The Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolks and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO-MPC) is again taking on a new challenge, strengthening its legacy of enterprise development with the groundbreaking of a major new project. 

The Department of Agriculture—Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) and the MAFFISCO-MPC officially commenced construction of the P242.65-million Cold Chain Facilities to support the Tuna Consolidation and Marketing subproject in a ceremony held on April 29, 2025, at Barangay San Isidro, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. 

DA-PRDP PSO Mindanao Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado and DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director and Project Director Arlan M. Mangelen led the groundbreaking ceremony of the subproject. They were joined by local government officials, Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) members, and cooperative leaders. 

The subproject features a state-of-the-art post-harvest fisheries facility equipped with an ice plant, blast freezer, and cold storage units— infrastructure to strengthen the region’s tuna value chain and minimize post-harvest losses. 

Funded under the PRDP Scale-Up, the subproject includes MAFFISCO-MPC equity of ₱48.5 million in the total project cost. 

“This development is truly an answered prayer and a major milestone toward realizing our vision of becoming the tuna capital of the Caraga region. In partnership with the DA-PRDP, we are optimistic that through strong collaboration and shared commitment, this enterprise will continue to grow and thrive,” said MAFFISCO-MPC Chairperson Paterna Velasquez. 

Strategically designed to meet growing market demands, the facility is anticipated to produce and market up to 1,188 metric tons of frozen tuna and generate at least 90 jobs for cooperative members and the local community once operational. 

In his message, Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen reaffirmed the project’s mission to drive inclusive rural development. “The DA-PRDP remains committed to initiating projects that promote tangible economic development and uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk across the region. The government will persist in linking viable, impactful projects to the communities that need them most,” he said. 

Moreover, Deputy Project Director Carlene Collado also underscored the importance of sustained partnership and support. “We will continue to extend our full support and guidance to MAFFISCO-MPC from this early stage through to the achievement of its enterprise goals. We are confident that with sustained effort, the cooperative will empower its members, enhance productivity, and significantly increase income for its stakeholders,” he said. 

The facility is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2026, marking a major advancement for the fisheries sector in Surigao del Sur. (Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II/ DA-RAFIS)