The Omaganhan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OFMPC) reached a major milestone in the implementation of the Eastern Visayas Banana Processing and Marketing Enterprise funded under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, as it officially broke ground on the construction of the banana processing center on April 13, 2026, in Barangay Tinghub, Villaba, Leyte.

The groundbreaking ceremony coincides with the site visits of the 5th World Bank Implementation Support Mission (WB-ISM) in the Visayas cluster from April 13 to 14, wherein delegates from the WB and the PRDP assess the progress of ongoing subprojects.

With a total cost of Php237.28 million, the enterprise aims to boost the co-op’s existing banana processing through a more modern, automated processing center that produces high-quality cardava banana chips at larger volumes. The new facility will significantly raise production from 1,500kg per week to 5,000kg per day.

OFMPC Chairman Jumar Lumapak expressed optimism about the subproject’s impact on the livelihoods of banana farmers in Villaba and neighboring towns.

“For several years, our farmers have faced the ups and downs of fresh banana markets. But today, with this processing plant facility, it gives a guarantee of a stable, year-round market for our harvest,” he said.

Both the PRDP and WB officials lauded the co-op for its commitment and perseverance in pursuing this major development, which holds the record as the first approved enterprise subproject in the Visayas cluster and the largest, in terms of cost, nationwide.

“This banana processing and marketing enterprise represents a huge step forward in adding value to local produce, improving market access, and increasing the incomes of our farmers. It is a concrete manifestation of what we can accomplish when national agencies, local governments, development partners, and communities work together toward a common goal,” PRDP Scale-Up National Deputy Project Director Angelita D. Martir said.

After the capsule-laying and groundbreaking ceremony, the PRDP and WB representatives proceeded to the municipality of Tabango for a tour of the co-op’s existing facility. They also engaged in a discussion with the farmer-members of the OFMPC on their current operations and their plans for the enterprise.

DA 8 OIC Regional Executive Director Rodel G. Macapañas expressed full support and his confidence in the capability of the co-op to deliver the enterprise’s goals, “You have all the ingredients to become successful. I hope in the next three years you can accomplish all your targets. And I firmly believe you can,” he said.

In addition to the processing facility, which is expected to be completed in 2028, the enterprise also includes two units of brand-new trucks, as well as farm and harvesting tools and equipment.### (Jan Kyle R. Carrillo, NPCO InfoACE)