A farmers’ association in La Union is a recipient of a PHP4.5-million shared service facility (SSF) for soft broom production from the provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, an official reported Thursday.
In a statement, La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega identified the benefiting group as the Puguil Farmers Association of Barangay Puguil in Santol town, a registered group with 243 members, most of whom are engaged in tiger grass farming.
“The absence of a processing center facility is among the members’ concerns in their soft broom (boi-boi) making endeavor. The association requested assistance from the provincial government for the establishment of SSF for soft broom,” he said.
Tiger grass is one of the identified strategic commodities of the province.
Ortega said the association will handle the operation and maintenance of the facility.
The nine to 11.5-meter facility, funded under Republic Act 7171 (An Act to Promote the Development of Farmers in the Virginia Tobacco Producing Provinces), aims to boost productivity, quality, and market competitiveness of soft broom, a key income source for the community.
The initiative fosters inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods, and rural enterprise development, encouraging communities like Puguil to participate actively in creating a stronger, more inclusive, and competitive La Union. (PNA)