DTI, City launch P3.7 million meat processing facility
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the city government formally launched and turned-over a P3.7 million Shared Service Facility for Meat Processing at Slaughter House Compound last Friday, March 25, aimed at supporting those in the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
Entirely funded by the DTI with the city government as cooperator, the project will be managed by the Baguio City Farmers Cooperative (BCFC), headed by former City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) chief Dr. Bridgit Piok, as beneficiaries.
DTI Baguio-Benguet provincial director Atty. Samuel Gallardo said the facility hopes to improve the quality of the Summer Capital’s meat products; make Baguio known as a source of quality meat products; and help local MSMEs engage in meat processing.
He disclosed that the DTI has already provided around P20 million in funds for the establishment of similar projects during the past 10 years to help the city’s entrepreneurs.
DTI-CAR director Juliet Lucas said the big-scale project requires daily supply of meat and encouraged the beneficiaries to do their best so that the facility will not become a ‘white elephant’.
“The product is very marketable because most people in the city and the region love eating meat,” she stressed.
Piok accepted the challenge and said the BCFC will do its very best to make the project a success as she asked for the continued support of the DTI and the city government in terms of needed trainings and more.
CVAO head Dr. Silardo Bested assured his office’s support to the BCFC and also thanked the DTI and Mayor Benjamin Magalong who requested for the facility about two years ago from then DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
Councilor Philian Weygan Allan, chair of the local legislature’s committee on market, trade and commerce and agriculture, thanked all those involved and reminded everyone that faith and hope should come together.
She also echoed the Mayor’s advocacy for good governance and of a city government that cares and reaches out to its people. – Gaby B. Keith
