In a move to strengthen agricultural marketing, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) handed over two hauling trucks to farmers’ cooperatives in Tupi, South Cotabato. The ceremony, held on December 26, 2024, was led by Valerie Seiton, the provincial agrarian reform program officer, who emphasized the trucks’ role in enhancing the cooperatives’ capabilities. The vehicles, costing PHP4.59 million, were allocated to the Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CSCFMPC) and the Linan Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative (LIFCO). Marlie Pasal, another program officer, stressed the importance of maintaining the trucks to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Seiton also pointed out that responsible use of the trucks could lead to further opportunities for the cooperatives. The cooperatives qualified for this support due to their robust operational performance. Leaders from both CSCFMPC and LIFCO, Elias Dacayo and Rolando Salem respectively, committed to leveraging the trucks to foster their organizations’ growth. The trucks were provided under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project, aimed at improving marketing for major crop-based farming. Both cooperatives are currently engaged with Cargill Philippines, supplying dehusked coconut and copra products.
