As part of its 2024 Assessment and Planning Workshop, the Cooperative Development Authority – Institutional Development Service (CDA-IDS), headed by Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo, CESE, MNSA, conducted a field visit to Taloy Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (TAFARMCO) and Cordillera Overseas Contract Workers and Families Multipurpose Cooperative (COCWFMPC) last August 8, 2024. This activity aims to benchmark on the cooperatives’ best practices and at the same time, guide the IDS personnel in enhancing their understanding of the systems, issues and concerns of cooperatives. Complementing this activity, was the presentation of Ms. Agusta Balanoy, Manager of Hi-land Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative, of their own experiences as an agricultural cooperative on the preceding day.
During the visit, TAFARMCO showcased notable stages in its history to becoming a large cooperative. Acknowledging the contributions of their partners from the public and private sector, as well as other members of the cooperative community, the cooperative was able to start and expand its business activities and community engagement or development undertakings. In the presentation of best practices, the IDS was able to note on the cooperatives Youth Program tied up to its Laboratory Cooperative and the existence of a Business Development Section (BDS) that caters to requests of members for training and other business development purposes.
Officers from the cooperative also toured the CDA-IDS and CDA-CAR Extension Office to one of its agricultural facilities at Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet. Through the tour and subsequent interviews with staff from the cooperative, IDS personnel were able to get a glimpse of the regular agricultural operations of the cooperative. This also showcased the facilities the cooperative has like its machineries used for the production of organic fertilizer
Meanwhile, COCWFMPC members shared the narratives behind the experiences of its pioneer members encountered in the formation of their cooperative. Since they were overseas, it was tough organizing since they had their own respective priority activities. They also shared the challenge in attracting new members due to several limitations. Given these struggles, the IDS has presented possible solutions that could aid the cooperative and actions that could be undertaken together with the Authority. COCWFMPC members also shared several good practices that aided them when they decided to stay for good in the country. The cooperative has been helpful in offering their services that supported financial stability after coming back to the Philippines.
Lastly, the Hi-land Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative has presented their existing programs and future plans intended to benefit their members who mostly are engaged in agriculture. As an active partner of the Department of Agriculture, the cooperative is at the forefront of plans in improving produce delivery from the province of Benguet to its different markets.
The CDA-IDS is comprised of the Cooperative Project, Development and Assistance Division(CPDAD) and the Cooperative Research, Information, and Training Division (CRITD with the CPDAS and CRITS as its counterparts in the regional extension offices. – MEEM
