by Ram Bill G. Bautista, RPCO3 InfoACE

Set to boost Central Luzon’s capacity to supply feeds for dairy carabaos and cattle, a Php29-million corn silage production and marketing enterprise was formally turned over to the Licaong Agriculture Cooperative (LAC) by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) and the Nueva Ecija Provincial Government on April 15, 2025 in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

The turnover ceremony was marked by the signing of the Turnover Certificate by LAC Chairman Alexander Dumale. The event was witnessed by representatives from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Government, Muñoz City Government, DA-PRDP Central Luzon, and officers and members of the cooperative.

The enterprise includes key assets such as a production warehouse, two four-wheel tractors, two corn planters, a harvester, trailers, two hauling trucks, and various silage processing equipment. These resources aim to enhance the cooperative’s operations and improve local feed production.

Designed to support the production and marketing of corn silage, the subproject will engage local corn farmers through contract growing arrangements. Under the enterprise, the farmers will receive land preparation and planting services, seeds, and fertilizer from the cooperative, with costs deducted after harvest.

In addition to silage production, the enterprise will offer farm equipment rental for land preparation and corn harvesting — providing an added source of income for the cooperative and a valuable service for the local community.

A key challenge addressed by the initiative is the inadequate supply of forage grass and water during extended dry seasons, a growing concern tied to climate change.

“Ako po at ang bumubuo ng Licaong Agriculture Cooperative ay nagpapasalamat ng husto dahil dumating din po yong araw ng turnover na ito. Kahit napakarami pong pinagdaanan ng subproject na ito bago mayari, talagang sulit ‘yong aming pagod,” Dumale said.

(Myself and the entire Licaong Agriculture Cooperative are truly grateful for this turnover. Despite the many challenges, all our efforts were worth it.)

“Bilang ganti sa inyong pagtitiwala at pagkakaloob ninyo sa amin ng subproject na ito ay amin pong itong pagyayamanin upang hindi lang po ang aming kooperatiba ang magbenefit sa proyektong ito kundi maging ang aming community,” Dumale added.

(We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us. This project will not only benefit our cooperative but also our entire community.)

The corn silage project is expected to strengthen local agriculture and contribute to sustainable livestock feeding practices in Central Luzon.