UNDERSECRETARY Virgilio L. Leyretana Sr., Chairperson of the Mindanao Economic and Development Council (Medco) has commended the organizers of the 2007 Mindanao Agri & Food Congress (Mafcon `07) for having assembled a diverse group of people who are committed to food production and the integrated development of the island.
Focused on the theme "Mindanao Agribusiness for the Philippine and the World Market," Mafcon `07 was held April 23 to 25, 2007 at Grand Caprice Restaurant, Lim Ket Kai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.
It was attended by leaders of agricultural and food producers and agri-business organizations representing the millions of farmers, farming household, food processors and agri-entrepreneurs or 54 percent of Mindanao's total labor force who depend on Mindanao agriculture for their daily sustenance and overall economic future.
"Your theme is a reinforcing response to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's directive to create more agricultural jobs, improve the income of small farmers and ensure food security within 5 to 10 years," Leyretana told the convention delegates.
He said Mafcon `07 was an opportunity to explore ways and means to accelerate our food productivity in view of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Report that the Philippines, together with 33 other countries, will experience shortage in food productivity/supplies due to crop destruction by natural calamities and other extraneous causes.
Meanwhile, he said, in increasing our agri-fishery productivity, we must establish the necessary infrastructure and policy support systems.
"This is precisely why the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have undertaken various vital programs and projects such as irrigation systems, farm to market roads, seaports, airports and transportation systems which are considered the arteries of development," Leyretana said.
Oversight
These projects, together with efficient transportation systems and cold chain facilities coupled by reliable information and communication technology (ICT) serve as arteries for progress.
"Infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, travel and tourism. It likewise enhances transportation of farm products to the market and other goods and commodities, as well as the delivery of basic government services including mobility of law enforcement authorities," Leyretana said.
On the other hand, Medco as an oversight agency directly operating under the Office of the President has been monitoring the implementation of priority programs of the administration, such as strengthening the infrastructure support in Mindanao, particularly in Northern Mindanao.
Among these projects are the: Cagayan de Oro Port Reclamation Project amounting to Php290 million; the Ozamiz Port Reclamation and Expansion, Php66 million; Construction of the 23-km. Panguil Bay Bridge Project, Php2.7 billion; and the 72-km. Talaingod, Davao del Norte-Valencia City, Bukidnon Road, Php1.15 million.
Also included are the small irrigation projects, farm-to-market road projects and grains warehouse and solar dryer construction.
"These interventions form part of efficient and effective ways of improving food security, as well as provide direct impact to maximizing the farmers' profit, thus the surest way of maximizing agricultural production," Leyretana added. (Press release)
