On October 23, 2024, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region I Extension Office hosted a significant event titled “Awarding and Turn-Over of Agri-Machineries to Agricultural Cooperatives.” This initiative was designed to support agricultural cooperatives in enhancing productivity and empowering their members through access to advanced technology.
The program selected ten (10) agricultural cooperatives across the region as beneficiaries of modern agricultural machinery, namely:
- Rayuray Farmers Agriculture Cooperative
- Zanjera Sto. Niño Agriculture Cooperative
- Southern Santiago Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Cadanglaan Multipurpose Cooperative
- Bayanihan Multipurpose Cooperative
- Cabaroan Agricultural Multipurpose Cooperative
- Baggak Agricultural Cooperative
- RiceBIS Mangatarem Agripreneur Agriculture Cooperative
- San Miguel Agriculture Farmers Cooperative
- Sampaguita Multipurpose Cooperative
These cooperatives were chosen for their potential to increase efficiency and output in their farming activities.
The event kicked off at 8:00 AM with the registration of distinguished guests, government officials, CDA employees, and representatives from the participating cooperatives. By 10:45 AM, the formal program began with a series of inspiring messages from key leaders and partners.
Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, Regional Director of CDA Region I, opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, expressing his appreciation for the strong support shown by all attendees. He stressed the importance of modernizing agriculture as a crucial step towards improving the agricultural practices of cooperatives in the region. His message underscored the CDA’s commitment to fostering growth and development in the agricultural sector.
Ms. Johaira Limbao, representing Assistant Secretary Pendatun Disumban, delivered a message on behalf of Asec. Disumban. She emphasized the critical role of collaboration and teamwork among cooperatives, encouraging them to work together in achieving collective success.
Asec. Virgilio Lazaga captured the audience’s attention by beginning his speech with a heartfelt serenade. His speech, filled with passion and sincerity, set the tone for an inspiring message. Asec. Lazaga urged the cooperatives to view the support from the government as a stepping stone toward their transformation from small to medium, and eventually, large cooperatives. He reminded them that cooperatives exist not just for individual gain but for the betterment of all members. “Ang kooperatiba ay tulungan, at ito ang isang hamon para sa inyo. Ang kooperatiba ay di lamang pansarili, ito ay para sa lahat ng myembro,” he added.
Mr. Abraham Junio, State Auditor IV from the Commission on Audit, also delivered an important message, stressing the value of these agri-machineries in addressing one of the key priorities of the current administration: fighting hunger and elevating food security. He highlighted how these tools could serve as vital assets in achieving these goals through cooperative-led agricultural development.
The emcees facilitated the program smoothly. They read aloud the duties and responsibilities of the cooperatives as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Each cooperative signed the MOA in the presence of Atty. Herbert Navarro, and Atty. Stephen Tobania, ensuring a formal and legally binding agreement.
Following the MOA signing, the service provider gave an overview of the agri-machinery, followed by a demonstration and hands-on session showcasing the practical application of these tools. This segment allowed cooperative members to familiarize themselves with the equipment, ensuring that they could maximize the benefits of the technology provided.
Supervising CDS, Mr. Edilberto G. Unson, delivered the closing remarks. He reminded the cooperatives that this initiative should serve as a catalyst for them to start or improve their operations, better serve their members, and ultimately contribute to the growth of their organizations. He encouraged them to seize this opportunity and fully integrate the use of modern machinery to enhance their services and agricultural output.
The event not only featured the transformative power of advanced agricultural tools but also challenged the cooperatives to use this newfound support as motivation to further strengthen their roles in the agricultural community. With these resources, the cooperatives are now better equipped to improve productivity, contribute to food security, and foster sustainable development in the agricultural sector. (Jas Ferrer, CDS II/Acting HRMO)
