The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Post Harvest and Mechanization (PhilMec) turned over to the LGU a Php 4M ice maker machine on February 1, 2013. The machine was pre-installed on January 31 in a section of the Jagna wet market area in preparation for the next day’s turn-over ceremony.
The ice maker machine was offered to Jagna in 2009. Requirements were accomplished prior to the turn-over. The ice maker was specifically offered to the municipality being that most of the people in coastal areas are engaged in fishing and because of the presence of a fish port. The ice maker final turn-over was preceded by a viewing as well as the giving of free samples to beneficiary fish vendors and to other businesses that use crushed ice.
A short program then followed highlighted by the turn-over of the certificate of award from PhilMec and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the PhilMec and the LGU witnessed by fish vendors and fishermen in attendance.
PhilMec Director Raul Paz thru Mr. Cesar Balajadia, PhilMec Visayas cluster head conveyed to Mayor Fortunato R. Abrenilla and the beneficiaries three things. The three things are: his felicitations to the local chief executive for the grant saying that only two towns in Bohol have been chosen to be given the machine (the other is Ubay) out of the 32 ice maker machines for the whole country; that the machine be fully utilized to its capacity and to ensure its sustainability; and that the PhilMec is always ready to help especially on post harvest concerns.
In his acceptance speech, Mayor Abrenilla agreed that indeed the town is lucky to be a recipient of such a very useful machine. He guaranteed Mr. Balajadia that the use of the machine will be maximized as well as its sustainable maintenance will be ensured. He thanked the PhilMec for this latest dole out to the town as well as for the assurance that Jagna can always count on the DA agency for help.
The mayor also thanked Cong. Arthur Yap thru his representative Ms. Ann Piquero-Dy for always supporting the town and for knowing the need of Jagna for such a machine.
Engr. Noel Cahiles of the Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) in his message said the he salutes Mayor Abrenilla for his continued support for DA programs. He said that in the 3 years of the mayor in office, DA programs have been pouring in Jagna touching all the barangays. May it be farm to market roads, the tramline, flat bed drier, banana packing house, etc. Jagna has been open to adopt their programs. He said the open mind of the local chief executive to adopt government programs has made it easier for them in assisting in the implementation of such programs. He stated that the support of the local chief executive is very instrumental and important especially in the acquisition of national government projects for the people.
Guidelines in the use of the machine as well as the pricing of the ice for the beneficiaries are yet to be established.
