CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a significant stride to strengthen public-private partnership, support agri-fishery production, and ensure stable food prices for consumers and traders, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado inked its support for the operationalization of the Regional Food Terminal in Talakag, Bukidnon through a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) and the Local Government of Talakag.
On April 26, in this city, DA-10 through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga joined FICCO Board of Directors member Cecille Laguna, on behalf of FICCO Chief Executive Officer Edgardo A. Micayabas, FICCO Community Outreach Foundation, Inc. (FCOF) Board of Trustees chairperson Ernie A. Obsina, and Talakag mayor Vergito O. Factura in signing the MOA.
It can be recalled that in October 2021, DA-10 turned over the P14 million central food terminal, funded under the agency’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain program, to the LGU Talakag with the aim of improving the town’s agriculture and fisheries production, increasing local employment and income, and offering economical prices for consumers and traders.
Having identified FICCO as a partner for overseeing said facility, LGU Talakag through the formal agreement, has effectively turned over the management and control of said food terminal to FICCO through the FCOF, for the operationalization, use, and maintenance of the facility, benefiting local farmers and producers.
As stipulated in the agreement, FICCO shall establish a system of buying and marketing of farmers’ produce that will increase the farm gate prices of their products; provide production support such as needed capital, inputs, and technical support; initiate capacity-building and cooperative organizing activities for farmers’ organizations; and maintain the facility to ensure sustainable operations.
According to RTD Madriaga, the decision to partner with FICCO is a strategic step toward bolstering the agricultural and economic productivity of the municipality and the province as a whole, and underscored the cooperative’s extensive years in operation and background in managing businesses.
Further, the DA official said that through this unique partnership, LGU Talakag is optimally positioned as a coordinating body for the implementation of DA’s banner programs and projects, which will allow them to better fulfill their mandate for public service and ultimately benefit their constituents, particularly the farmers and local producers.
On the other hand, FICCO Director Laguna expressed her optimism and enthusiasm to collaborate with the public sector through this capacity, citing their shared interest to support local farmers, and to generate more income through employment.
Present during the ceremony were Talakag Municipal Administrator Alberto S. Bigcas who also took part in the MOA signing, Municipal Agriculturist Liezl V. Barros, DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, Market Development Section chief Mae Carmela G. Fabela, and other staff from the DA-10, FICCO, and LGU-Talakag.
