CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A farmer-cooperative in Pampanga benefitted from the machinery and financial aid provided by Department of Agriculture (DA), under its Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita for Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.
Under the grant, the members of Sta. Ana Agricultural Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMPC) received a delivery truck worth PhP2.5 million, and additional PhP500,000 working capital.
DA Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Eduardo Lapuz Jr. said the Enhanced KADIWA aims to provide additional capital to cooperative for the procurement of supplies and equipment.
“This also aims to link our farmers directly to the market and to institutional buyers in order to cut cost and increase their income. Part of the package we are distributing include vegetable crates, packing equipment, delivery truck, and revolving fund for the group as assembler or consolidator of their produce,” Lapuz said.
For her part, SAMPC Manager Lucia Antonio said the grant will help the cooperative boost their sales by bringing more products to different KADIWA outlets.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to boost our products and earn more. We will use the working capital so that our members will be able purchase palay, which they will mill as rice,” Antonio said.
Meanwhile, in behalf of the entire cooperative, SAMPC Chairperson Danilo Lansangan expressed thanks to DA for the grant received and committed to efficiently use the truck and the financial aid in order to sell more products in KADIWA outlets.
To qualify for the grant, interested groups or cooperatives may coordinate with the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division and submit an application letter and other documentary requirements.