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Monday, October 17, 2005
P500 million 'ecozone' to rise in Tupi
THE Dolefil Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative Inc. (DARBCI) is putting up a P500 million eco-techno park facilities in nearby Tupi, South Cotabato to develop different export quality goods.
DARBCI general manager Steve Diño recently said construction of facilities at the 70-hectare site along the General Santos City-Koronadal City highway has already started and is expected to complete late next year.
"The project expects to produce various export quality products to boost the income of the thousands of members of the cooperative. It also aims to spur business prospects of the region (12)," Diño told reporters.
A commercial building would be constructed on the site to serve the cooperative's 64 clusters.
In the late 80's, DARBCI members were awarded over 7,000 hectares of land by the government-owned corporation National Development Company as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Land Reform Law.
The land was formerly leased to Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil).
Instead of taking over the vast plantation, DARBCI opted for a leaseback agreement with Dolefil.
During its first leaseback agreement with the multinational company, DARBCI was earning more than P33 million in land rent from Dolefil.
Aside from being a trading center, the economic zone would also be home to recreational facilities like a swimming pool, a restaurant, and driving range.
A world-class rest room would be constructed as well to cater to the needs of travelers using the highway, noted Diño.
Tupi Mayor Valentin Mariano hailed the decision of the cooperative, which is based in Polomolok town, to put up the economic zone at the municipality's Barangay Kablon.
"The project, once completed, would spark further economic activities of our area. The local government is fully supporting this venture," Mariano said.
Diño said the economic zone was designed to help improve the economic status of the cooperative's 7,511 members in particular and the business climate of the region in general.
(October 17, 2005 issue)
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