DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) – The production of dried gabi stands as pillar of livelihood for the Daguit Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Darco), creating not just job opportunities for its members but also uplifting the entire surrounding community.
Darco proudly earned recognition as the 2nd Runner-Up in the group category for the best implementing livelihood project at the 2025 DOLE RO5 Kabuhayan Awards, celebrated last May 2 at Hotel St. Ellis in Legazpi City.
In 2023, Darco was granted two solar electric dehydrators and a set of solar panels valued at P500,000 by DOLE.
“Our product is dried taro, and we use equipment from DOLE to dry fresh taro,” said Ramon Iligan, the chairman of Darco.
Iligan said that their dried taro is available at Houseware Plaza Mall, Gemma Glenn Supermarket, and 88 branches of LCC Mall, all located in the Bicol region.
He noted that they purchase fresh taro from local farmers and women in their area for P15 per kilo, in contrast to the P10 offered by other buyers in the local market.
Darco has 73 members, the majority of whom are agrarian reform beneficiaries, with almost 80 percent being women.
Iligan reported that the monthly income of Darco has increased from P5,000 to P20,000, which allows the cooperative to distribute dividends to its members each year.
He highlighted that the Solar Panel Dehydrator provided by the DOLE has significantly reduced their electricity costs, allowing them to pay almost nothing for power.
Iligan also said that the Department of Trade and Industry has assisted with product development, barcoding, and various other needs, while the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided support for nutritional analysis.
Additionally, the DOST and the Department of Agrarian Reform have supplied the cooperative with extra dryers, Iligan said.
Felisa Astrologo, a farmer, shared, “I also plant taro and sell it to the cooperative, which helps me provide for my children’s schooling.”
Lilia Mago, a 70-year-old member of Darco, stated, “I have gained a livelihood and can support my family with additional income. I dry and repack the taro.” She noted that she used to plant taro before joining the cooperative.
DOLE Provincial Head Cherry Mosatalla explained that they have partnered with Darco to enhance livelihood opportunities by providing essential modern tools and equipment.
She emphasized that this support aims to improve the cooperative’s production of dried taro leaves, thus enhancing the efficiency and marketability of their products.
Mosatalla concluded by stating that the DOLE is dedicated to boosting members’ income to ensure the long-term sustainability of their livelihood activities.
She also mentioned that the government is ready to assist with any product innovations that will be successful in the market. (PIA Camarines Norte) (PIA Camarines Norte)
Cover photo credit: DOLE CamNorte
