Cabatuan, Isabela – March 5, 2025 – A major boost to the mungbean industry in Region 02 received a significant boost with the successful inauguration and blessing of a one-unit Mungbean Packaging House in Saranay, Cabatuan, Isabela.

The facility, valued at three million pesos (PHP 3,000,000), was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act for High-Value Crops Development, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, security, and sustainability.

The event was led by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02) in partnership with local farmer cooperatives and associations, the local government unit of Isabela, and other stakeholders.

It also included the distribution of agricultural inputs under the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). The Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) of Cagayan Valley, particularly the Flow of Pariir Agriculture Cooperative, were among the major beneficiaries of this project.

A total of 180 farmers will benefit from the facility. The cooperative played a significant role in securing the project, ensuring continued support for regional farmers.

As part of the intervention to further uplift the mungbean industry, DA RFO 02 distributed essential farming inputs to key farmer cooperatives and associations.

These interventions align with DA’s goal of strengthening high-value crop production and ensuring food security across Cagayan Valley.

In addition to the packaging house, the Flow of Pariir Agriculture Cooperative received 3,200 kilograms of mungbean seeds and 320 liters of Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP), amounting to seven hundred thirty-six thousand pesos (PHP 736,000).

Meanwhile, the Tumauini Federation of National and Communal Irrigators Association received 2,000 kilograms of mungbean seeds and 200 liters of Carrageenan PGP, amounting to four hundred sixty thousand pesos (PHP 460,000).

The Farmers of Luna Agriculture Cooperative also benefited, receiving 1,500 kilograms of mungbean seeds and 150 liters of Carrageenan PGP, amounting to three hundred forty-five thousand pesos (PHP 345,000).

The inauguration ceremony was blessed by Bishop Samuel Ignacio and Father Merlito V. Contillo, followed by the unveiling of the facility’s marker.

Meanwhile, Engineer William V. Contillo, Agricultural Program Coordinator from DA RFO 02, along with representatives from HVCDP, the Cagayan Valley Research Center, the Bureau of Plant Industry, and local government officials from Cabatuan, Luna, and Tumauini, expressed gratitude for the realization of this project.

Speaking on behalf of Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Engineer Rolando Pedro delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of agriculture as a viable business.

“Ang agrikultura ay isang magandang pagnenegosyo. Alagaan natin, yakapin natin, at isa puso natin ito para sa ating mga anak at susunod na henerasyon. Ipakita natin na kumikita tayo sa agrikultura upang makita ng iba na ito ay isang mainam na kabuhayan, The progress of agriculture is the progress of all Pilipino family,” he encouraged.

He also posed a challenge: “I challenge you to ensure that the Flow of Pariir will thrive and remain strong for the next 50 years!”

Ms. Carol Albay, HVCDP and NUPAP focal person, presented the rationale behind the initiative. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We work hand in hand, highlighting the function of DA RFO 02. Kung hindi natin ito pagtutulungan, hindi natin maaabot ang ating export goal.”

She also addressed a common misconception about exports: “Kapag naririnig natin ang salitang ‘export,’ ang iniisip agad natin ay paglabas ng produkto sa Pilipinas. Pero hindi po ganoon. Kapag inilabas ninyo ang inyong produkto mula sa Isabela o Region 02, kayo ay nakapag-export na. Kaya naman, palakpakan natin ang ating mga sarili dahil naibabahagi na ninyo ang inyong produkto sa ibang rehiyon.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Albay shared DA’s vision for the Flow of Pariir in the remaining three years of the current administration under the administration of Undersecretary of HVCDP Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero.

“Isa sa aming mga adhikain ay ang makilala kayo sa pambansang antas bilang isa sa mga pangunahing producer ng munggo. Ang ating Kalihim at Pangalawang Kalihim para sa HVCDP ay nangako ng pondong nagkakahalaga ng anim na milyong piso para sa pagbili ng seed sorter. Bukod dito, nakatuon din tayo sa pagtatayo ng isang solar modular cold storage isang pangarap lamang noon na ngayon ay unti-unti nating isinasakatuparan.”

She also acknowledged the dedication and hard work behind these initiatives: “Hindi namin ito tinigilan. Patuloy namin itong tinutukan at tinrabaho kasama ang ating F2C2 team at research team. Kaya naman, umaasa kami na patuloy ninyong pagkakatiwalaan at paniniwalaan ang layuning ito, at ipagpapatuloy ito ng susunod pang henerasyon para sa masaganang ani at matatag na agrikultura.”

Representing Dr. Marvin Luis, Supervising Agriculturist and OIC Field Operations Division Chief, and Atty. Pamela Kate Vallangca, Accounting Section Chief, extended their congratulations and expressed pride in the collective effort that made this achievement possible.

“I am very proud of what we have accomplished here. This is the result of a big group effort from the national level down to the region and up to the last employee lahat po ay nagtulong-tulong upang maipatayo ito. I also want to emphasize that this grant is a great opportunity, and the best way to give back to the Filipino people is to increase production. Galingan ninyo and do your best in what you are good at, particularly in the production of mungbean.”

The opening of the Mungbean Packaging House in Cabatuan, Isabela, is more than just a new facility; it represents progress and hope for mungbean farmers in Region 2. With this program, local farmers will have more options to increase their output, add value to their harvests, and reach new markets.