The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project Regional Project Coordination Office 02, City Local Government Unit of Santiago, and the Santiago Amos Credit and Development Cooperative break ground today, February 2, 2023, for the construction of Tilapia Fingerlings Production and Marketing Enterprise worth P39 Million.

Under the enterprise, the proponent group will produce and sell sex-reversed tilapia fingerlings, which will be sold to the cooperative members engaged in tilapia grow-out production.

In her message, Regional Technical Director and RPCO 02 Deputy Project Director Rose Mary G. Aquino congratulated the proponent group and the City Government of Santiago for having another worthwhile project funded under the DA’s special project.

“This enterprise represents the city’s strong past and present leadership and private sector engagement,” she said.

Aquino mentioned that the project was conceptualized during the term of former City Mayor Joseph Tan, now a Congressman, and is being realized under current Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan-Dy.

“Today marks the start of pre-construction activities which also signifies the interest of SACDECO officials in uplifting the lives not only the members but to the whole populace of Santiago City and even nearby areas.”

Meanwhile, Congressman Tan acknowledged the government’s effort to provide better services to the people.

He led the groundbreaking together with Aquino and cooperative and LGU officials.

During his term as chief executive, Tan was instrumental in funding various PRDP-funded projects such as farm-to-market roads, peanut economic enterprise, and other infrastructures.

Representing Mayor Tan-Dy, City Councilor Wolfrando “Pandong” Lugod announced that the city government shall continue to work closely with DA in implementing agricultural interventions for farmers and fisherfolk.

“One of the priority projects of the city government is livelihood or kabuhayan, that is why we really support this enterprise.”

Further, SACDECO officials assured their full support for the enterprise’s success.

Manager Fernando Fajardo and Chairman Ernesto Pimentel pledged to lead the cooperative to realize the required activities.

“With the help of every member and guidance of the PRDP, especially the I-REAP component, and LGU, we will ensure that the objectives of the enterprise will be realized.”

After the groundbreaking, PRDP RPCO 02 and Project Support Office officials and staff met with the PG, CLGU, and the winning contractor for the pre-construction conference.

Once completed, the enterprise shall strengthen the fishery sector in the city and empower the people through economic activities. (InfoAce Cagayan Valley)