8 new rural food terminals open in Soccsksargen

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 4 (PIA) -- Barangay food terminals (BFTs) here have remained a strong and important component in marketing farmers’ produce in Soccsksargen, according to Dr. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture (DA)–12.

Last week, DA-12 launched eight more BFTs increasing the total number of BFTs across Soccsksargen Region to 89.

Information provided by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) of DA-12 indicated that five of the new BFTs are located in Barangays Tambac and La Esperanza in Tulunan, Kalaisan in Kidapawan City, Malire in Antipas and Liliongan in Carmen, all in North Cotabato.

The other three are in Barangay Upo in Maitum, Sarangani; Purikay in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; and Aflek in T’boli, South Cotabato.

DA 12-RAFID Head Nelly Escote-Ylanan said the new BFTs were funded out of the 2011 fund allocation.

“Fifteen more BFTs will be established this year,” she said.

BFTs, originally called Barangay Bagsakan Centers are food depots and distribution facilities that offer affordable, safe and good quality food produced by local farmers like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits.

Under the scheme, DA provides technical assistance in the preparation and actual operation of the BFTs, link suppliers with the BFTs, and provide storage facilities for the products.

The local government units (LGUs) provide the space or land for the terminal, designate officials who will manage the operation and create the management team.

“With BFTs in strategic locations, farmer-growers are provided with a ready market and income for their produce,” Datukan said.

“On the part of the residents in barangays near the facilities, they are provided with access to inexpensive yet fresh and nutritious products like vegetables, fruit, meat and fish without needing to go to the town center,” she added.

On June 26, DA-12 gathered all BFT operators from the four provinces of Region 12: South Cotabato, Sarangani, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat for a regional summit where BFT operators showcased their products.

“We wanted the public to know that Barangay Food Terminals exist,” she explained. “The purpose of these is to provide alternative market for the farmers in the barangays as well as ready supply of fresh and nutritious food for residents where these are situated,” Datukan said. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)