The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA-RFO 02) turned-over today a monolithic dome warehouse and recirculating dryer worth P7.5 Million to Villaverde Development Cooperative (VILDECO), Nagbitin, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya.
Representing Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo, Regional Technical Director for Operations Roberto C. Busania, said that the projects are meant to assist farmers in ensuring that their products are of good quality and command higher prices even in times of calamities.
“These facilities will help you dry and store your produce until they are marketed to National Food Authority (NFA) or private traders,” he said.
“This warehouse dome costing P4.7 Million, actually, is among the first ever built structures in the region and the whole country. You are lucky to have one because we only have eight (8) units for this year.”
Busania elaborated that the Department shall continue to consider the needs of local government units, associations, cooperatives, and even individual farmers.
“We are waiting for your resolutions because we believe that only you can define your real needs.”
For her part, Mayor Ronelie Valtoribio said that the municipality badly needs support from the DA and other agencies.
“Villaverde is a 5th class municipality with a meager Internal Revenue Allotment of P72 Million and the smallest town in the province,” she announced.
“We are grateful to DA headed by Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol because these projects will surely contribute to increasing the income and productivity of our farmers.”
The officers and members of VILDECO and the Barangay Council and residents of Nagbitin are also appreciative of the completed projects.
“We are very thankful to DA because of these projects,” said Ms. Marcela Valdez, Chairperson of VILDECO.
“The 580 members coming not only from Villaverde but other municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya are praying that DA will consider other projects in the future such as solar dryers and rice mill.”
Nagbitin Barangay Captain Jonathan Briones acknowledged that the assistance will put the barangay into the limelight.
“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat dahil ramdam na ramdam naming ang suporta ng pamahalaan sa aming liblib na lugar.”
Meanwhile, Municipal Agriculturist Arsenio Mariñas announced that aside from the monolithic dome and recirculating dryer, DA had also allocated a Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to Villaverde.
“If God permits, we will also be inaugurating the irrigation system upon its completion in the next few days.”
Present during the inauguration and turn-over are officials of National Food Authority (NFA), Barangay Captains of Villaverde, VILDECO officials and members, farmers, other national and local officials and the private sector.