In a significant move to support local agriculture, Vice President Sara Duterte awarded a PHP150,000 livelihood grant to the Tigao Farmers Development Cooperative (TFDC) during a ceremony in Butuan City on November 20, 2024. The event coincided with the 89th Founding Anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The grant was presented at the OVP’s satellite office, highlighting the government’s commitment to grassroots economic development.
Duterte explained that the grant is part of the OVP’s Magnegosyo Ta Day initiative, an entrepreneurship program designed to empower local businesses and cooperatives. She also mentioned that the OVP extends other forms of assistance, including burial and medical support, to residents in the Caraga Region. Duterte urged other organizations to explore the opportunities offered by the OVP’s satellite offices.
The TFDC, located in Barangay Tigao, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, plans to use the grant to enhance its copra-buying operations. Gerson Pagara, the cooperative’s chairperson, expressed gratitude for the financial boost, stating that it would increase their capacity to purchase copra from members and other local coconut farmers. The cooperative has been active in this sector since 2021.
Sonia Roluna, the treasurer of TFDC, detailed the cooperative’s daily operations, noting that they typically buy between 200 to 300 kilos of copra. She highlighted the challenges posed by fluctuating market prices, which currently range from PHP45 to PHP46 per kilo in Surigao del Sur. Roluna also mentioned that members receive an additional PHP1 per kilo when selling to the cooperative.
Both Pagara and Roluna emphasized their commitment to working closely with the OVP to ensure the effective and sustainable use of the grant. This collaboration aims to strengthen the cooperative’s role in supporting the local economy and improving the livelihoods of its members.