Nueva, Ecija, May 27, 2021 – The Cooperative Development Authority and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Capability Enhancement of the Farmers’ Cooperative and Association (FCA) Beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program. The program intends to enhance the technical and entrepreneurial capabilities of farmer-beneficiaries to operate and manage the Farm Machinery Service Provider (FMSP) by equipping the FCA officers and members with basic values and skills required in running a sustainable agricultural business enterprise.
To implement the RCEF program, a project development plan was crafted by the TWG with the following activities to be undertaken: (1) training needs assessment, (2) capability enhancement activities, (3) development of training modules, (4) coaching and mentoring sessions and other developmental interventions.
The activity was one of the highlights of the celebration of PHilMech’s 43rd anniverheld at the PHilMech, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Present in the MOA signing were PHilMech representatives led by Director Dr. Baldwin G. Jallorina, OIC Director Dr. Michael A. Gragasin, Director Arnel Ramir M. Apaga and his technical staff, CDA Assistant Secretary Dr. Virgilio R. Lazaga, Head of the Agriculture Cluster, CDA Assistant Secretary Abad L. Santos, Head of the Public Utilities Cluster, Executive Director Ray R. Elevazo, CDA Regional Office Director Marieta P. Hwang and members of the technical working group (TWG).
CDA Assistant Secretary Lazaga and PHilMech Director Jallorina both expressed gratitude for the partnership geared towards the development of agricultural cooperatives in the country.
