President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cited the success of the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) in Batangas City for aiding farmers and fisherfolk while also fostering development in the Southern Tagalog region.

President Marcos inaugurated the SIDC Grains Terminal and Trading Project in collaboration with the Batangas City local government and the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project. The event took place in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City.

“Talagang masasabi ko na ang SIDC ay isang modelo ng kaunlaran. Pinatunayan nito na kayang-kaya ng mga kooperatiba na makipagsabayan sa mga malalaking negosyo at magpatayo ng mga malaking pasilidad,” the President said.

“Kung nagawa ito ng SIDC, nakakatiyak din ako na magagawa rin ito ng iba pang mga kooperatiba sa bansa,” he said.

As a strong supporter of the cooperative movement, the President said that SIDC serves as a model for the country, demonstrating how a cooperative should be operated while assisting its members and the industry.

The President stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, and local farmers to develop the agricultural sector further.

Increased collaboration among stakeholders will provide more opportunities for Filipinos, ultimately improving their living conditions, according to the President.

With an investment exceeding PhP270 million, the SIDC Grains Terminal and Trading Project was established by the DA, the World Bank (WB), and SIDC.

The feed mill facility consists of two silos with a total capacity of 12,000 metric tons of corn. This amount equals 480,000 feed sacks, supporting over 100,000 hogs or approximately 600,000 poultry.

With the opening of this facility, corn storage will be improved to support the poultry and livestock industries in Batangas and the region. The President said this development will help ensure a stable income for raisers and growers. | PND