CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bulacan launched a P2.6 million Shared Service Facility (SSF) for lowland vegetable and root crop processing in Barangay Gabihan, San Ildefonso to empower local farmers and boost the province’s agri-processing sector.
The DTI and the project cooperator, Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc., signed a Memorandum of Usufruct Agreement, along with key partners and stakeholders, to express their full support for the project.
DTI Central Luzon Regional Director Edna Dizon said 22 farmers, trainees, suppliers, and community vegetable growers will directly benefit from facility.
“This is more than just a collection of equipment— it is a symbol of what partnerships between government and communities can achieve. By investing in shared facilities, we are creating opportunities for farmers to scale up, access bigger markets, and move up the value chain. We hope this project will uplift not only individual farmers, but also the wider community of San Ildefonso,” she said.
The facility is equipped with food-grade, industry-standard food processing machinery such as vacuum fryer, grinding machine, vacuum packaging machine, metal detector, dehydrator, and triple-compartment sink, expected to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the area.
Holy Rosary Cooperative Chair Carlota Sumpayco said the SSF is a significant help to the agriculture sector of San Ildefonso town and the farmers.
Meanwhile, DTI affirms its commitment to inclusive and sustainable local economic development, enabling farmers and MSMEs to become more resilient and competitive in a dynamic market environment. (MJSC/VFC, PIA Region 3-Bulacan, with reports from PIA Interns)
