The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project turned over one (1) unit hauling truck to the Simbuko Aquamarine Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMMPC) last October 10, 2019 at Barangay Hall, Simbuco, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

The said truck is one of the deliverables under the PRDP’s P9 million seaweeds semi-processing and marketing project which aims to boost the seaweed enterprise in Lanao del Norte.

“Through this enterprise project from PRDP, we believe that there will be improvement in our production as well as the quality of our seaweeds. We can now choose a better market especially that we now have this hauling truck for transporting our products directly to the plantation,” said Tedolo Bueno, Chairman of SAMMPC.

Few years ago, the lack of hauling vehicle for seaweed delivery was one of their major problems. They used to hire one or more jeepneys to haul their dried seaweeds to the market which cost them additional expenses for transportation and as a result, it diminished their profits.

Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo leads the turnover ceremony with Tedolo Bueno, Chairman of SAMMPC

“By going directly to the plantation, we know that we will get better price compared to our middlemen transactions before. We continue look forward to more positive effects of this project once it is completed. Thank you PRDP for supporting us,” said Bueno.

The overall package of this project includes  two (2 units) of concrete solar dryer measuring 10x20m each with capacity of 1,240,320 kilos per year coupled with warehouse measuring 18 sq.m.; two (2 units) of motorize boats; and one (1 unit) hauling/ delivery truck that will encourage the farmer-members to sell their raw wet and dried seaweeds to SAMMPC.

This project will benefit the 189 members of the Cooperative and they are aiming to extend more help to seaweed farmers in surrounding communities.  (Joy M. Montecalvo)