A rainbow comes after the heavy rain for the farmers in Placer, Surigao del Norte as the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Caraga Region turns over the long-awaited Hauling Truck last March 23 amounting to P2.7 Million to the Mabini United Farmers Cooperative (MAUNFACO).

“Banana marketing is one of our main livelihoods here and we have a long way to go to recover from our loss from the typhoon Odette. This truck will help us as we slowly get back to our banana business,” said Antonio Davo, Board Member of MAUNFACO

PRDP also initially provided the coop a working capital of P60,500.00 to buy an 8,066-kilogram fresh Cardava. The 6-Ton capacity Hauling Truck will then be used to help deliver the Cardava banana bought from growers and producers within MAUNFACO and from the province of Dinagat Islands. From its banana buying station in Mabini, Placer Surigao del Norte, this will be brought to Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and then marketed for export.

The Cooperative expressed their gratitude to the government agencies and their local government unit for the collaborative efforts in providing them with the truck.

“Thank you so much for supporting the banana farmers here in Surigao. This truck will surely enhance the business of the coop since delivery of products to the market will now be easier. We promise to take care of this so we can use it for a long time,” said Mercy Egos, MAUNFACO Chairperson.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. also reminded the group that the agency is always there to listen and help the farmers to improve their lives.

“We in the DA will continue to strengthen our partnership with the LGUs for it is them who will closely be engaged with the people in the community. We will meet halfway to support our agriculture sector and make the lives of our farmers prosper,” Oñate said.

With a total worth of P3.4M funding from PRDP for the Banana Consolidation and Marketing project, PRDP aims to provide an effective and efficient marketing system to MAUNFACO, expand the Cardava banana area in Surigao del Norte, and increase the cooperative’s income and membership. (Zenny G. Awing | DA-RPCO 13)