THE Department of Agriculture (DA) in the City of San Fernando said that the P8.7-million Mango Processing Center in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija s almost complete and will soon benefit local mango growers in Pampanga.

The DA said the recent inspection on the facility by the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO 3) together with the Project Support Office (PSO) showed 95 percent completion of the civil works of the project, which was pegged at P4.5 million.

Mango Processing Center features innovative technology were unmarketable mangoes from mango growers and farmers will be bought by the cooperative and will be processed into mango juice, vinegar and wine.

The DA said the finished products will be marketed to schools, offices, local retailers and caterers in the city and nearby areas to help promote the health and nutritional benefits of mango by-products.

The Palayan City Mango Growers Association (PCMGA) is optimistic that this project is the solution for the growing demand from consumers in their city and hopefully in the entire province.

The PCMGA members will undergo training to enhance food safety procedures and operations management, likewise with the proper care and maintenance of the facility upon its turnover.

The project, under the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project, aims to support mango growers and farmers in Nueva Ecija to help boost productivity and provide farmers with better income.