Arroyo to inaugurate farm trading hub in Quezon province

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will inaugurate an agricultural trading post in Quezon province that will serve as a buying, selling, and distribution hub for farm products. In a statement released by Malacañang, the project, called the Sentrong Pamilihan ng Produktong Agrikultura ng Quezon (SPPAQ), was conceptualized by Quezon’s second district Rep. Proceso Alcala. Besides creating a source of livelihood for Sariaya residents, the project also intends to provide farmers in the area a market for their products. Upon her arrival, Arroyo will conduct a tour of the SPPAQ’s facilities, witness the operations of the trading center, and view the various agricultural products on display. To be administered by the SPPAQ Foundation Inc. (SPPAQFI), the project will also provide interest-free loans to farmers, allowing them to cover their needs during the planting season. The foundation will also provides technical assistance to the farmers, particularly the latest, proven agricultural methods to increase crop production. Farmers are allowed free use the SPPAQ’s trading station and transport services. Built at a cost of close to P29 million, the SPPAQ sits on a 10,000 square meter lot located along the national highway in Barangay Sampaloc II. Construction of the facility started in 2005 and was completed in 2006. - GMANews.TV