President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative Grains Terminal and Trading enterprise subproject in Brgy. Simlong, Batangas City funded under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project of the World Bank and the Philippine government.

The Php 278 M-subproject has a storage capacity of 12,000 MT for yellow corn which is the major raw material for animal feed production. The subproject shall serve as a major market for yellow corn which can help boost yellow corn production and lower the prices of feeds, meat, and eggs.

In his message, President Marcos Jr. commended the partnership of the SIDC, the government, the World Bank, and the private sector for implementing a large-scale project for the agricultural sector. He encouraged other farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the country to follow SIDC’s steps.

“Ating patatagin ang ugnayan ng cooperatives, private sectors, at mga magsasaka. Dahil sa ating pagsasanib-pwersa, ating natupad ang ating hangarin na matulungan ang ating kababayan at ating nabigyan ng oportunidad ang mga magsasaka para maabot ang kanilang pangarap,” President Marcos Jr. said.

Meanwhile, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. encouraged everyone to invest again in agriculture to make the country food-secure. He said that the DA is always open to accommodate requests for agri-fishery interventions.

Also present in the activity was Ms. Mio Takada, World Bank Task Team Leader. She shared that the subproject goes beyond enhancing agricultural productivity as it also empowers local communities for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, capable of withstanding challenges and adapting to changing conditions.

SIDC Chairman Dr. Angelito Bagui thanked the government, the World Bank, and their partners for making the project possible. The Batangas City Corn Growers Association, one of SIDC’s suppliers of corn, also thanked the proponents of the subproject. Per Ms. Grace Faraon, president of the FCA, they plan to expand their production area in the future to supply more corn to SIDC. #

PBBM unveils the facility’s marker which honors the successful collaboration of the government, The World Bank, and SIDC. (Photo from Bongbong Marcos Facebook page)

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Batangas 5th District Representative Marvey Mariño, and SIDC CEO Rico Geron welcome PBBM in the facility. (Photo from Bongbong Marcos Facebook page)

The grains terminal project includes two corn silos with a combined storage capacity of 12,000 MT, ensuring feed millers have a steady supply of raw materials for animal feeds year-round. (Photo by Myrelle Joy Bejasa)

World Bank Task Team Leader Mio Takada said that the subproject will create numerous job opportunities, providing stable employment for many individuals in the region. It will foster a sense of community and collaboration among local farmers, encouraging them to work together and share best practices. (Photo by Myrelle Joy Bejasa)

The subproject targets to benefit 567 yellow corn farmers, poultry farmers, and hog raisers. Among those farmers are the members of the Batangas City Corn Growers Association. (Photo by Myrelle Joy Bejasa)

PBBM tours the facility and witnesses the collection, storage, and dispatching of the yellow corn grains in the facility. (Photo by Von Samuel Panghulan)

SIDC Chairman Dr. Angelito Bagui thanked the government, the World Bank, and their partners for making the project possible. He said that the subproject is a fulfillment of their primary goal of being a partner of farmers and livestock raisers all over the country. (Photo by Von Samuel Panghulan)

DA Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. officially turns over the subproject to SIDC Chairman Dr. Angelito Bagui and SIDC CEO Rico Geron. (Photo by Roniel Tamayo)