Two farmers’ cooperatives in Tupi, South Cotabato, receive hauling trucks from the Department of Agrarian Reform on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2024). The vehicles are expected to enhance the cooperatives’ marketing capabilities. (Photo courtesy of DAR-South Cotabato)
KORONADAL CITY—Two farmers’ cooperatives in Tupi, South Cotabato, received a significant boost in their marketing efforts when the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over two hauling trucks.
Valerie Seiton, South Cotabato provincial agrarian reform program officer (PARPO II), led Thursday’s ceremonial turnover of the trucks, valued at P4.59 million, to the Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CSCFMPC) and the Linan Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative (LIFCO).
PARPO I Marlie Pasal urged the cooperatives to ensure proper equipment maintenance for long-term use.
Seiton also highlighted the importance of responsible truck utilization, which she said could unlock more opportunities for the cooperatives in the future.
The cooperatives were eligible for the DAR’s assistance due to their strong operational performances.
LIFCO chair Rolando Salem and CSCFMPC chair Elias Dacayo pledged to maximize the trucks’ benefits to support their organizations’ growth.
In a statement, DAR-South Cotabato noted that the trucks provided under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project – Major Crop-based Block Farming initiative aim to enhance the cooperatives’ marketing capabilities.
The two organizations currently contract with Cargill Philippines for their dehusked coconut and copra products. (PNA)