JAGNA. – The Department of Trade and Industry, Bohol Provincial Office, launched the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Calamay Processing on August 30, 2013 in Can-upao, Jagna town. The Memorandum of Agreement which was signed between the JACAMACO president Maribel Bucog and DTI’s Asteria C. Caberte, regional director, was witnessed by Congressman Arthur C. Yap of the 3rd District of Bohol, DTI Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon, Mayor Fortunato R. Abrenilla, Vice Mayor Bonifacio J. Virtudes, Jr. and municipal councilors, representative of Governor Edgar M. Chatto’s Glenn Dolorito and the project partners. The Shared Service Facility program is an initiative of the DTI as a major component in the BIG PUSH for SME DEVELOPMENT Program. The program’s aim is to address gaps in the supply/value chain in the processing sector thru the provision of manufacturing tools, equipment and technologies for the common use of the MSMEs.

The Jagna Calamay Makers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (JACAMACO) is the chosen cooperator in Jagna for this SSF as they are managing the common service facility. In this SSF, additional equipment – high pressure steamer, sticky rice mill, trolleys, heat gun, digital weighing scale (75kg capacity and 30kg capacity), stainless racks with trays and stainless steel tables were turned-over to the cooperator to help improve the marketability of calamay. These additional equipment will help in complying with the requirements of food safety standards. The DTI is hoping that with the acquisition of these equipment (amounting to Php398, 799, 000) without the upfront capital, the JACAMACO can focus on the more important aspects of ensuring product quality and safety and production efficiency that will enhance the calamay’s competitiveness which will open more opportunities and better the income of the members of JACAMACO. Congressman Arthur C. Yap in his speech during the program committed Php500,000 for the completion of the Calamay Common Service Facility with an additional Php500,000.00 assistance signifying his support of micro-enterprises.