Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Group eyes packing facility
IMPROVEMENT of packaging and product labeling could make Benguet products more competitive and recognizable in the market, business groups in the province said.
Saying Benguet products, particularly vegetables, are popular but not recognized as being produced from the province, the Benguet Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BPCCI) is proposing the establishment of toll packing and quality labeling centers for agricultural commodities.
These two post-harvest facilities would also complete the missing link of the province’s cold chain project, which was put up to help farmers minimize their losses and maintain the quality of their agricultural produce, said Gerry Lab-oyan of BPCCI.
The toll packing and quality labeling centers would serve as support facilities of the cold chain, said Lab-oyan, who is also the general manager of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet. The bank extends loans to farmers, either through their cooperatives or individually.
Lab-oyan said the two facilities are needed to enhance the competitiveness of Benguet products while making these more recognizable.
“We are moving quality products (from the cold storage facility) but these products must be packed (and labeled) well,” he told reporters during the Benguet Forum.
The group is seeking the assistance of local government units and the academe. The proposed facilities are expected to enhance business opportunities in the province.
Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry proposed the creation of an investment promotion coordinating council that would determine preferred industries which have better potentials for investments. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
