Argao coops get PB accreditation

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board has approved the accreditation of two farmers’ cooperatives in Argao town, southern Cebu.

The PB committee on accreditation chaired by Board Member Sun Shimura recommended for the approval of the accreditation of Mandilikit Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Pestales Agriculture Cooperative after they fully complied with all the pertinent requirements.

Both the cooperatives have applied for accreditation for the first time to avail of the provincial government’s financial assistance.

Mario Mamalias, member of the board of directors of Mandilikit MPC, said they started in 2001 with only 14 members. Two years later or in 2003, it was registered under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Mandilikit is a mountain barangay, which is approximately 20 kilometers from Argao town proper.

With the support of then town mayor, now Board Member Edsel Galeos, the cooperative has grown into one of the successful cooperatives with 57 members who are engaged in organic farming, as well as P1 million in capital.

The cooperative is also supporting the National Greening Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources by selling seedlings.

The other cooperative, PESTALES which stands for People’s Empowerment through Social, Technological Active Livelihood Economic Services, is composed of youths headed by Jenalyn Intoy.

PESTALES, which is based in Sitio Candabong, Barangay Binlod, is engaged in agri-herbal production, such as turmeric and ginger teas.

The cooperative was established on May 2016 by 23 young individuals. Presently, it has 60 members with P270,000 of total equity earned out of the proceeds from harvested crops, livestock, and poultry products.

It also has a demonstration farm in Barangay Bulasa which is a project of the provincial government.

Galeos and Board Member Jose Mari “Tata” Salvador of the second district where Argao is part of, has assured both cooperatives of their support. (FREEMAN)