THE Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental has launched the first Oolong tea processing center in Kalagonoy, Gingoog City, Friday, January 31.
Governor Yevgeny Emano and Gingoog City Vice Mayor Peter Unabia led the opening of the P3.5 million facility. The construction started last April.
The machinery of the processing center worth P1 million including the necessary training and packaging were provided by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Provincial Capitol eyes more villages for the expansion of Oolong plantation.
Emano said the processing center will help Oolong growers and farmers maximize their production and generate more income.
He also urged farmers to work hard and grow more Oolong plants to fit the capacity as he vowed to support farmers and cooperatives.
“Ang gihatag nga makina sa DTI para sa 200 ka ektarya nga tsa kung iyang lutoon para sa 20-30 ektaryas madaot jud og di ta kabawi,” Emano said.
“Kamoy nagtanom naa nay planta. Ang among trabaho mobaligya og tsa para mokita ang tao.Dili mo mabalaka ayaw ninyo pulihi ang inyong gitanom kay pwede siya i-intercrop,” he added.
The capitol’s top official is confident that Oolong tea in Misamis Oriental will be known to other places.
Emano said Oolong has a lot of health benefits.
Dried Oolong leaves can be bought from the farmers at P2,000 to P5,000 per kilo.
Emano also commended the efforts of Provincial Agriculturist Apollo Pacamalan and Oolong tea production focal person Benjamin Boston.