In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity and support local cooperatives, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) IX successfully conducted the turnover of agricultural machineries, each valued at ₱1.2 million, to selected cooperatives across Region IX. The turnover event took place on August 30, 2024, at the Labangan Farmers First Consolidated Multipurpose Cooperative, where the machineries were temporarily stored prior to their release to the beneficiaries.
Each cooperative received a 2-in-1 digital corn and rice milling machine, accompanied by a generator to ensure uninterrupted operation. This vital equipment is expected to enhance the production capacity of the beneficiary cooperatives, thereby contributing to the agricultural development of their respective communities.
Beneficiary Cooperatives:
- Antipolo Primary Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative
- Mag-Uuma sa Lower Bogo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative
- Sto. Niño Farmers/CARP Multipurpose Cooperative
- San Jose Rice and Corn Multipurpose Cooperative
- New Basak Multipurpose Cooperative
- Sta. Catalina Multipurpose Cooperative
- Alang-Alang Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative
- Tipan Small Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative
- Timalang Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative
- Moyo Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative
During the event, the Manager of Labangan Farmers First Consolidated Multipurpose Cooperative, Ernesto Gepanaga Jr., was present to oversee the temporary storage and eventual distribution of the machineries.
Demonstration and Technical Support
The machineries were supplied by Jefferson S. Chong, who not only demonstrated and tested the equipment on-site but also committed to providing technical support should any issues arise. In addition, Baclay Multipurpose Cooperative, represented by its Chairperson Eduardo M. Salon, pledged to serve as the focal cooperative, offering technical assistance and acting as a service provider for the beneficiaries.
Oversight and Support
The event was also attended by representatives from key government agencies to ensure transparency and proper oversight of the distribution. Atty. Ian E. Comcom represented the Commission on Audit (COA), while Nadzmar Abdulatip represented the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Assistant Secretary Pendatun B. Disimban, the Chairperson for the Consumers, Marketing, Producers, and Logistics (CMPL) Cluster of the CDA, played a crucial role in organizing the event. He delivered a message of support and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in strengthening the cooperative movement in the region. Although Assistant Secretary Virgilio R. Lazaga, MD, Chairperson of the Agriculture Cluster, could not attend due to a prior commitment, his leadership in this collaborative effort was acknowledged.
CDA IX Regional Director Ruben L. Cunanan, JD, also addressed the attendees, highlighting the significance of the partnership between the CDA and the cooperatives in driving sustainable agricultural development.
The event was coordinated by the Cooperative Project Development Assistance Section of CDA IX, led by Senior Cooperative Development Specialist Elvira C. Dioquino, ensuring the smooth execution of the turnover and the effective distribution of the machineries to the cooperatives.
A Boost to the Cooperative Movement
This turnover event marks a pivotal moment for the cooperative movement in Region IX. By equipping these cooperatives with modern agricultural machinery, the CDA is empowering them to increase their productivity, improve their members’ livelihoods, and contribute to the broader goal of food security and economic growth in the region. The commitment of the CDA, along with the active participation of the cooperatives, underscores the shared vision of a thriving agricultural sector driven by cooperative efforts.
by: Mr. Nursalim B. Simpal, CDS II
