Antipas seen as potential rubber-producing capital of Region 12

Koronadal, South Cotabato (23 December) — The enthusiasm of the natives and their determination to run their own affairs coupled with the fertility of the soil and a promise of a brighter future of the area created Antipas as the 15th municipality of Cotabato. The municipality had potential areas for agri-based industries but these areas were not yet utilized to its optimum use for agricultural crop production on its early years.

The Municipality of Antipas in Cotabato Province, thru the leadership of Gov. Manny Pinol and Mayor Cristobal Cadungon, is joining all their effort in developing this small town to become the rubber capital of region 12.

Mayor Cadungon said in an interview that with the help of the local government units and its constituents, Antipas will be recognize as the major producer of rubber not just here in region 12 but also in the entire Mindanao Island.

He encouraged farmers to venture into rubber farming, as it would generate bigger income compared to corn and other crops. Moreover, the municipality has already put up a 1-hectare-nursery worth P350,000.00 in 2002. This will give assistance to farmers who want to invest especially in rubber.

With the growing demand and high price of rubber, it is strongly recommended not just by the local government but by the farmers themselves who invested on rubber planting.

Some 80,000 rubber trees will be planted in North Cotabato next year as part of the province’s massive efforts to rehabilitate its crop of aging plants in a bid to regain its position as the leading rubber producer in the country. The project got an added boost following the allocation of at least P5 million from the Department of Agriculture for the production of planting materials.

Antipas, with its rich and vast natural resources and strategic location along with the strong support of the Local Government Executives, assured greater heights in the economic development not just in the province but throughout Region 12.

Being an agricultural community and a major rubber producing area, it produces a variety of agricultural products which are more than enough for local consumption. (DA-12/msoc-PIA XII)