By Cheneen R. Capon
The dynamism of an industry leader which has existed for more than half a century reflects how it adapts to the autobahn speeds of modernization and responds to the demands of the market while keeping a conscientious awareness to the welfare of the environment.
Such is the mindset of Tagum Agricultural Development Company (Tadeco), a household name when it comes to banana production.
Tadeco is a fine example of how industry leaders adapt to changes in environment.
The market clamor for a shift in agricultural practices has changed how Tadeco in Davao del Norte processes export-quality bananas.
Since last year, Tadeco developed systems that lessen its operation cost through sustainable construction.
This innovation benefits 10,000 workers in the production line alone and reduces the need for resource-heavy inputs in the 6,639.85-hectare property.
Bent on installing environment-friendly systems and facilities, Tadeco created a water recycling facility in its 17 packing houses to reduce the usage of water for washing Cavendish bananas.
“Washing bananas in the past could utilize up to 150 liters (L) per box,” said Reagan D. Navarro, Tadeco manager for quality management system, statistics, and chemistry laboratory department.
Now, the company has a minimum consumption of 10 to 15 liters per box of banana.
Inside each packing house, the water which used to flow like rivers is now compounded inside rectangular concrete tubs connected with tubes leading to the water recycling facility.
And in the larger context of Tadeco’s operation, water usage is among its primary input savings. The company saves water by using drip irrigation to water its crop.
This avoids the wastage of a precious resource especially during these times of drought.
Unlike other banana plantations, Tadeco and its farmers have maintained profitable yield despite climate change.
These efforts ensure sustainability and continuity of the strong ties between Tadeco and farmers, who are mostly agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Living in a community called Barangay AOF, named after the late Antonio O. Floirendo Sr., the workers of the plantation live in symbiosis with the agricultural company.
With more than 6,000 people living in the community built for the farmers, the barangay has its own hospital, sports facility, schools, and grocery stores.
More than just a business, Tadeco and its banana operation are directed to stay longer for generations to come.
More green initiatives
Anchored on its policy of minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high quality products, Tadeco invested millions on research and development for advancement of its agricultural practices.
Last year, Tadeco started to use plastic bags for thrips control for fruit protection.
Navarro said 12 insecticides were eliminated since the banana company started using plastic bags.
“It is more effective,” Navarro said.
Surprisingly, even the bags along with other plastics and twine use by the company do not go to waste.
After each bunch is harvested, the plastics are collected and disposed directly to the recycling facility housed in the Davao Packing Corporation (DAPACOR), a sister company of Tadeco which is also located within the more than 6,000-hectare property just 25 kilometers away from the center of Panabo City.
These initiatives have contributed and led Tadeco to be awarded with the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification-2012 by the Department of Agriculture in Octoberand the Global GAP certification-2013 for its effort to conserve the environment.
Communities surrounding the plantation are not only benefitting from the employment whichTadeco provided for 45 years in banana production operation but also from its rejected bananas. Wasted bananas rejected during the packing are put into trucks that are delivered to the communities for free.
Providing an additional livelihood to poor families, the rejected bananas are turned into profitable banana chips.
For years, this initiative has helped parents to send their children to college and give them better quality of life.
Already on its 65th year of operation, Tadeco has employed the children of farmers just like how the late Floirendo envisioned the company to grow with its people.
Years after the passing of the Floirendo patriarch, this philosophy still holds true.
