Successfully hosted the Agriculture Cluster Webinar on December 18, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Cooperatives and member cooperatives from Luzon to Mindanao gathered to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Agricultural Cluster, as well as the latest updates on its initiatives. This informative session was an important step in furthering collaboration and growth within our federation and agricultural community. We’re excited to continue supporting our members and fostering growth through this initiative! Grow with us!
CSA-AgriCOOPh Year-End Assessment and Planning Workshop
December 2-3, 2024 | 1521 Hotel, Mactan, Cebu City The CSA-AgriCOOPh team held its Year-End Assessment and Planning Workshop on December 2-3, 2024, at 1521 Hotel in Mactan, Cebu City. This workshop highlighted the progress of the project, “Enhancing Economic Services to Family Farmers through Strengthening of Co-operatives”—a partnership with Collectif Strategies Alimentaires funded by FO4A (August 2022–December 2024) and co-financed by DGD until 2026. Discussions focused on: Economic activities of family farmers Business and policy environment for agricultural co-operatives Organizational and business capacity of co-operatives Key activities included reflecting on achievements, learning from insights, and drafting the 2025 Work and Financial Plan. Together, we’re working towards a stronger, more sustainable future for agricultural co-operatives!
AgriCOOPh Federation, in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA
AgriCOOPh Federation, in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), invites its affiliates and agricultural cooperatives to participate in the Agriculture Cluster Webinar. Topics to be discussed: 1. Understanding the Cluster – Overview of the cluster, its programs and services 2. Updates and Memorandum Circulars – Key updates and new memorandum circulars relevant to the cluster This webinar aims to strengthen collaboration and enhance the knowledge of agricultural cooperatives regarding the cluster’s initiatives and regulatory updates. Please register soon by scanning the QR code found at the invitation. It’s a date! December 18, 2024 at 1:00-4:00pm. Should you have queries please feel free to call 0928.301.7376 and look for Alma. Grow with us!
Learning Exchange on the FCCT Agri-Microfinance Model: A Tool for Enterprise Development
October 23-25, 2024 | Tuburan, Cebu During our FCCT Learning Exchange, Agricooph, in partnership with TRIAS, brought together participants to explore the FCCT Agri-Microfinance Model. This model not only funds agricultural enterprises but also demonstrates how every square inch can be profitable. It stands out as an effective financial inclusion strategy, supporting farmers/fisherfolk, women, and youth in building sustainable livelihoods. Attendees visited the model farm and learned how the Agri-Microfinance Model aligns with TRIAS’s commitment to the 3Ps: People, Profit, and Planet. These insights will be instrumental as cooperatives implement their enterprise development projects back home, enhancing food security and promoting economic viability. This activity is under the Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) programme of AgriCord funded by the European Union (EU) and IFAD. A special thanks to the dedicated participants from Silverbay Producers Cooperative, Oro Integrated Cooperative, PUBAC MPC, and Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative for braving the typhoon and flight disruptions to join us. Together, we’re making strides toward a more sustainable future. Grow with us!
COOP AGRI SUMMIT
Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City | October 24-25, 2024 The very first COOP AGRI SUMMIT held last October 24-25, 2024 carried the theme “Strengthening Partnership of Agricultural Cooperatives with Government Agencies.” This momentous event was attended by the representatives of agricultural cooperatives nationwide. Many were able to make it face to face at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City despite the devastating Typhoon Kristine. Many were also made through virtual participation. The summit was well participated by many cooperative leaders and was well attended by government agencies. Government agencies that were present and presented their programs are the following: 1. Department of Agriculture (DA), presented the Memo Circular 22 or the Agri Coop Enterprise Devt (ACED) 2. Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) 3. Philippine Livestock Program 4. CDA Transportation Cluster Head 5. Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) 6. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) 7. Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) 8. Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) 9. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) After 2-day of workshops and presentation-forum, participants crafted 23 resolutions that will make life changing impact on the lives of the family farmers in the agriculture, fishery, forestry sectors. The first COOP AGRI SUMMIT 2024 was made possible through the active leaders of the Coop Agri Sector lead by SAO Dr. Divina Quemi and the Head of Agri Cooperative Cluster ASEC Virgilio Lazaga, MD with full support from the Cooperative Development Authority and all our respectable resource persons. Present in the summit were USEC Joseph B.Encabo, USEC Santiago S. Lim and representative from COOP NATCCO Party List. Grow with us!
1st Visayas Community Climate Response Hub Forum | Iloilo City
AgriCOOPh’s participation in the 1st Visayas Community Climate Response Hub Forum AgriCOOPh responded to the invitation of Greenpeace Philippines for a representative to forum for the sharing of community based climate solutions during the Climate Resilience Hub sessions. AgriCOOPh representative Lourdes Diocson was part of the discussion group which exchanged ideas in co-developing the Climate Response Hub initiative during the 1st Visayas Climate Response Hub Forum held last October 23-24,2024 in Iloilo City. Greenpeace Philippines is a community united by a mission to protect the planet and ensure a green, peaceful future. The organization has been actively leading movements against environmental destruction. Part of its main work in the Philippines is its climate justice campaign, which includes the opening of discussions about climate justice in the fields of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR), thus the convening of “Climate Response Hubs” which will enable partner communities to address CCA and DRR concerns. Grow with us!
Regional Forum on Negotiated Procurement Community Participation (NCPC) in Davao
Supporting Farmers, Linking Cooperatives, and Fighting Hunger Farmers in the Philippines face constant challenges, with many forced to sell their crops at low prices to middlemen, limiting profits and the chance to reinvest in their livelihoods. Inspired by Brazil’s Food Procurement Program (PAA) under the Zero Hunger policy, the Philippine government is advancing efforts to empower local family farmers by securing stable, fair markets while addressing food insecurity through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program. A central tool to achieve this is the Negotiated Procurement Community Participation (NPCP), a strategic procurement model that enables cooperatives to supply food directly to public entities, ensuring a remunerative and sustainable market for small-scale farmers. To promote this promising approach, the newly established Alliance of Cooperatives Against Hunger & Poverty (ACAHP), led by AgriCOOPh in collaboration with @CSA Agri-agence, with support from GIZ and in partnership with DSWD and CDA, is organizing four Regional NPCP Forums across Regions IX, X, XI, and CARAGA. These fora aim to strengthen food systems, engage cooperatives in government procurement, and create fair market access for small-scale farmers. Through NPCP, the approach not only stabilizes markets for farmers but also strengthens efforts to reduce hunger and poverty. The NPCP modality, however, needs to be better understood and embraced by cooperatives, while the critical role of cooperatives and ACAHP in scaling up NPCP to address farmer marginalization needs further recognition and support from government agencies and LGUs. Each forum seeks to build a partnership mechanism that will implement NPCP in pilot areas by 2025, strengthening collaboration between procurement entities, cooperatives, and supporting organizations. The first regional forum took place successfully on October 24-25, 2024, in Davao City, gathering over 75 representatives from local cooperatives, LGUs, cooperative federations, NGOs, government agencies, and civil society organizations. Through collaborative workshops and discussions, participants explored ways to build robust partnerships and make NPCP a powerful tool for farmer empowerment and food security. Key achievements from the workshop included: Creation of a Regional Technical Working Group (TWG) represented by cooperatives from five provinces in Region XI. Selection of MAGROW MPC and MAGSIGUE MPC as TWG representatives for the region. Integration of the TWG into EPAHP’s Regional Coordinating Office through a signed MOU. ACAHP’s commitment to contribute to the drafting of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for RA 12009, the new procurement law anticipated to be approved by the GPPB by January 2025. This forum marks the beginning of a collective journey to scale up NPCP across Mindanao by 2025, paving the way for sustainable market opportunities for farmers while ensuring that locally grown food reaches communities in need. Our mission is to build an equitable food system that recognizes, supports, and fairly compensates family farmers. Let’s work together to empower farmers, uplift communities, and build a food-secure Philippines. Join us as we grow and support a thriving agricultural sector! The first federations to sign the ACAHP MoU include AgriCOOPh, @natcconetwork, @pakisama, @msp, @AFA, @PFCCO, #PhilDHRRA, @CSA Agri-agence, @ACDIVOCA, with more than 60 primary cooperatives from Mindanao expected to join soon.
Spotlight on Success! Seminar-Workshop on Governance and Management of Agricultural Cooperatives (GMAC)
Event Recap: We’re thrilled to share the successful completion of our recent seminar-workshop, a specialized event part of the project “Enhancing Economic Services to Family Farmers through Strengthening of Agriculture Co-operatives.” This initiative, in partnership with Collectif Strategies Alimentaires (CSA), an agri-agency from Belgium, focused on empowering agricultural cooperatives. Highlights of the Event: Engaged in interactive discussions and tackled real-time challenges through various reflective workshop analyses. Conducted Governance Health Checks and Policy Mapping, identifying key areas for improvement and action. Developed comprehensive action plans to advance governance and operational efficiency within their cooperatives. Outcomes Achieved: Strengthened understanding of cooperative principles and governance. Enhanced collaborative strategies for effective management. Laid down actionable steps for future development and improvement. Participant Feedback: “Our cooperative has gained valuable insights that we are eager to implement. The workshop not only provided us with the tools we need but also sparked collaborative efforts among members.” Here are some moments from the workshop! A huge thank you to all the participants, facilitators, and our partner CSA for making this workshop a success. We’re excited to see the positive changes these cooperatives will bring to their communities! Stay tuned for more updates and future events as we continue to support and empower agricultural cooperatives.
Recent training sessions for PAGLAUM MPC in Misamis Occidental, organized by our Training and Consultancy Service Unit
We’re excited to share the success of our recent training sessions for PAGLAUM MPC in Misamis Occidental, organized by our Training and Consultancy Service Unit! One of our mission is to empower the agribusiness of our member cooperatives, and we did just that with two impactful sessions. The first training on Dairy Products and Processing enhanced product quality and efficiency, enabling cooperatives to diversify their offerings. A special thanks to PCC Ubay for sharing their invaluable expertise. In our second session, we introduced Takakura composting—a game-changing method for sustainable farming that turns biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich compost. Join us as we continue to promote innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Grow with us!
Climate Change Adaptation Planning Workshop for Fisherfolk
October 3-4, 2024 | Balinagsag, Misamis Oriental Fisherfolk leaders and LGU key staff from Balingasag gathered at the People’s Palace for the Climate Change Adaptation Planning Workshop. This vital event, supported by Trias SEA, Agricooph & the Local Government Unit of Balingasag, aimed to equip small-scale fisherfolks with the tools and knowledge to enhance their resilience against the impacts of climate change. Participants from Silverbay Producers Cooperative, Oro Integrated Cooperative, Balingasag Producers Cooperative, Brgy. Waterfall Fisherfolks Association, Binitinan Small Fisherfolks Association, and LGU key staff successfully drafted their Climate Change Adaptation Plans. Mayor Alexis S. Quina delivered an inspiring message, expressing his full support for the initiative, emphasizing its benefits for both today and future generations of Balingasag. This activity is under the Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) programme of AgriCord funded by the European Union (EU) and IFAD.
