Ibona Small Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (ISCFMPC) is a micro cooperative composed of 130 members with an official address at Brgy. Ibona, Dingalan, Aurora. The major composition of the members of the cooperative are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and farmers wherein coconut is also one of the major crops cultivated and harvested. The ISCFMPC has engaged in some business activities such as production loan, rental of farm machinery, lending and coco-based processing.
Due to limited funds and savings, the cooperative was unable to rehabilitate their building and processing center brought by Typhoon Karding last 2022. It also affects the operation and production of the coco-based products.
Through CFIDP, being identified as one beneficiary of the COCOFARMCOOP, gives hope and opportunity to the cooperative. As stated by Ms. Edelyn Balala, Treasurer of the cooperative, “Dahil hindi pa naman gaanu kalaki ang naiipong pondo ng aming samahan,medyo nahirapan kami na maisaayos ang aming opisina at processing center na naapektuhan ng Bagyong Karding,subalit ng isa sa mapili ang aming samahan na mabigyan ng grant galing sa PCA/CDA ay nagkaroon kami ng napagkunan ng dagdag na pinansyal na pangpagagawa ng mga nasira sa building”.
The financial grant/assistance received by the cooperative was utilized as additional capital on the procurement of raw materials/ ingredients, packaging materials, processing utensils and minor repair of the building.
The cooperative continuously processed coco jam and distributed it within the municipality and nearby provinces. The on-going research and development for the processing and production of virgin coconut oil (VCO) were also worked out by the cooperative.
Moreover, the cooperative is also grateful for being identified and validated by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) as one of the beneficiaries under the Shared Processing Facilities Component of the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). The cooperative is well-positioned to undertake the production of VCO and coco flour based on the administration and management. The cooperative’s strong resource base, technical competence, and the positive market outlook contribute to the feasibility and potential success of their business proposal.
All the time and productive efforts exerted by each member of the cooperative resulted in an effective outcome. An increase in the productivity and income of the members improves their livelihoods and economic stability. The CFIDP COCOFARMCOOP program, provides a window to the cooperative for more assistance and support from various national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and even financing institutions.
