Farmers in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur, can now benefit from a newly constructed Trading Post worth Php12.7 million and three warehouses with solar dryers, each costing Php5.6 million. These facilities were officially turned over by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform – Philippine Rural Development Project (MAFAR-PRDP) Regional Project Coordinating Office BARMM on December 20, 2024.
The turnover ceremony was led by MAFAR-BARMM Chief of Staff (COS) Arphia T. Ebus, JD, representing Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., along with officials from the local government of Lumbayanague.
In her message, COS Ebus emphasized the significance of the Trading Post in providing farmers with a centralized marketplace for their agricultural products.
“This project provides a much-needed trading center for our farmers, allowing them to sell their products more easily. The warehouses with solar dryers will also greatly benefit them, especially those in Barangays Bualan, Wago, and Miniros. They no longer need to worry about where to dry and store their crops,” Ebus said.
The Trading Post was constructed in Barangay Kabasaran, strategically located at the center of the municipality. Meanwhile, the warehouses with solar dryers were built in the agriculturally rich barangays of Bualan, Wago, and Miniros, ensuring that farmers have convenient access to post-harvest facilities. These projects were funded through the World Bank Second Additional Fund and the European Union co-financing grant.
Lumbayanague Municipal Councilor Aminodin M. Gunting expressed gratitude for the project, saying it will help boost agricultural activities in the town. “This is a huge help for our farmers and residents. We are hoping that this support will further enhance the agricultural development of Lumbayanague,” Gunting said.
The turnover event was also witnessed by RPCO-BARMM Rural Infrastructure Specialist Engr. Michael Anggol, GIS Officer Suharto Dalig, and key officials from the Barangay and Municipal Local Government Units of Lumbayanague.
