MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—In line with its efforts to enhance assistance for corn farmers in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10's Corn Program team recently met with Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) chief executive officers to discuss their plan for a Grains Terminal in Bukidnon.

Led by Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Luz Guzman, on behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado, the meeting centered on proposed collaboration strategies between DA and the Batangas-based cooperative.

“Although we have been sourcing primarily from Luzon, we see the potential in establishing partnerships here in Mindanao and linking the corn producers here to the SIDC,” said Hazel Sastado, the SIDC Business Development Manager. 

Sastado, who leads the cooperative’s corn project team for Mindanao, expressed keen interest in establishing partnerships in Bukidnon. 

She outlined plans to increase corn supply for producing mash, pellet, and crumble feeds catering to swine, poultry, broilers, and ruminants.

Currently, SIDC plans to collaborate with DA on constructing a Grains Terminal facility in Bukidnon. It aims to consolidate a larger volume of corn while reducing logistical costs. 

SIDC Chief Executive Officer Rico Geron explained the benefits of fostering DA-assisted partnerships, emphasizing the potential for agricultural development.

"DA's Corn program, especially here in Region 10, will greatly assist us in connecting with farmers and exploring opportunities for marketing, financing, and other beneficial services," he said.

He also cited the region's ideal location to meet the high demand for corn among Luzon feed millers. This is due to the region's large corn production volume.

"SIDC also seeks to expand and set up branches in Bukidnon to encourage more farmers to join the cooperative and benefit from its services. We offer financing, supply agricultural inputs, and guarantee market access for our corn planters," Geron explained.

Guzman, DA-10's FOD chief, conveyed the agency's support for the initiative and specified its potential to benefit local agricultural development.

Richan Lacanaria, the DA-10 corn program focal person, has also committed to supporting SIDC by facilitating future meetings and consultations between corn clusters and local government units.

Other attendees included SIDC Board Chairperson Dr. Angelito Bagui, Business Development Supervisor Miko Factor, Agriterra business advisors and consultants Jun Virola and Jan Kamphof, and the DA-10 corn program team. (GDA/DA 10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)