The government on Thursday inaugurated a P278.3-million grain terminal and trading station in Batangas City, aimed at boosting the country’s corn production, reducing animal feed costs, and lowering poultry and livestock prices within the Southern Tagalog region.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the project in Brgy. Simlong, which began construction in June last year, is set to become a central hub for yellow corn, primarily used in animal feed production.

The facility is expected to benefit an estimated 567 yellow corn farmers, hog raisers, and poultry farmers.

The project, funded by a World Bank loan with counterpart funding from the Philippine Rural Development Project and the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), aims to boost SIDC’s feed mill operations by integrating a silo with a 2,000-metric-ton capacity. SIDC contributed P178.3 million in cash and in-kind counterpart funding to the project.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. praised the project, stating, “Not only will it put more money in our farmers’ pockets, but it will also lower the cost of producing poultry and hogs, helping ensure a stable supply and affordable food prices for many Filipino consumers.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration and turnover of the facility.