Tuesday, January 22, 2008 DIDP turns over P2-M check for DavSur livelihood projects
THE Davao Integrated Development Project (DIDP) has turned over P2 million worth of livelihood funds to boost agri-processing and marketing in Davao del Sur.
Of the P2 million funds, P600,000 was granted to Magsaysay Bansalan and Matanao Zonal Federation of Marketing Cooperative (MBM-Zofemco) to intensify marketing of the coop's livestock products.
Cooperative members who consist mostly of small livestock raisers usually sell their animals to the cooperative who in turn sells it to the big buyers during the Sunday's auction market.
The Balasio-Bagong Negros, Pocaleel Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Babaparbemco) also received P487,500 to boost their muscovado sugar production.
The coop had already established market linkage with the Sultan Kudarat Sugar Planters & Muscuvado Millers Association Inc. where they can supply the association if it runs out of supply.
The Babaparbemco said they would also supply banana chips factories in Mindanao and Metro Manila, which have a monthly demand of 600,000 tons of muscovado.
The St. Michael Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Kasuga, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, on the other hand, received P240,300 for the establishment of processing plant including equipment needed for the production of pancit canton and fresh miki with squash.
Initially, the coop will produce 1,775 kilos of pancit canton and 7,950 kilos of fresh miki with squash to determine the acceptability and market of the product, and will increase its production for next three months.
The San Isidro Carp Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Sicarba) also received P668,200 for the establishment of their mango processing plant.
The cooperative has the capacity to process at least 400 kilos of fresh fruits for dried mango and 360 kilos for mango puree.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Roger Chio and DIDP executive director lawyer Wendel Avisado led the turnover of the check to Davao del Sur Douglas Ra. Cagas.
Chio said the funds will not only help the cooperative expands its business operations but will also generate additional jobs for Davao del Sur rural folks.
"Farming is a major economic activity in Davao del Sur, but our farmers must not only depend on agricultural production. They must also engage in value-adding activities such as processing and product development. With the support from DIDP, we hope that we can further improve the incomes of our farmers," Chio said.
