By Shiela Mae Butlig
Correspondent
and Ben Balce
Associate Editor
SAN ISIDRO, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today, April 22, inaugurated the country’s first-ever coconut processing facility, highlighting a major step forward in the government’s efforts to modernize agriculture and support farmers.
The facility, located in San Isidro, Balingasag, is part of a public-private partnership with the First Community Cooperative (Ficc). Marcos also led the turnover of more than P550 million worth of agricultural assistance, including rice and corn harvester machinery.
During his speech, Marcos underscored the importance of agriculture in national development.
“Bawat punla, puno, bunga ay sumasailalim sa pagsisikap, sakripisyo at tagumpay ng bawat Pilipinong magsasaka,” the President said.
He praised Misamis Oriental for its productive harvests of corn, rice, coconut, and bananas—many of which are exported internationally.
“Lumago ang agrikultura ng Misamis Oriental nang 4.6% sa nakaraang taon at ikalawa sa pinakamabilis ang pag-unlad sa Northern Mindanao,” he added.
Marcos said his visit to Misamis Oriental, including Balingasag and Balingoan, reflects his strong commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
He urged farmers to adopt modern technology to improve production.
“Noong nagkaroon na ng rice processing ay nahirapan ang mga farmer na magdala ng kanilang palay sa milling plants, kaya’t ang ibang probinsya nagbigay ng truck,” he said.
He noted that in Region 10, the government has constructed 70 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and bridges, benefiting over 16,000 families.
Focusing on the coconut facility, Marcos emphasized the global demand for coconut-based products such as oil and water.
“Nagugulat ako, sa galing ng ating magsasaka… wala tayong ginawa para tulungan ang coconut farmer, ngayon lang natin sila tinutulungan. Ngunit kahit walang tulong, number two tayo sa buong mundo sa coconut products. Ganyan kaganda ang produktong coconut, ganyan kagaling ang ating mga kooperatiba,” he said.
Marcos pledged to establish more coconut processing centers across the country.
Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig
Department of Agriculture Regional Director for Northern Mindanao Jose Apollo Pacamalan expressed gratitude for the president’s leadership in the turnover. He noted that the facility is the first in the Philippines capable of processing coconut husks, shells, water, flour, skim milk, and virgin coconut oil.
Balingasag Mayor Alexis Quiña said the president’s presence is a significant moment for the people of Balingasag.
Also present at the event were Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal, and former Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano.
The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO-10) and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) are providing various interventions.
Key initiatives include the P90.8 million Mapulog-Tuboran farm-to-market road in Naawan and P32.2 million in farm machinery and facilities, totaling over P123 million in support.
Additionally, DA-PHilMech will roll out P78.1 million in rice farming technologies through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
A highlight of the initiative is the P350-million Integrated Coconut Processing Facility at the First Community Cooperative, designed to enhance the local coconut industry and improve farm gate prices.
“Through the SUnRISE project, we aim to advance coconut product processing beyond traditional copra,” explained Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan.
The facility will also feature a multi-stage rice mill to minimize postharvest losses.
In connection with the agricultural aid distribution, President Marcos will inaugurate port extension projects and preside over a Regional Development Council meeting, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to infrastructure and growth in Northern Mindanao.
