PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 21, 2013) – Pinalakas ngayon ng mining firm TVI Resources ang sektor ng agrikultura sa Zamboanga del Norte matapos itong lumagda ng kasunduan sa Kennemer Foods International para sa isang joint agri-enterprise ng Cacao production.
Malaki umano ang pakinabang ng mga magsasaka ng Cacao sa lalawigan sa naturang kasunduan dahil makapagbibigay ito ng maraming trabaho at livelihood sa kanila.
“Our partnership with Kennemer comes at an opportune time that TVIRD is winding-up its mineral processing operations in Canatuan. We are confident that this cooperation will further improve the economic condition of our local community members who are also our key partners in this endeavor,” ani TVIRD President Atty. Eugene Mateo.
“TVIRD’s strategic foray into agribusiness with Kennemer underscores its corporate objective to sustain social services and job creation among its present beneficiaries. Moreover, it strengthens its social commitment – making good on a long-term promise made to the community. Agribusiness is the natural direction given the geographic composition of the area. This is testament that mining, agriculture and other revenue-generating enterprises like tourism can coexist and actually support each other,” dagdag pa nito.
May operasyon ang TVI sa Mount Canatuan sa bayan ng Siocon, ngunit patapos na rin ito kung kaya’t ang konsentrasyon ng kumpanya ay mapalawig ang agri sector sa lalawigan bilang bahagi ng social responsibility at iba pang community program nito sa Mindanao.
“Kennemer and TVI both believe in fostering partnerships. Our knowledge in the production and trade of Cacao also dovetails with TVI’s resolve to imbibe sustainable livelihood on its host community. I welcome this partnership,” wika naman ni KFI President Simon Bakker.
Under the agreement, both companies shall undertake the development of plantations through consolidated landholdings either through lease or revenue sharing agreements together with individual farmers and lot owners and recognized indigenous peoples communities, ayon naman kay Kaycee Crisostomo, ang public affairs chief ng TVIRD.
“It also projects to provide an estimated P100 million in wages annually. The companies agree to combine resources, technology and knowledge on both trade and the local landscape – demographics, economic profiles, studies and other technical information that will contribute to achieving program objectives, which include conducting Information Education and Communication programs to prepare and gain support and social license for the project,” wika pa ni Crisostomo. (Mindanao Examiner)
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