Legazpi City, Philippines – May 27-29, 2024
The Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA) Multi-Commodity Processing Center (MCPC) Feasibility Study and Business Planning activities for Region 5 officially commenced with kick-off meetings and field visits, aiming to bolster the agricultural sector through comprehensive planning and assessment. These initiatives are poised to transform the region’s agricultural practices and economic outcomes.
Background on IRDF’s Climate Change Adaptation Program
The Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) has been at the forefront of climate change adaptation efforts in the Philippines, particularly within the agricultural sector. Recognizing the critical need for sustainable and resilient farming practices, IRDF launched its program to support local communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change. The program focuses on enhancing the capacity of farmers and agricultural stakeholders through various initiatives, including the establishment of Multi-Commodity Processing Centers (MCPCs). These centers are designed to add value to agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase farmers’ incomes, all while promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
Kick-off Meetings in Legazpi City
The activities started on May 27, 2024, at the Biggs Function Room in Legazpi City. The entire day was dedicated to orienting the Feasibility Study (FS) team and enumerators on the scope and objectives of the study. The session included a briefing on the feasibility study of the MCPCs and business planning for five AMIA Villages. The briefing, led by the Team Leader and Consultant engaged by the Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF), emphasized two major outputs: a comprehensive feasibility study following the PRDP protocol and business plans derived from the data on MCPC viability indicators.
The orientation also introduced two key data-gathering instruments. The first instrument focused on preliminary validation, ecosystem, and resource mapping, benchmarking AMIA villages against existing operational MCPCs in and outside Region 5. The second instrument was a market feasibility survey aimed at determining the financial viability of the MCPCs, involving interviews with 50 respondents representing different actors in the value chain.
Field Visit to JoroanVille, Tiwi, Albay
On May 28, 2024, the team conducted an ocular visit to the newly constructed MCPC in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay. The center, completed at a cost of Php 4 million, is set on a 1,000 sqm lot donated by the municipal LGU of Tiwi. It features multiple workspaces for processing various commodities such as meat, food delicacies, baking, and ice cream making.
Despite the promising infrastructure, the operation of the meat processing enterprise has been delayed due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. The interim focus will be food processing and delicacy production, with raw materials sourced from AMIA Village FCA.
The team also validated the readiness of the Joroan FCA for Phase 3 CREATE, which includes swine production, egg layers, poultry production, and hydroponics lettuce production. Although ASF has impacted the swine population, the FCA remains determined to restart its enterprise by the end of 2024.
Visits to Tiwi Market Centers and Municipal Agriculture Office
The team inspected the Tiwi wet market and gathered crucial data from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), including the volume of pork and other meat products sold before and during the ASF outbreak. The MAO anticipates lifting the ASF ban within six months, contingent on favorable daily testing results.
Benchmarking Visits to Operational Processing Centers in Camarines Sur
On May 29, 2024, benchmarking visits were made to successful processing centers in Pili and Canaman, Camarines Sur. The Bicol Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (BFDC) in Pili showcased their steady supply of quality raw milk, efficient human resources, and diversified business operations. BFDC’s collaboration with the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) underscores their commitment to capacity building and community extension programs.
The visit to J. Emmanuel Pastries – the House of Pili in Canaman highlighted the importance of a continuous supply of quality pili nuts for sustainable operations. The enterprise’s growth, supported by various government agencies, exemplifies the potential for success in value-adding processes and market expansion.
Conclusion
These activities mark a significant step towards enhancing the agricultural and economic landscape of Region 5. The feasibility study and business planning for the AMIA MCPCs are set to drive sustainable growth and resilience in the region’s agricultural sector.
The main role of the Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) in the context of the AMIA Multi-Commodity Processing Centers (MCPCs) Feasibility Study and Business Planning activities for Region 5 includes the following:
- Project Leadership and Coordination: IRDF leads and coordinates the overall feasibility study and business planning activities. This involves organizing and overseeing the kick-off meetings, field visits, and benchmarking activities to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.
- Engaging Experts and Consultants: IRDF engages experts and consultants to provide specialized knowledge and guidance throughout the feasibility study and planning process.
- Training and Orientation: IRDF conducts orientation sessions for the feasibility study team and enumerators, providing them with the necessary training and tools to carry out data gathering and analysis effectively.
- Data Collection and Validation: IRDF is responsible for designing and implementing data-gathering instruments, such as preliminary validation, ecosystem and resource mapping, and market feasibility surveys. The foundation ensures that the data collected is accurate and comprehensive, serving as a basis for the feasibility study and business plans.
- Stakeholder Engagement: IRDF works closely with local stakeholders, including AMIA Villages, farmers’ cooperatives, local government units (LGUs), and market actors, to gather input and ensure their active participation in the project.
- Development of Feasibility Studies and Business Plans: IRDF oversees the development of detailed feasibility studies and business plans for the MCPCs, ensuring that they are aligned with the basic PRDP protocol and incorporate viability indicators and market analysis.
- Resource Allocation and Management: IRDF manages the allocation of resources, including funding and materials, necessary for the construction and operational setup of the MCPCs.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: IRDF monitors and evaluates the progress of the project, making adjustments as needed to ensure successful outcomes. This includes tracking the implementation of interim enterprises and readiness for Phase 3 CREATE in the AMIA Villages.
- Promotion of Sustainable Practices: IRDF advocates for sustainable agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture strategies, and the diversification of income sources to enhance the resilience and economic well-being of rural communities.
By fulfilling these roles, IRDF plays a pivotal role in driving the success of the AMIA MCPC initiatives, fostering rural development, and improving the livelihoods of communities in Region 5.