NTA to take over P400-M food processing plant

VIGAN CITY– Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson has turned over to the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) the management and operation of the P400-million Multiline Food Processing Plant that the provincial government had built in l996.

Singson announced the choice of NTA as Multiline’s new manager and operator last Friday during an interview over radio station dwRS here.

Under the new management set-up, a big farmers’ group, the Philippine Association of Tobacco-Based Cooperatives (PATCO), has been tapped to backstop NTA as producer of agriculture, fruit, fish and meat products that the plant will utilize for its operation.

Tobacco farmers also raise vegetable and other farm crops while NTA has its Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Program (IFOIGAP) that assists farmers.

Multiline was envisoned by the governor to enhance agricultural production, boost farmers’and fishermen’s incomes, and lead the province towards the path of industrialization.

NTA Administrator Carlitos Encarnacion welcomed the governor’s announcement saying his agency is ready to turn the plant into productive activities to generate employment and for the benefit of the farming and fishing sectors.

He said that the Ilocos Sur governor had in mind President Arroyo’s job creation agenda and the welfare of his constituents when he decided to strengthen Multiline and appoint NTA to run it.

The adminisrator also said that Singson’s move to reactivate the plant will boost Goals l and 2 of the Agriculture department with the food processing plant poised to go on high gear.

Singson said that apart from farming and fishing activities, his provincemates will also be encouraged to go into hog and poultry raising. "We have Multiline to assure them of a ready market for their production and steady prices for them", he said.

Built in l996, Multiline has produced sausages, sardines, canned farm products, fruit juices, tomato pastes, and others.

Clearance for the project was obtained from Malacanang in l995 during the Ramos administration.