August 16, 2023

 

Philippines Department of Agriculture sets up facility to support corn industry in Cagayan Valley

 

 

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the city government of Ilagan, established a processing facility for corn-based food products and livestock feed to boost the corn industry in Cagayan Valley.

 

In a groundbreaking ceremony for the government facility, Senator Mark Villar said the Ilagan Corn (I-Corn) complex will benefit not only the corn farmers of Isabela province but also neighboring Philippine provinces.

 

He added that the facility will help sustain Cagayan Valley's status as the "Corn Capital" of the Philippines.

 

"This is a symbol of progress, unity and collective effort of the DA and the City Government to harness the potential of the corn industry," Villar added. "It also demonstrates the commitment of Ilagan to invest for the development of corn farmers."

 

OIC-Regional executive director Rosemary Aquino of DA Region 2 said the facility is first of its kind in the Philippines which will house both processing and post-harvest facilities to ensure quality processed animal feed and other corn-based food by-products.

 

"This facility will serve as a one-stop shop agri-commercial center for corn farmers in the whole region. This will surely boost the production of our corn farmers and contribute further to the economy of the region," Aquino said. "We have been eyeing for a processing facility because our corn productions are being exported to be processed and then it goes back to our region in the form of feeds and other food products at a higher cost." 

 

The I-Corn Complex will consist of a mechanical dryer with a daily capacity of 150 tonnes, a multi-crop drying pavement and a truck scale.

 

Meanwhile, City of Ilagan mayor Josemarie Diaz recognised the strong support of the agriculture department for the establishment of the processing facility in the city.

 

"This marks a remarkable fusion of technology, sustainability and economic development. We are confident that the project will catalyse positive change in the corn industry, elevating new standards and setting new precedence for excellence," Diaz said.

 

- Philippine Information Agency