TUGUEGARAO CITY—The Department of Agriculture has recently formed the Citrus Industry Development Council in Cagayan Valley to further empower citrus growers and boost their production.
Narciso Edillo, DA regional director, said the CIDC has been organized following the conduct of the first Cagayan Valley Business Forum for citrus in this city.
The CIDC is composed of Josephine Namujhe as chairperson and the DA-Regional Field Office representative as vice chairperson.
Cluster members are: from Cagayan, Loren Bonifacio (chairman), William Parec (vice chairman), Reymondo Rigon, Eris Esquiero, Pepe Dumlao, Arthur Domingo, Jenelyn Yacas, Porfillo Mabborang, Teresita Edduba; Isabela’s Roberto S. Sagario (chairman), Emmelou R. Loresto (vice chairman), Honorio E. Sanchez (members), Serville Marvin S. Anahan, Edmarson Amular, Hermelita Valdez, Luvimin V. Fernandez, Ruben Mercado Jr., Marie Cecille Linoan, Lolita Poblico, Edgardo Zabala, Yvonie Guttierez, and Raul Palado; in Nueva Vizcaya, Josephine Namujhe (chairman), Bella Evelyn Bernabe (vice chairman), Arsenio Licyaco, Vicente Danao, Conchita Cumila, Perlita Manuel (Government Sector), and Dr. Elbert Sana (SUC).
Edillo led the oathtaking of the newly-elected officers of the CIDC in Tuguegarao City.
Lectures offered during the first Cagayan Valley Business Forum for Citrus are the Regional Citrus Industry Situationer including the Support Services, of DA, Malabing Valley Citrus History and Situationer, Citrus Pest and Diseases Management, Citrus Development Program of the Nueva Vizcaya State University;
Updates on Postharvest Handling, Nursery and Plant Accreditation, Opportunities in Kalamansi Processing, Asean Market for Citrus Products and By-Products, Business Matching, Government Support Services for the Development of Citrus Industry in Region 02, Credit Windows for Citrus Growers, and Crop Insurance program.
Edillo said citrus is one of the high value crops in the country where Cagayan Valley is one of the major producers.
“I thank our citrus producers in Region 2. Rest assured that I will assist the industry stakeholders in terms of capacitation and other assistance,” he said.
Edillo also vowed marketing assistance, investment opportunities and processing of citrus products to reduce losses among farmers.
Citrus products from Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and Cagayan provinces are usually sold at wholesale price in Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Divisoria and Quezon City.
The CIDC, composed of government and private representatives serves as the planning arm of the DA to help uplift the citrus industry in Cagayan Valley.