President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of a P278.3-million grains terminal and trading station in Batangas City, marking a pivotal moment for the agricultural sector. The facility aims to reduce the cost of animal feeds by consolidating the supply of corn, which in turn is expected to lower the prices of poultry and livestock products, particularly in the Southern Tagalog region.
The project, funded through a loan from the World Bank and supported by the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), includes a P178.3-million cash and in-kind contribution from SIDC. It integrates a silo operation with a capacity of 12,000 metric tons, enhancing SIDC’s existing feed mill.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the significance of the project, underscoring its potential to benefit approximately 567 farmers and producers, including yellow corn farmers, hog raisers, and poultry farmers. “This new grains terminal and trading hub will not only put more money in our farmers’ pockets but will lower the cost of producing poultry and hogs,” said Laurel.
The terminal is expected to play a critical role in stabilizing the supply of yellow corn, particularly important in animal feed production. By improving corn distribution, the facility will benefit Batangas—a key producer of swine, poultry, and eggs—and enhance food security and agricultural sustainability across the country.
This collaborative initiative emphasizes the power of public-private partnerships, offering a strategic approach to addressing challenges in the agricultural sector.
