Pampanga, DA forge pact for food security complex

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The provincial government of Pampanga, headed by Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda, signed on Monday, May 29, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 3, and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) for the development of a food security complex here.

Pineda signed the MOA with DA Region 3 Director Crispulo Bautista, and PhilMech Director Dionisio Al vi ndi a.

The agreement signing was witnessed by Provincial Agriculture Committee Chairperson and Board Member Ananias Canlas, Jr.

The Pampanga Food Security Complex is the result of a tripartite agreement between the Pampanga government, DA Region 3, and PhilMech.

Pineda said the food security complex aligns with one of his 12-point agendas to ensure a sustainable food sector in the province.

He highlighted the significance of establishing sufficient and reliable infrastructure to support key agricultural processes and empower marginalized farmers to optimize their harvests.

The provincial government has allocated a budget of P238 million for the construction of two warehouses within the facility.

This budget also covers site development, drainage systems, a 3-phase electrical system, office supplies, and various machines and equipment required for the complex.

DA Region 3 will contribute P50 million for the construction of one warehouse, as well as the funding for two units of recirculating multipurpose dryers with conveyor s.

PhilMech, on the other hand, will provide P72 million for the procurement of a state-of-the-art rice mill and two units of the recirculating dryer.

The first food security complex in the province will be established in Barangay Sta Catalina in Lubao.

The concept for the complex was carefully crafted by a technical working group composed of experts from the DA-RFO3, Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), PhilMech, OPA, PPDO, and LGU of Lubao.

This initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing the agricultural sector in Pampanga and ensuring food security for its residents.