SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — Another women’s cooperative has been organized in the province of Occidental Mindoro by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA.
Known as the Agkawayan Women’s Consumers Cooperative (AgWoCoCo), the group is composed of women from barangay Agkawayan in the municipality of Looc. It is the only cooperative in said town.
In the entire Occidental Mindoro, comprising 11 towns, the CDA has registered 368 cooperatives, of which AgWoCoCo is one of the three organized women cooperatives.
AgWoCoCo currently generates income through fish processing and hopes to expand into other business ventures now that it is officially recognized as a cooperative.
According to CDA Occidental Mindoro Program Director Reyzard Oliveros, AgWoCoCo holds significant potential for growth.
He said that efforts are underway to channel all products from Looc through Agwacoco.
“Gusto sana natin mawala ang middlemen na sa ngayon ay siyang nakikinabang ng mga produkto ng Looc (We want to eliminate middlemen who currently benefit from Looc’s products),” Oliveros stated.
Looc is known for its products such as rice, salt, and processed fish like dried fish, danggit, and smoked fish.
During the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, CDA Regional Director Alberto Sabarias announced that AgWoCoCo will participate in the Koop-Kapatid program.
This initiative pairs emerging cooperatives like AgWoCoCo with more established ones, such as the Generation One Resource Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Gen One), for mentorship and support.
Based in Muntinlupa City, Gen One is recognized as one of the country’s billionaire cooperatives.
Oliveros mentioned that Gen One is expected to assist AgWoCoCo by providing financial aid and helping the cooperative develop a pathway for its products to reach a broader market. However, the terms of the agreement between the two cooperatives are still being finalized.
A clearer direction for AgWoCoCo , including planning and training in management, business operations, and other areas, is anticipated by early 2025. (VND/PIA MIMAROPA – Occidental Mindoro)
