Aggie-10 turns over PhP2.45-M hauling truck to La Libertad Farmers MPC

KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte – Corn farmers of the La Libertad Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (LLFMPC) are set to reduce hauling costs and improve access to better markets following the turnover of a PhP2.45-million hauling truck by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie-10) through its Corn Program during the town’s Agriculture Day celebration on July 6, one of the highlights of the 77th Araw ng Kapatagan with the theme “Rising Together as One People, Journeying Bolder as One Kapatagan.”

The five-metric-ton capacity truck, powered by a 114-kilowatt diesel engine, will benefit the group’s 250 Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA)-enrolled farmer-members, who collectively cultivate about 238 hectares of corn farms. The intervention is expected to improve the transport of agricultural produce, ease hauling expenses, minimize postharvest losses, and strengthen market access.

Representing Aggie-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Corn Program Focal Person Richan D. Lacanaria, Project Development Assistant Ariel V. Armilla handed over the certificate of turnover and called on the farmers’ coop to properly manage and maintain the vehicle to ensure its long-term service to farmers.

“Hangyo sa La Libertad Farmers MPC, inyo unta ning [hauling truck] atimanon ug hatagan og pondo alang sa repair ug maintenance aron magdugay pa kini sa inyong mga kamot ug magpadayon sa pagserbisyo sa inyong mga mag-uuma,” Armilla said.

(We appeal to the La Libertad Farmers MPC to properly take care of this hauling truck by allocating funds for its repair and maintenance so it will remain serviceable for years to come and continue benefiting your cooperative and its farmer-members.)

For LLFMPC, the unit addresses one of the major challenges confronting corn farmers by cutting high transportation costs that often leave them dependent on local traders who own hauling vehicles and dictate buying prices.

According to its chairperson, Efren M. Villacrusis, the truck will allow members to convey their produce to and from warehouses and markets in the municipalities of Kapatagan and Lala, and Pagadian City, lessening hauling expenses while giving farmers greater flexibility in selling their harvests.

“This assistance is more than just a vehicle. It is an investment in the livelihood of our farmers, cooperative members, and the entire community. The hauling truck will greatly improve our ability to transport agricultural products efficiently, reduce hauling costs, minimize postharvest losses, and strengthen our marketing operations,” Villacrusis said.

He said the coop expects to save around PhP1.00-3.00 per kilogram and help farmers to earn as much as PhP5 more per kilogram by delivering their produce directly to buyers instead of selling through traders offering lower farmgate prices.

The LLFMPC official likewise thanked Aggie-10 for heeding the group’s long-standing clamor for a hauling truck.

“We assure all our partners that we will properly manage, maintain, and utilize this truck responsibly for its intended purpose and for the benefit of our farmers and the farming community,” he added.

Organized in 2006, LLFMPC provides credit services, corn grains and copra trading, and postharvest support to its members. The cooperative has also benefited from previous government interventions, including a tractor, corn shellers, corn seeds, and fertilizers.

He further encouraged farmers to become members of active farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) to better access government programs and ensure that farmers’ priority needs are elevated to concerned government agencies.

“Kinahanglan gyud ang kooperatiba aron maka-avail sa mga programa sa gobyerno. Ang mga opisyales kinahanglan magpahigayon og kanunay nga meeting aron makuha ang prayoridad nga panginahanglan sa mga mag-uuma ug madala kini ngadto sa mga ahensya sa gobyerno. Kung walay panaghiusa ug panagtinabangay, dili gyud molambo,” Villacrusis shared.

(Farmers need cooperatives to access government programs. Cooperative officers should regularly meet with members to identify their priority needs and communicate these to government agencies. Without unity and cooperation, progress will be difficult.)

Leading the town’s celebration, Vice Mayor Barry Y. Baguio recognized the contribution of farmers and fisherfolk to Kapatagan’s growth and development.

“Today, we celebrate the people who feed our families, strengthen our economy, and keep our municipality moving forward. Every sack of rice harvested, [every] vegetable [grown], [every] coconut [gathered], [every] corn [produced], and every fish [caught] tells a story of sacrifice, determination, and hope,” Baguio said.

Although unable to personally attend the event, Mayor Beth Baguio-Ali, in her message, highlighted the role of innovation and technology in advancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

“Agriculture and fisheries are not industries of the past. They are industries of the future. With innovation, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship, you [farmers, fisherfolk, and the youth] have the power to transform these sectors into engines of sustainable growth,” the local chief executive said.

The event formed part of the town’s annual founding anniversary celebration spearheaded by the Municipal Agriculture’s Office headed by Engr. Jill Ann P. Gomonit, which also featured the Salo-salo and Sangka sa Lechon activities.

The provision of the hauling truck supports the “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” agenda by improving logistics and market linkages, enabling farmers to improve postharvest handling, expand market access, and boost farmers’ income through a more efficient agricultural value chain.# (JLO & RAC)