DOST gives equipment to two Kalinga coops

By Peter A. Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Science and Technology has provided mechanical equipment to two farmers cooperatives in Tanudan municipality  to boost production of coffee, corn and banana. 

Provincial DOST officer Alfonso Berto said  the Nalyawan Farmers Coop. in Taloctoc, Upper Tanudan was provided coffee roaster and grinder while the Dupligan Farmers Coop. in Lower Tanudan   will receive  corn and banana processing machine.

He said the 10pkg capacity coffee roaster and grinder for NAFCO was scheduled for testing on May 30, however, it was moved because the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines  scheduled a brown out that day.

He said the corn and banana processing equipment will be delivered last week of June.

Under the memorandum of  agreement, the cooperative provides the space and building of the equipment as their counterpart with the assistance of the local government unit,  Berto said.

“Beneficiaries of the roaster and grinder are farmers of barangays Upper and Lower Taloctoc,” Berto said adding  that  28 farmers were identified  initial beneficiaries but said it will benefit more since almost all families are raising coffee.

For corn and banana processing equipment, beneficiaries are farmer-members of DUFAMCO who will engage in processing banana chips and crispy corn product.