Cotabato PLGU pushes for industry food processing after quarantine

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province--- The provincial government here is into producing industries as its main thrust for economic recovery, especially now amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“Our direction is to really produce industries and not the culture of mendicancy,” Governor Nancy Catamco emphasized.

She noted that aside from rubber plantations, the province is rich in different fruits which need to be processed and improved to enhance its value.

Catamco cited as an example is the durian fruit which is plentiful in the province yet the residence still get durian candy in Davao City.

With this, she noted that the provincial government is eyeing the establishment of dried fruits processing plants. This initiative, according to her, could help residents, especially farmers, gain extra income.

The governor also shared that the provincial government conducted trainings to members of the LGBTQ community following tthe temporary closure of salons and parlors due to the community quarantine.

One of the trainings conducted was the production of chips made of taro since the province is rich in the said root crop.

“We are abundant of taro and yet walang nagtuturo dito at nagpo-produce ng chips,” Catamco said, adding that the direction of the provincial government is also to teach the people to add value to products of the province.

In addition, the provincial government is also focusing on the establishment of a dressing plant for free-range native chickens.

Last month, Catamco approved the Provincial Economy Restart Plan (PERP) to revive the province’s economy. Included in the plan are economic activities designed as immediate solutions in line with the fight against COVID-19 and as start up support to various sectors affected by the pandemic. (PIA COTABATO CITY, MINDANAO EXPOSE')