BONTOC, Mountain Province – The first-of-its-kind coffee consolidation, processing, and marketing enterprise in Barangay Mainit has been turned over on April 4 by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project to the Aliwes Arabica Coffee Consolidation, Processing, and Marketing Enterprise.
The P11.2 million worth subproject is expected to boost the production of the high-value commodity which will benefit 60 coffee farmers in the locality.
DA Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Danilo Daguio and RTD for Research and Regulations Arlene Sagayo expressed high hopes for the success of the project.
Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Jr. extended his gratitude to the DA saying the project will not only benefit members of the association but other coffee growers in the other barangays of the municipality.
“This project not only signifies success but also exemplifies the commitment of the government to community development through improving coffee production and empowering farmers,” Tudlong said.
Provincial Administrator Franklin Odsey, who represented Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., highlighted the importance of teamwork and proper management in the association.
Mainit Punong Barangay Rocky Sagiyod thanked the different government agencies for the project it provided to the coffee growers in their village, which he said would improve the living conditions of the recipients and their families.
AIAI Coffee Enterprise Manager Rosalina Malafo assured the association will do its best for the coffee consolidation, processing, and marketing enterprise to prosper, recognizing it could provide them better market access, fair prices for their produce, and improved living conditions.
Assistant Municipal Agriculturist Catherine Agcon said the association was already able to produce, process, and market 48 kilograms of premium arabica coffee beans for P380 per kilo.
Of the P11.12M total project cost, P2.5M will be provided by the cooperative either in cash or in kind, and P5.48M was allocated for civil works while the remainder was used for machinery and supplies, capital for raw materials, and transportation. – Alpine K. Malwagay
