DTI Kalinga awards Lubuagan farmers P1.2 M coffee processing to upgrade product quality

Lubuagan, Kalinga - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) turned over worth P1.2M Shared Service Facilities (SSF) to the Manangol Farmer's Organization (MFO) of Mabilong, Lubuagan through the Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management Project – Livelihood Enhancement Support Two (INREMP-LES 2) Program.

Consisting of 14 coffee processing tools and equipment which were provided to improve skills and knowledge under a shared system, the project’s primary aim is to help the beneficiaries increase their production capacities and improve their coffee product quality to meet market demands.

DTI-Kalinga Provincial Director Renie Ramos led the ceremony with other DTI officers which was also graced by Lubuagan LGU representative Jocielyn Babalin, Provincial Administrator Attorney William Puday Jr., and the members of the Manangol Farmer's Organization on August 3, 2021.

DTI-Technical Assistant Mr. Hezron Lawodna during the project overview said that the MFO started in 2018 and had been a recipient of various seminars, workshops, and trainings.

The Municipal Mayor’s Representative Jocielyn Babalin expressed gratitude for the provision of said equipment and for the continuous support of the DTI to said livelihood program. She then advised the members of the organization to encourage and empower each other when problems occur and that they should maintain an excellent quality of coffee production.

“Asahan yu hin LGU Lubuagan chi mangitakche kanchakayu, whatever problems un ma encounter yu,” Babalin said to the People’s Organization (PO). DTI-Kalinga Provincial Director Renie Ramos challenged the members of MFO saying, “This is a remarkable day, (maibati) kinyayu ti challenge a kas mangited nga additional a makatulong ti panagbiyag tayo…han yu a paturugen han kuma nga agpatingga dituy.”

Provincial Administrator Atty. William Puday Jr., in a statement, also assured that the Provincial Government and the Kalinga Coffee Council, under the leadership of the chairman, Governor Ferdinand Tubban, will continue to improve and develop the coffee industry in the province.

Meanwhile, Coffee Grader Jeffrey Pasikan aka “Coffee king” of DTI-Kalinga discussed how coffee became a global commodity and how inclusive it is for economic growth. Likewise, he pointed out the challenges of the said industry in the province.

On that same day, the DTI also awarded P50,000 as a working capital, Sticker Labels, and Packaging for the PO received by MFO President Elsie Oddoc.

Oddoc said that their efforts were worthwhile. She then promised that they will do their best to continue the livelihood for their benefit and for the next generation.

Ongoing test results made by the DOST for Product Development are expected to be given this year and the bid of the P1.1 million building as a processing center for the farmers was promised by the DTI.

What is the (INREMP-LES 2) Program?

The Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management Project – Livelihood Enhancement Support Two (INREMP-LES 2) is a joint project of the DTI and DENR to create a strong People’s Organization that shall stir sustainable economic growth in the community while preserving the watershed areas. It envisions transforming farmers to become entrepreneurs and seize up opportunities for them to be profitably productive.

Manangol Farmers Organization (MFO) was recognized as one of the INREMP beneficiaries. They have undergone profiling and have attended consultation meetings to document and to propose their livelihood.

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