Negros Occidental Gov. Bong Lacson and the Dept. of Agriculture Region VI Executive Director, Remelyn Recoter, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Muscovado Mill Plant, a subproject of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), in Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, today, July 14.
The project that has a total of over P25-Million has two components – the infrastructure component worth P12,176,549 and its enterprise component valued at P13,801,177. It is jointly funded by the loan proceeds from the World Bank, Department of Agriculture, Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, and Kalibutan Society, Inc., as the proponent group.
According to PRDP Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU) – Negros Occidental Head, Dr. Narissa Lemocito, the main objectives of the project is to increase the production of quality muscovado sugar in the province that will cater to domestic and foreign markets, increase the production of muscovado sugar in southern part of the province, and increase the income of sugarcane farmers.
Dr. Lemoncito also said that muscovado is the first commodity with value chain analysis, and it is also included in the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan of Negros Occidental. She added that muscovado is in demand both in domestic and foreign markets because of its health benefits to consumers.
The activity was also witnessed by Sixth District Board Member Jeffrey Tubola, Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco and Vice Mayor Raul Rivera, Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson, Deputy Project Director of PRDP – Project Support Office – Visayas Cluster, Engr. Albert Barrogo, Negros Occ. Provincial Engineer, Ernie Mapa, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist OIC, Dr. Dina Genzola, and KSI officers and members led by Antonio Castillo, Jr., among others.
