With the launch of the Rehabilitation and Modernization of Sibalom Livestock “Oksyon” Market (LOM), the town’s farmer-traders will benefit an increase of income by as much as 30% in just a span of a year.

A representative from the office of Dr. Enrico Garzon, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Livestock and Officer-in-Charge Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), expressed this high hopes during the groundbreaking ceremony of Sibalom LOM on July 18, 2017 in Sibalom, Antique.

In her speech, Manolita Gaerlan, BAI’s Livestock Marketing Group (BAI-LMG) head expects that the town’s LOM will more or less be the same to the profit of Lemery LOM in Batangas a year after its launch.

The municipality of Sibalom is the newest recipient of Japan’s 2KR Program, as the original site did not meet the criteria of the project during the site validation of the Embassy of Japan.

Aside from Sibalom LOM, the project has previously rehabilitated and modernized four LOMs in the Philippines. These are the Lemery LOM, Uson LOM in Masbate, Leon LOM in Iloilo, and Canlaon City LOM in Negros Oriental.

According to Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Executive Director Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona, the rehabilitation of Sibalom LOM is one of the few steps to the realization of President Duterte’s “10 Basic Foundations of a Sound Agriculture and Fisheries” program. 

“Sibalom LOM will definitely contribute to the country’s continuous growth in the livestock and poultry industry,” said PCAF Exec. Dir. Cayona.

The program aims accessibility and affordability of livestock products for the town residents and neighboring provinces. BAI-LMG head Gaerlan also mentioned that the project intends to provide employment in and out of the LOM.

During the initial validation, the commitment of the town’s Local Government Unit (LGU), headed by Mayor Joel Occeña, has been a big factor in the approval of Sibalom LOM as possible site.

“(We have been very supportive) and committed to the implementation of the project as it will enhance not just the economic performance of the municipality but also the individual livestock raisers and traders in the area,” said Mayor Occeña.

It was also noted during the event that the rehabilitation and modernization of the Sibalom LOM will improve the current condition of the facilities of the LOM.

Key officials from BAI, PCAF, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office VI, Sibalom, Antique LGU, and the Provincial and Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Councils (PAFC and MAFC) attended the said event.

The project was funded under Japan’s 2KR Program, managed by PCAF. In the 2KR fund, total project cost amounted to PhP7.2 million, with the 2KR Program providing PhP3.9 million and Sibalom LGU shelling out an equity of PhP3.3 million.– JD and JC