ILOCOS SUR, July 27 (PIA) – Agriculture Secretary William Dar visited Ilocos Sur on July 23-24 to spearhead project inauguration in Narvacan town and Candon City in this province.

Secretary Dar led the inauguration and opening of the Narvacan Trading Post-Warehouse in Barangay Margaay on July 23.

The warehouse, established under the Bayanihan 2 project, aims to provide an area for consolidation of agricultural commodities produced by members of the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC).

According to the Secretary, the P5 million facility will contribute immensely to the success of the food quadrants being developed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the benefit of the consumers from Metro Manila.

“We will be establishing hubs in Taguig, Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Parañaque to cater to the residents of east, south, central, southeast, and northeast Metro Manila,” he said.

In his message, the agri chief urged the NSCC to continue to elevate their game as a cooperative to increase the number of farmer-beneficiaries and provide the consuming public quality produce at affordable prices.   

Prior to the project inauguration in Narvacan, the secretary also attended the first year anniversary celebration of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) President Gilbert Arce.

Dar challenged the ISPSC to partner with the government in pushing for economic stability and usher development to be able to compete with other countries.

He urged the state college to realign its directions towards improving economic development and reduce poverty not only in the province, but in the region as well.

He also directed Arce and the rest of the ISPSC family to work towards transforming the institution from teaching into a research college.

The agri chief cited advanced and emerging countries that have invested so much in research and innovation.

“Do not be contented with just acquiring Intellectual Property Rights, although it’s a good indication that you are doing something. But it must not be the end result. Always see to it that the technologies that you have produced are used and adopted by farmers,” he said.

As such, Sec. Dar challenged higher education institutions in the country to follow the pathway towards the realization of being a research institution by investing in innovations and technology that will hone the skills and abilities to improve food productivity levels and help in the development of Philippine agriculture.

He also committed to continue supporting ISPSC and vowed to provide assistance in transforming it into one of the best institutions for agriculture and rural development.

The following day, Secretary Dar led the inauguration of the Multipurpose Building cum Laboratory Training Center at the ISPSC-Candon City campus.

The P32 million training center, which started construction in 2015, aims to provide a venue for education and extension for tourism and hotel management students to ultimately prepare them to take part in the promotion of tourism in Candon City and other towns in Ilocos Sur.

In his message, Secretary Dar encouraged the ISPSC to push for more engagements in agricultural production and innovations, and urged for a stronger research program anchored on the food value chain concerns of the province.

“Show your relevance in Ilocos Sur, most especially in food production. Increase the level of productivity in rice,” Sec. Dar said.

The agri chief reiterated the continued support of the DA to the state college, and committed P20 million in funds for the establishment of an Agribusiness Center and Innovation Center. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur with reports from DA)