This will also improve the quality of our cacao beans. We will always support programs aligned with agriculture to meet our vision of having a vibrant agri-fishery industry”.

In his message of acceptance, PMPC General Manager Gadwin Handumon, expressed his gratitude for having the said equipment. He also shared that the cooperative was first organized to help uplift the marginalized farmers and fisherfolk.

“I hope that our partnership with the World Bank, DA, and the local government will provide sustainable livelihood to our cacao farmers that will eventually attain development in the countryside.”

PMPC currently has 45 farmer-members with a total production area of 91.8 hectares. The subproject aims to achieve at least 70% of the total production of good quality fermented beans with the use of GMP-compliant fermentary and drying facility, increase annual net income of the coop, increase farmer-member’s net income and generate more jobs for the enterprise. #