SAN JOSE, Antique – The Laua-an Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) received the third tranche of funding from the provincial government of Antique, Department of Agriculture (DA) and loan proceeds from the World Bank (WB) for the facilities improvement of Antique’s muscovado sugar industry.
Muscovado is a type of partially refined to unrefined sugar with a strong molasses content and flavor, and dark brown in color. It is technically considered either a non-centrifugal cane sugar or a centrifuged, partially refined sugar depending on the process used by the manufacturer.
The first tranche amounting to P2.6 million was used to purchase metal detectors and plastic pallets, among others, while the second tranche of about P1.6 million included the procurement of a gravity tank and laboratory tools.
The first and second tranches were distributed in December 2019 and February 2022, respectively.
The third and latest tranche of almost P3 million will be used to acquire a platform scale and a six-wheel hauling vehicle.
The turnover ceremony on May 23 was attended by Gov. Rhodora Cadiao and Laua-an MPC Chair Ernesto Española, Jr. at the EBJ Freedom Park, San Jose town.
Española believes that through this financial assistance from the local and national governments and the World Bank, the muscovado sugar industry of Antique will continue to flourish through enhanced quality, emphasizing that quality is crucial to enter “high-end” markets.
He also thanked all stakeholders for their continuous support, although the cooperative head hopes for the younger generation to take greater part in the muscovado industry as this provides livelihood opportunities not just for the residents of Laua-an town but of the entire province.
“The muscovado sugar industry belongs to the entire Antiqueño community,” he noted.
With the brand name “Pahinis,” Antique-made muscovado sugar is thriving in domestic markets and is expected to perform better especially with the ongoing supply negotiations with a supermall chain.
Lauan MPC also continues to export muscovado sugar to South Korea through the Seoul-based non-profit organization The Beautiful Foundation.
Out of the P25 million funding, Lau-an MPC already received over P7 million for the Antique Muscovado Production and Marketing Enterprise.
The fourth tranche of assistance is expected to arrive by June or July just in time for the new milling season.
This will be done through the provincial government’s acquisition of a technology-upgraded juice extraction system worth approximately P4 million.
As soon as the plant facilities and equipment improvements are complete, Laua-an MPC will then shift its focus on sugarcane farmers and producers. (PIA-Antique)/PN
