Hillside Resort, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro
July 8-12, 2024
In the province of Occidental Mindoro, a transformative journey opened up below the banner of sustainable agriculture. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) collaborated once again to carry to fruition the Year 3 implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). This initiative aimed no longer just at cultivating coconut bushes but nurturing groups and fostering resilience thru cooperative empowerment.
A Journey Begins: Setting the Stage
The journey started with a Pre-Registration Seminar, meticulously organized through the CDA MIMAROPA Region Developmental Team. As contributors trickled into the serene Hillside Resort in Magsaysay, the air buzzed with anticipation. Among them have been representatives from eight (8) cooperatives, each keen to embark on a route toward sustainable farming practices.
Bridging Communities: From Rebels to Farmers
Day 2 witnessed the commencement of the Pre-Registration Seminar, in which the convergence of various communities marked a poignant moment. Alongside coconut farmers have been participants of the Indigenous peoples (IP’s), a few supported by the 68th Infantry Battalion as they transitioned from life as rebel returnees to champions of sustainable agriculture. This inclusivity underscored the program’s dedication to leaving no network behind in the adventure in the direction of monetary empowerment.
Nurturing Knowledge: Empowering Through Education
Days 3 and 4 unfolded because the heart of the program, pulsating with workshops and training sessions that illuminated the route to economic sustainability. The ceremonial starting welcomed esteemed figures which include Hon. Rey Ladaga, Municipal Mayor of San Jose, and representatives from government places of work and economic establishments. It changed into a testament to the collaborative spirit driving the initiative ahead.
Under the guidance of Senior Coop Development Specialist Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, coop members participants delved into the intricacies of Financial Management and Financial Literacy. Ms. Cataje’s understanding have become a beacon, illuminating subjects vital for cooperative success—budgeting, financial reporting, and planning. These classes were now not pretty much imparting knowledge however instilling confidence, equipping cooperatives with the gear to navigate the complexities of sustainable enterprise practices.
Celebration of Resilience: A Graduation Beyond Expectations
As another day rose on Day 5, an experience of feat filled the air. The commencement ceremony symbolized greater than simply the final touch of training—it marked a metamorphosis. Ms. Aida Escultor, a representative from PCA, graced the event, celebrating the cooperatives’ unwavering dedication to their craft and network.
Looking Ahead: Seeds of Promise
The CDA-PCA Year three Implementation in Occidental Mindoro has sowed seeds of promise in fertile ground. Beyond the technical skills imparted, the initiative has nurtured a sense of ownership and resilience amongst coconut farmers. It has solid bonds throughout groups, transcending obstacles to create a unified front towards monetary uncertainties.
This adventure isn’t always only a chapter in a book however a testimony to what collaborative efforts can attain in fostering sustainable improvement. As Occidental Mindoro continues to thrive, guided by the ideas of cooperation and sustainability, the legacy of Year three will serve as a compass, pointing in the direction of a future in which agriculture prospers and communities thrive.
In conclusion, the fulfillment of this initiative resonates not most effective inside the coconut farms that dot the landscape but within the hearts and minds of those who have embraced a vision of sustainable growth. With each cooperative empowered, Occidental Mindoro takes a step towards realizing its full capability as a beacon of sustainable agriculture inside the Philippines.
The adventure continues, fueled by using the spirit of cooperation and the promise of a brighter the following day for all who call these fertile lands domestic.
