San Agustin, Isabela – The Regional Project Coordination Office 2 (RPCO 2) Technical Team led by its Road and Bridges Specialist, Engr. Edmund Bert Banzali appraised the detailed engineering design (DED) and program of works (POW) of the microbiological laboratory to be established in San Agustin, Isabela.

The micro lab was initially proposed by San Agustin Dairy Cooperative (SADACO) for the processing of carabao milk but during the conference held in Ilagan, Isabela, the I-REAP Component from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) explained that only goods and equipment will be funded under I-REAP.

SADACO has earlier proposed Dairy Enterprise for its superior buffalo milk. San Agustin is known for its cross-bred carabaos.

Meanwhile, the members of Isabela Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) with Ms. Sally de Vera Valencia, Action Officer together with the Provincial Engineers presented their insights regarding the project.

The equipment and goods needed by the micro lab, proposed under 3.2 category will be financed by the I-REAP Component while the civil works will be funded under I-BUILD.

The site is located adjacent to the processing center of SADACO in San Agustin. Mayor Caesar Mondala said this is a welcome development in his town.

“With this new agreement, SADACO will only be a client. The laboratory will be managed by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC),” Ms. Sally De Vera Valencia, Isabela PRDP Action Officer said. (Dr. Ferdinand N. Cortez, RPCO2 InfoACE)