A group of people stands in front of a building during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project Launching & Turnover Ceremony on lowland vegetables and root crops processing at USAKA Integrated Farm & Training Center Inc. The building features dark brown walls and white-framed windows, with a banner detailing the event and decorative plants arranged around the area.

In a move to strengthen local agri-processing and empower farmers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bulacan Provincial Office officially launched a Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Lowland Vegetable and Root Crop Processing in Barangay Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan on June 17, 2025.

The facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of its cooperator, Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center, Inc., by equipping them and their farmer-beneficiaries with essential food processing machinery and tools. This initiative directly addresses existing gaps in the agricultural value chain—particularly the lack of modern processing facilities—identified under DTI’s industry clustering strategy.

Among the equipment turned over to the facility were a vacuum fryer, grinding machine, vacuum packaging machine, metal detector, dehydrator, and a triple-compartment sink—all food-grade and compliant with industry standards. The total acquisition cost for the facility is valued at ₱2,661,000.00.

The launching ceremony was graced by key partners and stakeholders who expressed their support for the project. Among those in attendance were Ma. Gloria Carillo, Provincial Agriculture Office Head, representing Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando; Hon. Vice Governor Alexis Castro; 3rd District Representative-elect Mark Cholo Violago; and San Ildefonso Mayor Fernando Galvez Jr. From the Department of Trade and Industry, present were DTI Region 3 Regional Director Edna Dizon, Assistant Regional Director Richard Simangan, and DTI Bulacan OIC-Provincial Director Maria Cristina Valenzuela. Receiving the SSF were Mr. Luis Bausa, Owner of Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center, Inc., and Mr. Joseph David, Farm Administrator.

A Memorandum and Usufruct Agreement was signed between DTI and the project cooperator, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour to introduce farmer-beneficiaries to the program and the functions of the machines.

“This facility is more than just a collection of equipment. It is a symbol of what partnerships between government and communities can achieve. By investing in shared facilities, we are creating opportunities for farmers to scale up, access bigger markets, and move up the value chain,” said DTI Region 3 Director Edna Dizon. “We are hopeful that this project will uplift not only individual farmers, but also the wider community of San Ildefonso.”

The SSF program of DTI aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs by providing access to quality equipment and technology through a shared system. The project is expected to generate increased sales, job opportunities, and investments for its beneficiaries, while also strengthening the agricultural processing sector in Bulacan.

Through initiatives like this, DTI affirms its commitment to inclusive and sustainable local economic development, enabling farmers and MSMEs to become more resilient and competitive in a dynamic market environment. ♦

Date of Release: 27 June 2025