by Christine Cudis/PNA
A health care cooperative foundation signed a deal with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Saturday to directly source food products for their partner-hospitals nationwide, and increase the income of agrarian reform farmers.
The Medical Mission Group Hospitals and Health Services Cooperative of the Philippines (MMGHHSCP) Federation, with 24 health cooperatives in the Philippines, requires a steady supply of food items such as rice, vegetables, root crops, and other farm products for the groups and their hospitals.
Dr. Jose M. Tiongco, executive director of the Medical Mission Group, said their federation hopes to promote the economic empowerment of agrarian reform beneficiaries, through sustainable partnership as a direct buyer of their farm products and services.
“Our hospitals have more than a thousand beds nationwide and our more than 30,000 members and employees constitute a combined food market that would be of great help to the farmers,” Tiongco said.
As a direct buyer from the farmers, the group’s presence would eliminate the need for middlemen who buy the produce cheap and sell them at higher prices in the markets.
Philips Saavedra, national coordinator of one of the DAR’s support services programs, said their group is ready to supply the food and dietary demands of the 24 cooperative chapters of MMGHHSCP.
DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Emily O. Padilla said this partnership is part of the agency’s six-point agenda to use the convergence of line departments and private organizations to give support to the farmers.
“Our farmers will get a good price for their products as the Medical Mission Group (MMG) coordinates directly with the agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations for their food requirements and modes of delivery,” Padilla said.
“The MMG will also help develop the capabilities of the farmers on health and wellness services,” she added.
Meanwhile, Agrarian Reform Secretary John R. Castriciones said he is positive about the implementation of the project and that he would look for other means to expand the partnership.
“I am very glad that there are groups who are after the welfare of our farmers. I hope that this cooperation will create an impact on how we can help our farmers more efficiently,” Castriciones said.
The target pilot areas for this partnership include the town of Bislig in Surigao del Sur, Puerto Princesa City, and the provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate, and Camarines Sur.
