BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program on Cacao Processing in Luna, Apayao in support to the development of cacao industry in the grassroots.
DTI Apayao Provincial Director Wena Buston led launching of the SSF on Cacao Processing valued at P1.3 million, with the Golden Cacao Farmers Association (GCFA) in Barangay Zumigui as co-operators.
Buston said the newly awarded equipment is designed to be shared with other cacao processors in the community for the development of the cacao industry in the grassroots. She said the SSF is a program of the DTI aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a more advanced technology by providing machinery, tools, systems, accessories and other auxiliary items under a shared system.
Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer (LEDIPO) Philip Uba said that the cacao industry is among the top priority industries in the province and is supported by the provincial government of Apayao.
Uba who represented Governor Elias Bulut Jr. during the occasion, encouraged the farmers to plant more cacao trees and realize the income they could generate as they transform these to more valuable products through the facilities provided to them.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the DTI and the government for the continued support being given to them for the improvement of their livelihood and their lives.
Ameriza Gabriel, speaking on behalf of the GCFA, expressed her gratitude for the support of the several organizations. She vowed to support local farmers by purchasing cacao beans at a convenient price for the farmers. Barangay Captain Arturo Ballesteros also expressed gratitude for the program being brought to their community, creating more jobs and opportunities for the people.
Meanwhile, representatives from the various government agencies and offices were present to show their full support to the project. They also presented their programs and services that could be availed by the beneficiaries.
Among the government offices present include the Apayao State College, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Science and Technology, and the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services. (RMC- PIA CAR)