SWCF Executive Director William Granert together with Australian Business Volunteer and Technical Expert Garth Crockford formally facilitated the turning over of the newly-built plant and all the equipments to Mayor Exuperio Lloren.

“This is another breakthrough for Jagna’s developmental goal to improve the lives of the people in the community. This is not just a simple hand-over ceremony but this is actually technology transfer…thanks to the technical expertise of Mr. Crockford,” Mr. Granert said.

He further informed that the basis in choosing Jagna as the direct LGU beneficiary of the said project and partnership is because of the commitment of Mayor Lloren.

“I am confident that this project and technology will be sustained once in the hands of the local government through the Municipal Agriculture Office which will continue to monitor and technically assist the member-beneficiaries of the Small Coconut Farmers Organization (SCFO) of this barangay and its adjoining communities as well,” Mr. Granert continued.

Mayor Lloren in his acceptance words explained that this phase of agricultural advancement through the utilization of the coconut products has been foremost in the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) of his administration.

“I am extending my gratitude to Mr. Granert who has been our LGU-Jagna partner since the formulation of the MDP…and having come to my last term of office, I want to leave something of great importance and that will assist the livelihood of our small farmers of barangay Kinagbaan and to their neighboring areas as well, because this is how I define sustainable development”, Mayor Lloren said.

Mr. Crockford gave a technical orientation on how the VCO processing plant operates from the store room to the dryer and on to the cylinders that compress the VCO from the grated coconut.

“This processing unit is considered as first to be built in Bohol through the assistance of the foundation although similar units have been built already in Siquijor and in Negros Oriental”, Mr. Crockford said.

Head of the Agribusiness Division of the Provincial Agricultural Office who represented Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog Mr. Ciriaco Ajoc urged the small farmers to be entrepreneurial in spirit since the VCO needs marketing.

Jagna parish priest Msgr. Orencio Jubac, E.V. led the community at the rite of blessings of the VCO plant and facilities. While Kinagbaan Barangay Captain Jorlito Ranolo welcomed the guests earlier in the program.

Mayor Exuperio Lloren in his acceptance speech during the Blessing and Turn-over of the VCO Processing Plant and Equipments at barangay Kinagbaan on September 23. Looking on from left are Brgy Capt. Jorlito Ranolo, Msgr. Orencio Jubac, E.V., Mr. William Granert, Mr. Garth Crockford and Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar. (photo MPIO)