On June 10, BASE Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE), a global leader in bamboo construction, and NVC Foundation inaugurated the NVC Food Processing Center in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. The processing plant sits on part of the ancestral domain of the BOFAI group of farmers. This NVC Farmers of Hope community supplies some of the raw materials for NVC’s Mingo Meals.
Base Bahay Foundation Inc. supported by the Hilti Foundation built this 117sqm earthquake-proof facility out of bamboo and cement. In July, Sunlife Foundation will turn over tools and equipment for the plant. Soon, experts will train the wives of the community to operate the plant. This dream come true would have been impossible without the generous support from these kind-hearted souls.
BOFAI sends fresh produce to NVC’s Mingo Processing Plant in Bacolod. There, the vegetables are cleaned, dehydrated and pulverized. When the plant begins operations, such processes will be done at the farm. That way, vegetable scraps can be used as fertilizer and seeds can be saved for future use. Furthermore, sending vegetables in powder form will require fewer trips to Bacolod. In the long run, his will reduce transportation costs and lessen our carbon footprint. Most importantly, the farmers will earn more by supplying value-added products, instead of raw materials.
Once operational, the plant will generate at least 10 new jobs. As more products are developed and production increases, more on-site jobs will open up. The young people of the community typically leave for the city to look for jobs there. In the future, perhaps more young members of the community will choose to stay and work in the facility. The facility opens up new possibilities for San Carlos such as manufacturing, product development and agri-tourism.
On July 18, a team from Sunlife foundation joined the NVC team on a visit to the NVC Food Production Plant. Their mission: to turn over equipment to be used to turn raw materials into value-added products. Heavy rain fell from the skies, but it could not dampen the spirits of these Brighter World Builders.
Training and operations will begin soon!
