CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Since its establishment in November 1991 with just 15 members, the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Farmers Cooperative (MARB FARMC) has grown to 152 members and P17 million in assets as of 2023, thanks to effective management, strong government partnerships, and adaptability to market demands.
Evangeline Frasco, MARB FARMC manager, shared during the Radyo Pilipinas’ Usapang Agrikultura, January 20, that while the cooperative initially catered exclusively to its members, it has expanded its reach to serve other organizations and farmers outside Mantibugao. To attract suppliers, MARB FARMC offers prices higher than those set by market traders, encouraging farmers to prioritize selling to the cooperative.
“Naaghat ang coop nga dili i-limit sa mga miyembro ra magdawat kay dako among committed volume para sa among suppliers, so if member lang, basin di namo ma-come up ang volume, madaot sad ang coop,” Frasco said.
(The cooperative was prompted not to limit accepting products from members only because we have a large committed volume for our suppliers. If we relied solely on members, we might not meet the volume, which could harm the cooperative.)
This strategy not only benefits the cooperative but also ensures that members receive a substantial share of the profits.
Quality is a non-negotiable standard for MARB FARMC. Farmers undergo a strict assessment process to ensure that their products meet the cooperative’s quality standards. Frasco said, “Mas nindot ang kalidad sa produkto, mas maayo ang presyo nga mahatag sa ila (The better the quality of the product, the better the price we can offer them).”
However, because the cooperative has modern equipment like solar dryers, mechanical dryers, tractors, corn harvesters, and hauling trucks—many of which the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided—it is prepared to assist the farmers in producing higher-quality products.
Frasco expresses her gratitude to the DA, emphasizing that its consistent support has been vital to the cooperative’s growth. Other government agencies, such as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have also played crucial roles by offering additional training and entrepreneurial guidance.
Despite its success, the cooperative continues to face challenges, particularly in maintaining a steady supply to meet demand. Frasco said, “Sa karon okay ra man, igo ra man, pero kung looking forward unta, dunggagan pa unta para sa farmers kay kulang ra jud ang ayuda.”
(As of now, it’s okay and sufficient, but looking ahead, it would be better if the assistance for farmers could be increased because the support is still lacking.)
Frasco also highlighted the cooperative’s unwavering commitment to uplifting farmers and fostering unity among its members. She emphasized that the strength of a cooperative lies in its collective effort and the support it extends to its members and community. (ALAO/PIA-10)
