LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Indeed, bright spots in the Dalipog administration have been so many since 2019. To date, more items are added to the list. And this one, in particular, is truly roaring and soaring for the province’s farming sector. Administration backers say this success is in large part due to the proactive efforts of Governor Jerry Dalipog in gathering the support of various stakeholders for the infrastructure development agenda.
At long last, Ifugao now speaks proudly of its Vehicular and Food Terminal at the mammoth sized Ifugao Sports Complex Area.
This seems to be another golden opportunity for the re-electionist governor to herald his accomplishments. Dalipog is running under the Lakas-CMD party.
Top provincial government officials said the imposing facility forms part of the administrator’s target contributions of high budgetary outlay for enhancing Ifugao’s economy.
It should be understood that this development is very significant. In Ifugao, only a few are trying unique solutions to longstanding problems such as the difficulty faced by farmers on upgrading marketing linkages. That seems to be the game plan of Governor Dalipog.
This project strengthens the government’s goal of providing parking spaces as well as a centralized trading post for agriculture sector workers.
No doubt, the well-designed terminal could help accelerate the development of this sector.
Currently, vegetable farmers are bringing their produce to far-away Nueva Vizcaya Agriculture Trade (NVAT) in Bayombong. Transport costs are huge. For instance, transporting vegetables from Hingyon entail large expenses.
Millions of Filipinos around the country have found that conducting trade activities has improved their lives.
“One of the biggest contributors to the province’s economy are farmers and fisher folks. So, I’m always firm on their needs,” Dalipog said.
“Then, the vehicular and food terminal was built to reflect the strength of the Ifugao people and their dynamic spirit of overcoming difficulties,” he added.
There are more than 10 million agricultural workers in the Philippines and still amongst the poorest in the country. Hard to refute, becoming a farmer is synonymous to being chained to poverty, deprived of stable source of income and almost always poorly educated.
Ifugao is continuously performing poorly among Cordillera provinces in agriculture production. The food terminal component of this facility is easily seen as most helpful in maintaining the freshness and quality of farm and fishery products, reduce post harvest losses and increase the income of farmers and fisher folks.
Clearly, in the face of this prospect there are many other reasons to rejoice. Food terminals, which may integrate processing and storage facilities, allow buyers and sellers of agricultural raw materials, products and food to directly interact and facilitate exchange on wholesale.
The nearly Php 55-million terminal achieved a feat hardly imagined in the past. As a result, the disadvantage is the aspect that Ifugao confronted is lessened.
As it is, Ifugao also stands to benefit with its food processing and trading post, constructed at the cost of about Php 5+ million.
Engr. Jonathan Padduyao immensely contributed to the project’s success.
Dalipog, who is seeking an unprecedented third term, is an engineer by profession. He previously served as mayor of Banaue for nine years. His visionary leadership has been pivotal in reshaping vital road network and extending essential social services to underserved villages across the province. **By Anthony A. Araos
