AS PART of his goal to develop the agriculture sector in Candaba town, Pampanga, Mayor Rene Maglanque is eyeing the construction of a facility that will boost the production and income of local farmers.
Maglanque said he is planning to construct an agricultural center where rice farmers can store their harvest temporarily.
By having temporary storage areas, the mayor said farmers will not be forced to sell their crops immediately at a very low price.
"Gusto natin protektahan ang mga magsasaka at kanilang ani sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng malaking bodega kung saan pwede nila i-stock muna ang palay habang mababa presyo at kapag tumaas- taas na, doon nila ibenta," he said.
While waiting for sales from their crops, Maglanque said the local government and LandBank of the Philippines (LBP) can assist with a financial loan program.
He said the ongoing construction of LBP AgriHub in Barangay Pasig will supplement the local government programs and will provide more financial opportunities to farmers.
"Nakikipag-usap na ako sa LandBank at pati sa Department of Agriculture (DA), at siyempre sa suporta ni Governor Dennis Pineda, para mas mapaganda itong pinaplano natin na AgriCenter," Maglanque said.
He said the budget for the purchase of about 20 hectares of land in a flood-free area where the AgriCenter will rise will be included in the 2022 budget.
The funds for the construction of the facility are expected to be a joint effort between the local and provincial government, and the national government through DA and Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc, Maglanque added.
He added that aside from stockrooms, the facility is also eyed to include a rice mill and solar dryer which are essential in the process of rice production.
"Isa sa malaking problema namin ay iyong bilaran ng palay, kung minsan nagagamit na ang mga daan namin kaya para maiwasan ito, maglalagay kami ng malaking solar dryer doon sa AgriCenter," he said.
Once constructed, Maglanque said the AgriCenter can be shared with farmers in other municipalities, but priority will be for Candabeños.
"Ito ay parte ng parehong mithiin namin ni Governor na Delta na proteksyunan ang ating mga magsasaka at siguruhin ang sapat na pagkain o food security sa bawat mesa ng pamilyang Candabeño at Kapampangan," he said.