AGRICULTURE Secretary Proceso Alcala led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on the Agri-Pinoy Integrated and Diversified Program for the Development of the Ormoc-Kananga (OK) Upland Range, a public-private partnership which endeavors to analyze the supply chains for the priority high value crops and livestock in the Ormoc and Kananga upland range.
This will be done by improving the production and postproduction systems with emphasis on organic farming and good agricultural practices, establish consolidation centers to ensure product quality and market linkage, and enhance the capacity of stakeholders in managing competitive supply chains.
This will mean that the OK Upland Range will become the center of attention for agricultural developments not only of one but of several service oriented agencies and organizations. The site is in the mountains of Tongonan, center of the Leyte Geothermal Production Field covering 107,625-hectares.
Alcala committed to support the promotion of profitable and sustainable production and marketing of high value crops, livestock and even fishery products. “This program will not only focus on increasing the productivity of agricultural and fishery commodities but also on other indispensable aspects of the supply chain such as the processing and marketing systems,” he said.
The Agriculture Department, in partnership with National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor), shall provide funds for the establishment of infrastructure (consolidation center and pilot packinghouse), research and development as well as market support. Energy Development Corp. (EDC) shall extend organizational and logistics support while Visayas State University (VSU) will take charge on the innovation and technical support.
For its part, program beneficiary Partners Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC), the umbrella organization of 23 farmers’ community associations in the Ormoc-Kananga range, shall be responsible for the program activities’ sustainability after a transitory period, the management of the consolidation center, compliance of the repayment scheme for inputs and services, and the observance of environmental responsibility.
As a source of renewable energy in the Philippines and the world’s largest geothermal facility, protection of the Ormoc-Kananga range has become more critical in the face of climate change. Also to be considered is the economic development of the area’s upland communities comprised of 5,600 households.
Also gracing the occasion are National Rice Program Director Dante Delima, NABCOR President Honesto F. Baniqued, EDC Community Partnerships Department Manager Engr. Emiliano C. Argoncillo and VSU Horticulture Department Head Dr. Antonio Acedo, Jr. by Francis C. Rosaroso
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)
No comments:
Post a Comment