UNVEILING PROGRESS: DA RFO 10 TRANSFERS NEW AGRICULTURAL STORAGE HUB

WITH MULTIPURPOSE DRYING PAVEMENT TO BARANGAY LUNOCAN

Farmers in Barangay Lunocan, Manolo Fortich can finally solar-dry their crops such as corn and cassava without the hassle of traveling to other areas. The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO 10) officially turned over a newly built warehouse with a Multipurpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) to the farmers of Barangay Lunocan through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) last January 30, 2024.

The warehouse and MPDP resting in Sitio Cebukawan started its construction last June 2023 and finished by November of the same year. It has a total area of 112.8 sq.m with the warehouse, and a 540 sq.m solar dryer or MPDP. Funds from the project majorly came from the World Bank with a counterpart of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich. Altogether, it costs over 4.7 Million Pesos.

“Akong dakong pasalamat sa regional nato nga opisina sa Department of Agriculture sa daghan kaayo nga proyekto nga inyong gihatag dinhi sa Manolo Fortich. Kini nga warehouse pahimuslan gyud sa atong mag-uuma as solar dryer ug bularan sa ilang mais or binggala.”, says Sangguniang Bayan Member and Committee Chairperson on Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Coun. Raquel A. Bayacag as she imparts her gratitude to DA RFO 10 for their partnership with the LGU in benefitting the farmers of Lunocan.

On the same day, Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño and Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr. along with members of the Sangguniang Bayan extended their warmest commendation and recognition to Mr. Carlos Relosa and his family, the land donor of which the warehouse and MPDP now stands. The land donated has a total area of 1,000 sq.m donated to the Barangay Government of Lunocan with the purpose of giving an impact to the farmers of the barangay.

However, not only the farmers of Barangay Lunocan can benefit from the warehouse and MPDP project itself. Carlos Relosa’s son, Charles Rhiey Relosa is also a farmer who wishes to make use of such a facility, “Naa na gyud mi kabularan diri nga dryer ug dili na gyud manghasol pa para lang moadto sa laing lugar, mo adto pa og Kitam-is, or bisag asa lang para makabulad. Akong dako na pasalamat gyud sa atong LGU.”

In response, Regional Technical Director for Operations of Department of Agriculture - 10 Carlota S. Madriaga imparts to the farmers to make use of the facility with utmost importance and care, “Hinaot unta, kini nga proyekto na atong gi-implement ug gi-turnover kay inyo ni siyang tagaan og importansya. Kini siya dili ni mahitabo kung wala naningkamot ang atong national government ug local government units nga mao gyud ang nag-comply sa mga requirements.”

“Angayan gyud nako pasalamatan si Ma’am Carlota Madriaga. Sa pagkahuman pa lang namo og oath, grabe na gyud ang among nadawat nga projects ug assistance para sa mga mag-uuma dinhi sa Lunocan. Wala gyud siya kalimot sa atong lungsod sa Manolo Fortich na iya gyud gisupportahan kanunay,” says Barangay Captain Neil Bacayana on his welcoming remarks during the Turnover Ceremony as he specifically thanks the initiatives of DA RFO 10.

Through the visionary leadership of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, an agriculturist at heart, the path toward sustainable agriculture in Manolo Fortich becomes clearer. However, achieving this vision is contingent upon prioritizing farmers by ensuring the provision of adequate facilities and equipment. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of DA RFO 10 and the LGU of Manolo Fortich, facilitated through the Municipal Agriculture Office, this can be an ongoing process with additional agricultural projects anticipated for the coming years.