The Aliwes Irrigators’ Association, Inc. is another step closer to the realization of their coffee enterprise as they officially broke ground on the construction of their coffee processing center on July 20 at barangay Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province. 

With a project cost of PhP5.48 million, the facility will support the operation of the group’s enterprise subproject on Arabica Coffee Consolidation, Processing and Marketing under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP). 

A two-ton truck was also turned over to them on the same day. It will likewise be used for the operation of the group’s enterprise subproject along with several coffee equipment, machineries, and a trading capital of more than PhP288 thousand. In total, the group’s coffee enterprise has a cost of PhP11.12 million wherein 20% was shelled out by the association.

Luisa Salingbay, the group’s president together with Mountain Province Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr., Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey, Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong, and DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey led the laying of the capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony. 

Also present were several provincial and municipal officials, department heads and staff, representatives from the DA-PRDP, some People’s Organization based in Mainit, and the members and officers of Aliwes Irrigators’ Association. 

During the program, Cong. Dalog expressed his commitment in supporting the group’s enterprise.

“I know that this association has gone through a lot and you will soon reap the fruits of your labor” the Congressman said.

As he also expressed his commitment to support the group’s enterprise, Mayor Tudlong challenged them to sustain their enterprise and make it a ‘success story.’ 

“I believe that Aliwes will be the one to bring out, to promote the coffee produce of Bontoc. It’s really a challenge but rest assured that the MLGU will be at your back,” he said.

Further, Dir. Odsey said that the subproject is not only an enterprise but an instrument to develop our ancestral domain as source of livelihood. He also urged the group to continue to improve their production as the LGU and the DA will continue to support them.

Meanwhile, Rosalina Malafu, the group’s manager, hailed the integrity, sacrifice, honesty, and unity demonstrated by the members of the association during the years of the association’s formation until now. 

“Soon, we will be harvesting the coffee that brings us closer to realizing the goals of our association to provide and sustain the employment of our people, and increase their income,” said Malafu. // Elvy T. Estacio (RPCO-CAR InfoACE)