TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera, in partnership with the Upper Uma Agroforestry Association, launched on February 6, 2025 the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project for blacksmiths in Upper Uma, Lubuagan, Kalinga.
The project which consists of P2.3 million worth of machinery, equipment and tools, aims to improve and boost the community’s blacksmith industry.
DTI Regional Director Raymond G. Panhon told the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the project while ensuring its proper maintenance. He hopes the project will last long and generate more jobs in the community and uplift their lives.
“Maragsakan kami unay nga ummay ditoy lugar yu, ket ti dawat mi ket makatulong kuma daytoy nga facility kenya yu. Ti karit ko ket agbayag kuma daytoy tapnu ad-adu pay ti maaramid yu nga produkto. Umadu kuma ti trabaho tapnu adda pagpintasan ti biyag ditoy ayan tayu,” Panhon said.
The local government of Lubuagan supported the project by providing housing for the equipment to ensure its proper upkeep and security.
Upper Uma Barangay captain Jeremy Anton expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the project, calling it a blessing for the residents whose main source of livelihood is blacksmithing.
He encouraged the community to maintain their unity and cooperation, emphasizing that their collective efforts would ensure the success of the project. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
