QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Camiguin recently turned over a P2.8-million worth of post-harvest facilities to help boost the farm and enterprise development of abaca producers in this province. 

Two (2) warehouses worth Php1.98-million and three (3) solar tunnel dryers amounting to P822,000.00, implemented through Project ConVERGE or Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment, were turned over to agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs).

The local government unit (LGU) of Catarman and Sagay contributed P100,000.00 as their counterpart for the construction of the warehouses.

DAR-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Maybelle Alcala said the NAGPAKABANA Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) and Bonbon Sagay Farmers Association, from Catarman and Sagay towns both received a solar tunnel dryer and a warehouse, while  Agoho MPC of Mambajao received a solar tunnel dryer for their abaca fiber production.

“These projects are seen to have positive impacts in their productions and we are looking forward to an industry of Abaca fiber production in this province,” she said.

The turn-over ceremony held in Camiguin Convention Center was graced by Camiguin LGU officials, DAR key officials, and representatives from the ARBO project recipients. Turned-over documents were signed and handed to the three chairpersons-representatives of the ARBOs officially declaring them as owners of the facilities.

Project ConVERGE is being funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with the objective of boosting the rural economy and reducing poverty in rural areas by empowering agribusiness enterprises and catalyzing market opportunities. (DAR)