ISABELA PROVINCE — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Isabela Provincial Office, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mallig, has officially launched a Shared Service Facility (SSF) program focused on dairy processing.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Mallig Dairy Multipurpose Cooperative Office, located in Mallig, Isabela today, June 8, 2023.
The SSF program aims to address the challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance their productivity and efficiency by providing improved access to technology. The LGU Mallig has demonstrated unwavering commitment to boosting the thriving dairy industry and empowering local dairy producers in the municipality, which led to the initiation of this project.
During the ceremony, Engr. Jose P. Calderon, the Municipal Administrator of Mallig, expressed his deepest gratitude to the DTI for making the project a reality through the grant of the SSF facility. He warmly welcomed all participants and shared his vision of a reliable packaging facility that will greatly benefit the project’s beneficiaries.
PD Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V, in her opening message, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the LGU for their steadfast support of the agency’s mandates. She enthusiastically shared her excitement and anticipation for the project launch.
Considering the rich history of the dairy industry in Mallig and the obstacles hindering its progress, the project became a ray of hope. She emphasized that MSMEs now have access to a state-of-the-art packaging facility that will ensure the freshness and exceptional quality of all dairy products leaving Mallig daily.
RD Leah Pulido Ocampo, represented by ARD Winston T. Singun, also expressed the support of DTI Region 02 for the project, highlighting the years of partnership between DTI and the LGU in advancing the dairy industry in Mallig.
Hon. Mayor Jose Philip F. Calderon, CPA, shared his message of support and expressed his anticipation of the SSF’s impact on the community. He envisioned countless opportunities that the facility will bring, including job generation and improved production and efficiency.
Mr. Paul Laureta, Operations Manager of the Mallig Dairy Multipurpose Cooperative (MADAMCO), the beneficiary of the SSF, conveyed his appreciation to everyone involved in making the launching possible.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to officially bind the partnership between the parties. Reverend Baldomero Dela Cruz led the blessing of the facility, symbolizing the auspicious beginning of the project.
The newly established SSF on Dairy Processing features an 800,000 Bottle Bow Molding Machine. This cutting-edge equipment will bridge the production gap faced by the cooperators, who were previously entirely reliant on third-party suppliers for packaging materials, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
The launch of the SSF on Dairy Processing in Mallig marks a significant milestone in the development of the local dairy industry. It is expected to propel the growth of MSMEs, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall efficiency and competitiveness of dairy producers in the region. ♦
Date of release: 08 June 2023
