By JONG D. CADION
ARBEMCO
formally received the Php2.94 Million worth of DA-PRDP subproject last month which
include a 6-ton hauling truck and 8 units decorticating machines plus personal
protective gears and bolos needed in its abaca fiber production and marketing enterprise.
ARBEMCO
workers run the 8 brand new decorticating machines as
the 6-ton hauling truck is partly seen. (Photo provided by DA9) |
PAGADIAN CITY (March
12, 2019-PNA News) -- The Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of
Marcelo Cooperative (ARBEMCO) in Kalawit town, Zamboanga del Norte commenced
operation of its Abaca Fiber Production and Marketing Enterprise as recipient
of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project
(DA-PRDP).
Alternate
Head of the DA-PRDP’s Investment in Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and
Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) Lenie Pecson graced the occasion. She hailed PLGU Zamboanga del Norte to be the
fastest LGU to implement I-REAP subproject in less than a year only. “We all know that this is very helpful to
ARBEMCO. However, this is just the
beginning because the real challenge is the operation of the enterprise,” she
said.
Pecson
underscored that the main objective of PRDP is to increase farmers’ income,
adding: “we believe that PRDP is not mistaken in choosing ARBEMCO as one of its
recipients because we believe that you can operate your enterprise viably and
sustainably.”
She
added: “what you have envisioned in preparing the business plan, you will
execute it now with the help of our partner agencies. Let us make this project
a point of convergence among the government agencies like PhilFIDA, DAR. DOLE, DPWH
in terms of technical assistance and other support for us to ensure the project
sustainability.”
ZDN
Provincial Governor Roberto Uy was represented by Provincial Board Member Venus
Uy. Kalawit Mayor Salvador Antojado also
attended the occasion. Representatives from the Department of Labor and
Employment, Philippine Fiber Industry Authority, National Commission on
Indigenous Peoples and Department of Public Works and Highways as members of
the Regional Project Advisory Board – the body that endorsed the subproject for
funding from DA-PRDP were also present.
Based
on the business plan, after one-year operation, beneficiaries involved in the
enterprise are expected to increase their income by at least 100 percent; 5%
increase in household income of abaca farmers from Php98,579 to Php103,507.95. In three years, production area will increase
from 130 hectares to 230 % planted to abaca.
Meanwhile,
Acting Provincial Agriculturist Celsa Gayapa, recalled the long process they
hurdled before realizing ARBEMCO’s enterprise subproject, saying: “with the 8
decorticating machines and hauling truck, I am pretty sure that ARBEMCO will
attain inclusive growth. Sana kitang
tanan magkahugpong magtinabangay aron molambo ang atong proyekto (May we all
work together so as to prosper this project)”.
Board
of Directors chair Hector Igot disclosed that ARBEMCO is a 21-year old agrarian
reform beneficiaries’ cooperative with 100 hectares rubber area intercropped
with abaca, 40 hectares of which are ready for selective harvest. Another 30 hectares are planted solely to
abaca. They have 279 active workers but only 35 workers engaged in the abaca
fiber production (24 processors and 11 for maintenance).
Since
2012, ARBEMCO has been trading abaca fiber to certain Ernesto Sevilla, a trader
based in Pagadian City and is trading to Newtech Pulp Inc. in Iligan City. The coop used to hire hauling vehicle for
on-farm operations and delivery of abaca fiber to Pagadian City. Each month, the coop produces 1,440 kgs of
abaca fiber using the 6 units (10-year old) decorticating machines. With the 8 brand new decorticating machines,
the coop targets to produce 6,000 kgs. dried abaca fiber every two months. In one year of operation, the enterprise is
expected to sell 147,456 kgs. Year 2
would be 276,480 kgs and 497,664 kgs in the 3rd year.ost ratio of 1.09,
internal rate of return of 39% and net preset value of 2,188,631.
Abaca
is one of the champion commodities in Zamboanga Peninsula wherein Kalawit ranks
first in terms of total area planted with 133.8 hectares. Sibuco ranked 2nd with 106.9 hectares; 3rd is
Sergio Osmeña (70.26 hectares); Gutalac with 70.26 hectares and Godod is 57.33
hectares. (With PR from Remai S.
Alejado/da9)
ARBEMCO
workers run the 8 brand new decorticating machines as
the 6-ton hauling truck is partly seen. (Photo provided by DA9) |
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