With an ultimate objective of making accessible to rice farmers the appropriate rice production and postharvest machinery and equipment through the Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program was implemented by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), in partnership with the DA-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and local government units (LGUs). The CDA Region III Extension Office, as one of the agencies which contributed to realize the goals and objectives of the RCEF Mechanization Program, presented the targets vis-a-vis accomplishments, budget utilization and training evaluation of the Program on December 13, 2022, at Hacienda Gracia, Resort and Hotel, Lubao, Pampanga.
With an end in mind of measuring the success of the implementation of RCEF Mechanization Program, Mr. Raul S. Encarnacion, Senior CDS and Head of the Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS), presented the targets versus the Program’s actual accomplishments. Mr. Encarnacion highlighted that there has been an overshoot of targets (210) vis-a-vis accomplishments (217) FCAs. Likewise, from 420 target participants, CDA Region 3 was able to trained 473 participants on its 14 batches conduct of Basic Training Course on Cooperatives, Bookkeeping and Entrepreneurship for Beneficiaries of RCEF Mechanization Program. Nevertheless, it is a good indication that FCAs in the Region are eager to show their support. He also presented the budget utilization of the Program.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jenalyn D. Ferrer, Acting Senior CDS and Head of the Cooperative Research Information and Training Section (CRITS), presented the results of the evaluation. The following are just five of the countless statements/feedbacks from the participants: 1) “We learn how to record the utilization of the machinery.” 2) “More workshop and seminars in regards with this.” 3) “Very informative and useful to us. Keep it up and congratulations. Part II please?” 4) “Very good explanation of every lessons.” 5) “I personally benefitted from the program especially the bookkeeping aspect.”
In conclusion, the assessment activity ended with the awarding of certificates to the resource persons who shared their expertise on Basic Training Course on Cooperatives, Bookkeeping and Entrepreneurship for Beneficiaries of RCEF Mechanization Program: Ms. Jasmin P. Barroga, Mr. Cresencio V. Pilao Jr., Ms. Racquel A. Roquis, Ms. Elena P. Dela Cruz, Ms. Marichris S. Lanorio, and Ms. Vernilyn Fe C. Parentila, and to the whole project team. The activity was hosted by two CDS II of CDA Region III Extension Office, Mr. Brian John C. Mendoza and Ms. Angelica Herico.
Devoted to its mandate, the CDA will continue to seek for partnerships and program linkages to the different stakeholders from the national government agencies (NGAs), non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organization (POs), among others to promote co-op’s viability and growth as instruments of equity, social justice and economic development.
#PHilMec #ParaSaMagsasaka #ParaSaKooperatiba
Prepared by: BRIAN JOHN C. MENDOZA, CDS II
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