Buguias farmers can now guarantee the delivery of high-quality, fresh, and safe vegetable produce to the consuming public following the successful blessing and inauguration ceremony of the Buguias Cold Storage Facility held on June 21, 2023. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the agricultural landscape of the region.
The construction of the state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the Safe Vegetable Production Technology Dissemination and Vegetable Distribution System Improvement Project, a collaboration between the Philippine government and the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC). Valued at 16 million pesos, this project demonstrates the strong partnership and commitment of key players, including the Provincial Local Government Unit of Benguet, the Municipal Local Government Unit of Buguias, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the DA Regional Office-Cordillera, the JAEC, and the farmer recipients.
ATI Director, Remelyn Recoter, highlighted the agency’s mission to empower farmers and transform them into catalysts for change within their respective communities. She emphasized the facility’s pivotal role in maintaining the freshness and quality of vegetables while reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the value chain of the vegetable industry.
Meanwhile, DA-CAR Assistant Provincial Coordinating Officer, Cirilo Batan, representing DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey reiterated the importance of strengthening coordination and partnership between government agencies and private sectors. He encouraged farmers to embrace farming technologies to ensure the sustainability of such projects, emphasizing that the success of every project lies in its implementation.
Moreover, Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas, expressed hope that the facility would streamline the process from the farm to the cold storage facility, followed by the refrigerated transportation to the market. He emphasized that the facility’s operation would enhance knowledge regarding post-harvest activities and serve as a model for other municipalities and regions.
The JAEC will operate the facility until October 2024, after which it will be transferred to the Municipal Local Government Unit of Buguias for continued operation and maintenance.
The blessing of the facility was officiated by Rev. Kendall Mendoza. Other guests in attendance included Ms. Jiralyn Siddayao, representing Benguet Congressman Eric Yap; Executive Director of JAEC, Mr. Ryoji Sakamoto; ATI-CAR Director, Charlie Sagudan; DA-CAR AMAD Chief and HVCDP Focal Person, Joan Bacbac; Benguet Provincial Agriculturist, Delinia Juan; Tublay Municipal Mayor, Armando Lauro; Kibungan Vice Mayor, Edwin Nitron; other municipal and barangay officials; Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs); DA Project Development Services (PDS); DA Special Projects Coordination & Management Assistance Division (SPCMAD); and guests from Region IV-A.
The Buguias Cold Storage Facility stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Philippine and Japanese governments, signaling a period of improved agricultural practices, post-harvest management, and sustainable growth for the region. This endeavor will undoubtedly benefit farmers, consumers, and the entire vegetable industry.**Leny D. Mendoza
