BICOL RETAIL FIRM EYES DAVAO PRODUCE

Bicol-based Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) is looking to source around six tons of agricultural products from Davao Region

Fruits and vegetables from farmers in Davao Region will soon be available in the Bicol Region next month, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA 11) said.

DA 11 regional director Ricardo Oñate told Sunstar Davao that the agency through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) is working on a partnership with Liberty Commercial Center (LCC), one of the pioneer commercial establishments engaged in retail business in Albay Province and in Bicol Region, operating supermarkets, department stores, food operations, mall operations, and property developments.

“Maraming branches ang LCC sa Bicol and they are interested in our fruits and vegetables. July is the initial plan for the first shipping but it is possible to have it earlier if both sides concede already [on the specific product and volume]. Anything goes for this, what is important is we secure a market linkage,” he said in vernacular, adding that this partnership will benefit farmers as they will be offered better price for their products.

LCC visited the farms around Davao Region yesterday, June 11, 2019, to see the quality of its agricultural products.

“This is our first time partnering with DA and farmers in Davao region. I believe that Davao will provide good quality produce as it is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of banana, papaya, mangosteen, and durian,” LCC Chief Operations Officer Romeo Tan said.

LCC is looking for around six tons of agricultural products per shipment from Davao region. DA 11, on the other hand, assured enough production volume for their demand.

Oñate said if the market will demand higher volume of production, the region has the capacity to add additional volume of agricultural products since the area and facilities are available and farmers in the region are competitive.

Meanwhile, he said that they are also working on other potential markets.

“This will benefit small farmers for direct buyers, no middlemen will be needed. We just have to consolidate the products in the Davao Food Terminal Complex (DFTC) before shipping it to the Bicol market,” he said.

This will benefit small farmers for direct buyers, no middlemen will be needed. We just have to consolidate the products in the Davao Food Terminal Complex (DFTC) before shipping it to the Bicol market

RICARDO OÑATE DA 11 regional director