BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ANTIQUE – The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Regional Inter-agency technical committee has given the green light to the proposed construction of the P42-million white copra cooking oil processing center for the Hamtic Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative.
To be situated in Sitio Bingay, Barangay Funda, Hamtic town, the center aims to bolster local coconut farming initiatives.
This substantial allocation from the national government aligns with Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Resolution No. 841-2023, advocating for the inclusion of Antique’s processing plant under the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, as urged by Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.
Additionally, Gov. Rhodora Cadiao has earmarked P2 million from the provincial government’s fund to support this endeavor, as reflected in SP Resolution No. 197-2024.
Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta, for his part, said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will oversee the construction and execution of the project.
However, the Regional Inter-Agency Technical Committee 6 (RIATC-6) is mulling to request DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to transfer the implementation of the project to the provincial government, allowing the latter to take charge of the construction.
RIATC-6 believes the provincial government can fast-track the project implementation as DPWH is overwhelmed with the ongoing national projects. (With a report from the Antique Public Information Office)/PN
