By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A feed mill is set to rise soon in Capiz, according to Governor Fredenil H. Castro.
Governor Castro announced during the distribution of coconut seedlings on January 16, 2025, in Barangay Monteflor, Pilar, Capiz, under the “Kalubihan sa Kamaisan Project,” that the feed mill proposal is nearing approval by the Philippine Senate.
The governor explained that the bill for the feed mill was initiated during his term as congressman for the 2nd District, with support from his wife, Congresswoman Baby Jane T. Castro.
Castro said the feed mill project aims to support the province’s corn industry, which has been affected by high feed prices.
“Once the project materializes, it will bring glory to corn farmers in the province of Capiz,” Castro said.
Currently, feeds sold in Capiz are sourced from Cebu and Manila, making them unaffordable for many farmers.
The “Kalubihan sa Kamaisan” project, launched on June 3, 2023, in Barangay Tapulang, Maayon, involves intercropping coconut trees with cornfields.
This initiative is part of a reforestation effort designed to address soil erosion and flooding in upland areas of Capiz. The program is supported by an ordinance passed under the same name.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region 6 Regional Manager Neil Melencion said this is the first program of its kind in the region.
It focuses not only on environmental protection but also on providing additional income for corn farmers.
Melencion cited a Department of Agriculture (DA) study showing that planting coconut seeds reduces soil erosion in areas prone to degradation.
He added that the hybrid coconut seeds, supplied by a PCA facility in Zamboanga, were initially developed during the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
