DAR and LGU forged partnership, provides processing center to boost coconut industry of CamSur farmers

TINAMBAC, CAMARINES SUR — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with key government agencies to provide support services to Bolaobalite Farmers Association (BFA), a 62-member group, to expand their production of coconut candy, coconut oil, coco jam, and other coconut-based products.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Renato C. Bequillo said the initiative is under the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project of the DAR, which supports both coconut farming and the manufacturing of coconut-based products.

"It's time that we provide BFA with a dedicated processing center to enhance their business operations," Bequillo remarked.

He added, “The new processing center will enable them to improve quality, increase capacity, and access training to compete in broader markets.”

Tinambac Mayor Ruel B. Tuy committed to match the DAR's P1.050 million budget by providing additional funds to construct the new facility on a lot donated by BFA. He envisions the center serving not only as a processing hub but also as a training facility for all farmers in Bolaobalite.

“We assure you that BFA will have a spacious and well-equipped space for their business operations. We hope to cultivate a community of responsible farmers who will utilize the training, equipment, and processing center effectively to grow their organization," Tuy said

The MOA also highlights the involvement of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in integrating the VLFED Project into their product enhancement training programs.

Provincial Director Jay Percival S. Ablan of DTI and Provincial Director Patrocinio N. Felizminio of DOST underscored the importance of supporting farmers and agriculture for national development. “We are committed to supporting profitable enterprises founded by farmers’ organizations, such as the BFA,” they stated.

DAR and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tinambac will jointly oversee the construction of the processing facility. A comprehensive execution plan will be developed to fully implement the VLFED project.

Signatories to the MOA include