LEGAZPI CITY – Two cooperatives in the Bicol Region will receive shared processing facilities (SPFs) for coconut worth PHP33 million, which will benefit over 500 farmer-members under the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program (CFIDP).
In an interview on Monday, head engineer Niño Bengosta of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) South Luzon said they are in the process of procuring equipment for the beneficiaries from the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur.
"This project is an inter-agency collaboration, the PHilMech will be providing the processing facilities, machines, and other units that are needed. The construction of the building is with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)," he said.
Bengosta said they are expecting to deliver the facilities by the first quarter of 2024.
"The Tunay Tapat Lahing Pilipino Cooperative (TTLPC) in Barangay Bonbon, Libon, Albay will receive an SPF for producing white copra worth PHP20 million integrated into their existing coco coir center, and the Ragay Coco Eskwela Turismo Kabuhayan Agriculture Cooperative in Upper Sta. Cruz in Ragay, Camarines Sur with PHP13-million SPF for producing coconut sugar and coco nectar," he said.
Bengosta said the two SPFs will provide additional support to the livelihood, increase income and direct profit for the members of the cooperatives.
"With these SPFs, we expect upliftment of their daily lives, particularly in their income in coconut production. For the PHilMech, we will keep monitoring them and we will keep assisting them. Our target as per guidelines will be with them for the first three years until they become sustainable," he said.
The PHilMech will spearhead the establishment of SPFs for qualified farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) under the CFIDP.
The two cooperatives will operate and manage the facilities that will benefit more than 500 coconut farmers.
"Kasama na din po yung ibang coconut farmers in the area na engaged din sa i-produce na product with the SPFs (these include other coconut farmers in the area engaged in producing products with the SPF). Farmers from neighboring towns that have the raw materials that are needed by these SPFs will also benefit," Bengosta said.
In a separate interview, Noel Nala, chairperson of Ragay Coco Eskwela Turismo Kabuhayan Agriculture Cooperative, said the assistance from the government will provide sustainable livelihood to his members.
"Ang mga members ay magkakaroon ng hindi lang extra kundi permanenteng hanapbuhay sa pagtutuba kasi may magandang output ito. Malaking bagay ito, lahat ng member ay coconut farmers (Members will have not only extra income but also permanent livelihood producing coconut sugar because it will have a good output. It's a big deal, all members are coconut famers)," Nala said.
He said the SPF in Camarines Sur will be located in a 500-square-meter area.
"Napakalaki ng tulong ng SPF na darating sa amin. Ma-market na namin yung produkto agad agad (SPF is a huge help coming our way. We can market the product immediately). We are very thankful for the trust given to us by the government, by the PHilMech and other concerned agencies," Nala said.
He said they expect the SPF to increase their production from 10 kilograms (kg) to 30 kg of coco sugar per day. (PNA)
