USAT College Donates Lot in Calatrava

USAT College Sagay City, Inc. recently donated a 300-square-meter lot for the construction of a pineapple processing facility in Passing Truck, Barangay Minapasok, Calatrava.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 23.

The project is a partnership among USAT College, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Agriculture, the Municipal Government of Calatrava, and Barangay Minapasok.

The facility is expected to help pineapple farmers process their produce and reduce losses from unsold or damaged harvests.

Barangay Captain Reinhard D. Capidlac said the project would provide opportunities for small farmers and contribute to the development of the community.

DOST Assistant Provincial Director Glady T. Reyes said the facility would help farmers add value to their harvests and improve their income through processing.

USAT College President Dr. Phoebe D. Baluarte and College Administrator Richard C. Baluarte said the donation was intended to support the community and promote agricultural development in the area.

Following the ceremony, representatives of the participating agencies signed a memorandum of agreement formalizing their commitment to the project.

Meanwhile, Dr. Manfred L. Magno, USAT’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director for Research, Publication, and Extension, said the partnership could pave the way for future collaboration between USAT College and DOST in education, skills development, and community-based programs.

The pineapple processing facility is expected to serve farmers in Barangay Minapasok and nearby communities.* (Erwin R. Mabugat)