Mahintana, through its Farm-to-Table: Market-Oriented Vegetables production and Enterprise (MOVE) Project funded by the BPI Foundation, Inc., together with the Local Government Unit of Polomolok, launched the Polomolok Food Terminal at Brgy. Pagalungan, Polomolok, South Cotabato. The Food Terminal will serve as an avenue for Polomolok farmers to showcase their produce, providing them with a dedicated space to thrive in local markets.
Hon. Danny Nograles, Barangay Captain of Pagalungan, expressed gratitude for this opportunity and highlighted the exciting challenge of ensuring the sustainability of the food terminal within the barangay. A spirit of optimism pervaded the ceremony, with DOLE Regional Director, Mr. Joel M. Gonzales expressing strong support for the Polomolok Food Terminal, envisioning the integration of organic agriculture into farmers’ livelihoods through skills development and training.
Ms. Carmina Marquez, Executive Director of BPI Foundation Inc., highlighted the gathering as a crucial part of the MOVE Project, emphasizing that the Food Terminal will significantly enhance market access for vegetables and fruits, improve incomes, and foster a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector.
The event was attended by Ms. Carmina Marquez, Executive Director of BPI Foundation, Inc.; Ms. Michelle Orit, Industrial Relations Manager of Dole Philippines Inc.; and officials from various government agencies, including DOLE XII represented by Regional Director Mr. Joel M. Gonzales and Provincial Director Mr. Romerico Carasco; DTI XII represented by Provincial Director Mr. Rictoniel T. Reginio; DILG XII represented by Provincial Director Mr. Hayd-Ali Suwaib; and Ret. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, Municipal Administrator representing the LGU Polomolok. Also present were members of the Sangguniang Bayan, BLGU Pagalungan represented by Hon. Danny Nograles, Engr. Roberto Catapang of OMAg, private sector representatives including Mr. Warreb Lubaton Tato of Herds Pine, Farmers Association, and various stakeholders.
Through this collaborative effort, the Polomolok Food Terminal is poised to make a significant impact, empowering local farmers, fostering a thriving agricultural sector, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
