Groundbreaking ceremony paves way for first I-Corn Complex in Philippines

In a continuous effort towards optimising the country’s agricultural process, a ground-breaking ceremony led by Senator Mark Villar was conducted for the I-Corn Complex in Ilagan City. Funded by a budget of P107 million from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2), the project, seen as the first of its kind in the country, signifies a promising stride towards improved productivity for corn farmers.

The proposed complex is set to be a one-stop commercial centre, housing the processing and post-harvest facilities for feeds and food. These facilities are conceptualised to ensure the quality of corn-based products. This agricultural innovation is expected to raise the income and productivity of local farmers significantly, setting a new standard for sustainable farming practices.

Jonabel Infante, from the Office of the Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO2 in Cagayan Valley, disclosed that the I-Corn complex will boast a mechanical dryer with a capacity for 150 metric tonnes per day, a multi-crop drying pavement, a truck scale, and many more infrastructural innovations.

The conclusive Agri-commercial centre is set to boost Cagayan Valley’s corn production. The Cagayan Valley, otherwise known as Region 2, consists of the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and the island province of Batanes.

In a speech, Senator Mark Villar lauded the city government of Ilagan and the DA-RFO2 for their efforts. He also mentioned the support from the national level, which has made the I-Corn Complex construction achievable. ‘This [I-Corn Complex] will also demonstrate the commitment of Ilagan to invest in the future of farmers in ensuring their prosperity long in the future,’ stated Villar.

Mayor Josemarie Diaz of Ilagan expressed his optimism for the project, saying that it will instigate positive change in the corn industry. The I-Corn Complex is expected to redefine the standards in the industry, espousing excellence along with prosperity.

Representing DA Assistant Secretary for Operations, Arnel de Mesa, at the event was Rodolfo Panganiban. As the national program senior officer of Corn, Panganiban assured that the I-Corn Complex will fortify the corn and livestock integration and address sourcing out feed materials issues.

Region Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino highlighted the significance of the complex for corn farmers, stating that the I-Corn Complex exemplifies the commitment of both the national and local governments towards improving the plight of corn farmers. She was optimistic that it would induce a notable boost in the corn industry, setting Cagayan Valley on the path to becoming the top corn producer in the country reported Manila Times.

According to Aquino, the primary beneficiaries of the project’s success will be the farmers whose economic statuses will improve. The event was attended by other national, regional, and local government officials such as Dr Roberto Busania, Engr. Monico Castro Jr., and Paul Vincent Balao among others.