The Department of Agriculture in Ilocos through its AMIA Special Project successfully turned-over the Php1.3 million worth of rootcrops processing center to The Amiables Madupayas Organic Farmers Association Inc. in Madupayas, Badoc, Ilocos Norte on March 31, 2025.

A project requested by the 64-members of the Amiables Madupayas in support to their turmeric and chilli oil production project, the rootcrops processing center is the latest project that the AMIA program has provided that aims to provide alternative livelihood for farmers in the area.

Mr. Medardo Pablo, the Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officer in Ilocos Norte in his message during the turn over ceremony encouraged the members of the association to work on the marketing as well as the product development of their produce and also explore other support that may be accessed from other government agencies for improvement and sustainability of the project.

Mr. Eugenio Pagdilao, the President of the association expressed his gratitude to the DA emphasizing how the project will involve most of their women-members providing them livelihood activities and additional income for their families.

Along with the establishment of the processing center, the DA also provided various processing equipment such as fruit juicer, pressure cooker, grinder which are very useful in their turmeric and chilli oil processing project.

In recent years, the Amiables Madupayas was also a recipient of various interventions such as spawn and fruiting bags for mushroom production, free range chicken and native pigs.#