Department of Agriculture-National Meat Inspection Service (DA-NMIS) inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with San Jose Workers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SJWMPC) of Batangas for the construction of a cold storage warehouse with meat cutting facility worth P50 million under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act 2 stimulus package, held in Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City on November 24, 2020.

The MOA signing between DA-NMIS Executive Director Dr. Reildrin G. Morales and SJWMPC General Manager Mr. Emmanuel A. Munda was witnessed by DA Region IV-CALABARZON Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa and Assistant Regional Director for Research and Regulations and Livestock Program Coordinator Ms. Vilma M. Dimaculangan, along with DA-NMIS IV-A Regional Technical Director Dr. Fernando N. Lontoc.

The NMIS shall provide technical assistance, such as, but not limited to, the preparation of the engineering plan and design, scope of works, bill of quantities, equipment listing, and other documents required in the implementation of the project.

It is also stated in the agreement that DA-NMIS has the right to enter upon and examine the premises both during the construction and operation of the facility to monitor the implementation of the project in accordance with the program of works to see to it that the project is completed or is being operated accordingly.

DA-NMIS is also tasked to evaluate and certify through the Project Management Office and the concerned Regional Technical Operation Center the progress of the project implementation, the completed works, and conformance to the standards.

In addition, DA-NMIS shall provide technical assistance to SJWMPC in its application, initial and renewal, for the facility’s License to Operate. Aside from that, they shall also conduct regular monitoring of the operation of the meat establishments and assist SJWMPC to form linkages and network with the project sectors through DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service.

On the other hand, SJWMPC shall create a SJWMC and DA-NMIS Project Implementing Group that will oversee and monitor the implementation of the project. SJWMPC shall also provide the land area for the site of the project; prepare a business plan; receive the transferred fund, issue official receipt to DA-NMIS, and deposit the amount with government depository bank; and undertake the public bidding and awarding process in strict adherence to the principles of transparency, competitiveness, streamlined process, accountability, and public monitoring.

SJWMPC is also expected to use the fund provided solely for the project. Upon commencement of the project construction, SJWMPC shall organize a consortium to be called the Oversight Board which will be composed of SJWMPC, DA-NMIS, and DA IV-A representatives to craft the terms of reference, monitor the responsibilities of the members, and be responsible for the judicious utilization of the funds, completion, and sustainable operations of the facility.

Among others, SJWMPC shall submit a monthly progress report of the project implementation and inventory during its operation to DA-NMIS. Aside from that, SJWMPC is expected to submit physical and financial report with supporting documents duly audited by a resident Commission on Audit auditor in liquidating the fund used in the execution of the project.

According to Director de Mesa, this collaborative project between DA-NMIS and SJWMPC is fully supported by DA CALABARZON and is set to significantly increase the sustainability of the meat industry in Batangas and the rest of CALABARZON.

“With this partnership, CALABARZON takes another step forward for being a livestock industry powerhouse in the country,” Director de Mesa said. (MAP, DA-RAFIS)

[Photo Courtesy of Ms. Chieverly M. Caguitla of ORED]