The city government is in the thick of preparations for the opening of its food terminal complex situated in Toril district here.
“We are at the final stages of crafting the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the operation of the Davao City Food Terminal Complex (DFTC). I believe we can complete it this month,” Leo Brian Leuterio, city agriculturist office chief, said over Davao City Disaster Radio Thursday.
Leuterio said his office is in coordination with partner agencies in consulting with the city legal office to ensure that the IRR is aligned with the law.
He added that said they remain confident about fast-tracking the opening of the food terminal whose structure has been long completed.
The PHP17-million DCFTC is a component of the Regional Food Terminal Program of the National Food Authority and Food Terminal Incorporated.
It also serves as a post-harvest facility for the farmers to use when there is an oversupply of fruits and vegetables during harvest seasons.
Meanwhile, acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte expressed his gratitude for the four 40-footer refrigerated containers from the NFA and FTI that will help boost the operations of DCFTC once the IRR is completed.
The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region 11 (DA-11), meanwhile, has also allotted some PHP70 million to fund the construction of the DCFTC in Daliao, Toril.
DA-11 said the establishment of DFTC aims to improve the farmer-consumer trading market through organized and reinforced farmers’ organizations.
Source: Philippines News Agency