President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday inaugurated the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) Grains Terminal and Trading Project, a facility aimed at strengthening the country’s feed supply and supporting local farmers.
Speaking at the event in Batangas City, Mr. Marcos praised the collaboration between SIDC, the Batangas City government, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the World Bank, which funded the P270-million project.
The terminal features two silos capable of storing 12,000 metric tons of corn, ensuring a steady supply of feed for livestock and poultry farmers.
“Through this, the storage of our corn will be more organized. Our support for the poultry and livestock industries will be stronger. And above all, our farmers and entrepreneurs will have guaranteed income—not only here in Batangas, but throughout Calabarzon,” Mr. Marcos said.
The president highlighted the importance of cooperatives in agricultural development, calling SIDC a model for other farmer groups. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to organizing and supporting cooperatives to give farmers a stronger voice in the industry.
“If you are alone, you have only one voice. But a cooperative that is well-managed and supported, like SIDC, amplifies the voices of farmers and fishers,” he said.
President Marcos also outlined plans to provide more post-harvest facilities, irrigation projects, and modern equipment, such as dryers and warehouses, to enhance productivity and reduce food waste.
He directed the DA to work closely with the Cooperative Development Authority to strengthen farmer cooperatives nationwide.
“Our goal is to increase production by introducing modern technology and ensuring that farmers have the support they need to bring their products to market efficiently,” he said.