Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sariaya Agricultural Trading Center and Facilities (SATCF) Phase I today in Sariaya, Quezon.

“This project will not only be advantageous for the province of Quezon but will also serve farmers from the whole of Southern Luzon. And along the project in Dalahican Port in Lucena City to cater to the mariculture industry, we can create a seamless connection between the two and serve all players of the agriculture industry,” Sec. Dar stated.

SATCF Phase I is funded under the Bayanihan 2 which aims to support the Philippine economy affected by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Worth P100 million, the project, which will start its construction by January 2021, includes four agricultural trading centers, one administrative building, a road network, and a parking area.

Sariaya Mayor Marcelo P. Gayeta expressed his gratitude to the Department. He further stated that it is only the start of the local government plans for the area as the new municipal government building and convention center will also be located nearby.

“Sariaya plays a vital role in food security in CALABARZON and Metro Manila. Almost all vegetables in public markets come from here. When there is pest or any damage that happened here, it surely affects the supply and price in the market,” 2nd District of Quezon Representative David C. Suarez shared.

According to Governor Danilo E. Suarez, this initiative is only one of the many activities being done across the province with the support of the different city and municipal governments as well as DA that helps the agricultural sector. “Our aim is not only to increase their income from agricultural ventures but also improve the way they do agriculture,” he said.

Sec. Dar also shared the big activities supported or funded by the Department in Sariaya and across the province. These include the Philippine Rural Development Project – funded projects, coconut research hub, and marine hatchery. He also said that once the SATCF Phase I is constructed, they can then proceed to Phase II of the project in which food processing facilities and both cold and dry storage facilities will be constructed in the center.

Aside from the project, the secretary also expressed the commitment of DA to help the industry to embrace modern, science-based agricultural processes as well as to enjoin more young people to either become modern farmers or invest in agricultural-related enterprises.

This is the second event attended by Sec. Dar in CALABARZON today. Earlier he visited Gumaca, Quezon for the cash and food subsidy to marginal farmers and fishers program. (LAAB, DA-RAFIS)