By Edwin Fernandez | Philippine News Agency
Two farmers’ cooperatives in Tupi, South Cotabato received a significant boost in their marketing efforts with the turnover of two hauling trucks from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Valerie Seiton, South Cotabato provincial agrarian reform program officer (PARPO II), led Thursday’s ceremonial turnover of the trucks, valued at P4.59 million, to the Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CSCFMPC) and the Linan Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative (LIFCO).
PARPO I Marlie Pasal urged the cooperatives to ensure proper maintenance of the equipment for long-term use.
Seiton also highlighted the importance of responsible utilization of the trucks, which she said could unlock more opportunities for the cooperatives in the future.
The cooperatives earned their eligibility for the DAR’s assistance due to their strong operational performances.
LIFCO chair Rolando Salem and CSCFMPC chair Elias Dacayo pledged to maximize the benefits of the trucks to support their organizations’ growth.
In a statement, DAR-South Cotabato noted that the trucks, provided under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project – Major Crop-based Block Farming initiative, aim to enhance the cooperatives’ marketing capabilities.
The two organizations are currently under contract with Cargill Philippines for their dehusked coconut and copra products.