As support to the calamansi farmers in Aurora, Isabela, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DA RFO2) finally handed over the Calamansi Processing Facility to the Aurora Citrus Farmers Marketing Cooperative during the facility’s Inauguration and Turnover Ceremony at Bagnos, Aurora, Isabela, October 14, 2022.
The facility, its equipment and other agricultural materials, which amounted to more than two million pesos were funded under the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) General Appropriations for 2021.
As shared by Ms. Carol Albay, Regional HVCDP Focal Person, the interventions are a part of the department’s efforts in helping the cooperative in venturing into value-adding as an additional source of income.
“Malayo ang mararating ninyo sa produksyon ng citrus,” she said while also emphasizing that they are now in the works for the expansion of the calamansi industry in Isabela by 2023.
Hon. Joseph Christian G. Uy, Municipal Mayor of Aurora, Isabela was also present in the program and expressed his gratitude towards DA RFO2 and DA for the support their farmers get from the department.
He also promised support to the farmers saying, “Kung ano man ang kailangan ninyo, basta kaya, tutulungan namin kayo.”
Meanwhile, in his inspirational message, DA RFO2 Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo assured them that partnerships with local government units and other agencies will continue to be able to give farmers the support they need and reminded the farmers of the importance of cluster farming and proper and wise utilization of the interventions they receive.
“Lahat, LGU, other national agencies, pagtutulungan ‘yan. Kalimutan na yung kanya-kanya. Kailangan ng malasakit sa isa’t-isa,” he said.
Regarding the interventions granted, he challenged the recipients to maximize the utilization of this facility saying, “Haan yu kuma sayangen.”
Dr. Marites Frogoso, Provincial Agriculturist of Isabela, and Aurora Agriculture Office Consultant Mr. Protacio Alejandro also promised their support to the implementation of projects and programs that help the farmers.
“Pagbutihin po natin at nang makarating sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas ang ating mga produkto. Kami naman po sa probinsya ay nakasuporta,” Dr. Frogoso said.
“Sana lahat ng miyembro suportahan ang expansion,” Consultant Alejandro said talking about the calamansi business expansion that is set to happen by next year.
In her message of commitment, Ms. Yvonnie Gutierrez, Chairman of the cooperative, shared their group’s gratefulness to the support they are getting because with the facility, their calamansi production business now has more help to be able to prosper.
“Ito ay malaking tulong hindi lamang sa aming grupo kung hindi pati na rin sa ibang calamansi farmers ng Isabela dahil wala nang masasayang na calamansi sa aming produksyon. Dagdag kita ito sa amin dahil bukod sa calamansi juice ay pwede ring makagawa kami ng dishwashing liquid,” she said.
According to her also, now, with the processing facility, their group is looking forward to not only expanding their calamansi production by value-adding but also to producing calamansi juice that can be known not only in their area but also in the whole country.
The cooperative was also a recipient of various DA projects to include provision of hauling truck, farming inputs, trainings, and marketing support.
Via Cristine Castro
Photos via Erwin Cachero
Source: DA Cagayan Valley Facebook page
