Agri-10 hands over the hauling truck funded under the enhanced Kadiwa program to KAMADA ARCC.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — With its aim to empower farmers and increase agricultural productivity in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over a hauling truck to the Kabangasan Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (KAMADA ARCC) on March 26, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded under the DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, RED Collado led the turnover of 1 unit hauling truck worth P4.375 million (M), of which P3.5-M is the project grant amount, while the remaining 20% (P875K) came from the cooperative’s equity.

According to Director Collado, the provision is aligned with the agency’s efforts to amplify the capacities of farmers’ cooperatives, and associations to become reliable food commodity suppliers and actively participate in the region’s food supply distribution system.

In response, KAMADA chairperson Weny N. Enterina expressed their gratitude for the provision, citing its significance in driving their cooperative’s agricultural productivity and profits upward, aligned with their organization’s mission and vision.

“We are very thankful for the assistance given to us by the DA over the years in line with our shared vision for the growth and development of the cooperative. Along with other government agencies who actively seek to meet the needs of our organization, the Department has helped us fulfill our goal to elevate KAMADA, most especially its members and their livelihoods,” Enterina said.

Organized and duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 2001 as the Kabangasan-Mapua Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative and later on, expanded to what is known today as KAMADA, the coop produces bio-organic fertilizers, as well as agricultural products, including coconut, cassava, abaca, and banana.

Also present in support of the ceremony were DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) assistant division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, KAMADA General Manager Engr. Rico Badilla, and organization members.# (GDA)