MATANOG, Maguindanao (Aug. 29) –- – Residents here are excited on the upcoming employment opportunities as a Japanese investor engaged in the processing of “Kimchi” will pour P5-billion capital investment.
On August 21, just in time for the celebration of Eud’ul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), Kazuo Sato, senior consultant of Yokohama-based Global Trade Company Limited, and the municipal government of Matanog, represented by Mayor Mohammad Ali “Kits” Guro, forged an agreement on the project that will produce the famous pickles.
The firm aims to produce world class and export quality “kimchi” (a spicy pickled cabbage, the national dish of Korea).
The project will provide more than 10,000 employment opportunities for the Iranun tribe in northern Maguindanao. The Global Trade will develop and enhance the production of local onions which is being grown here.
Locally known as onions or “Sakurab” (Scallion bulbs), it is among the ingredient for Maranao and Iranun delicacies. It is one of the major ingredient in kimchi production.
Guro said Matanog has been popular because of its “Sakurab,” a Maguindanaon term for special onions yet ordinary farm crops among the Iranun people.
“Now the investment is here, the people will be encouraged to plant more Sakurabs,” Guro added.
On August 21, the local government sponsored Eud’l Adha celebration, Sato offered a delicious kimchi which amazed everyone’s taste bud.
Guro and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu were among the satisfied tasters of Kimchi.
The kimchi which will be produced in Matanog will find its way to the international market, especially in Russia, North America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Arab countries.
Sato said his firm will be developing and exporting Matanog’s tropical fruits and vegetables like “marang,” Japanese cabbage, chili, okra, carrot and radish, a major component of “wasabi.”
Matanog is a 4th class municipality with a population of 29,770 living in eight villges, according to the 2015 census.
Guro said with this investment, Matanog will bloom “Once this takes off, I am sure more investment will come in and more employment and revenue for our people.” “Change has come to Matanog,” he added. –Edwin O. Fernandez/NewsLine.ph
