By Kristy Mabulay & Jackylyn Artiaga / UM Interns
A LAWMAKER encouraged farmers’ associations to join the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) and avail of government assistance.
During the Aprubado sa Konseho on April 23, Councilor Jonard Dayap, the committee on cooperatives chair, said the city cooperative will assist the farmers in attaining agricultural sustainability.
“We have satellite offices placed in every district to encourage farmers’ cooperatives unaware of the assistance that the City Coop provides,” Dayap said.
He reported that the most common reason why farmers’ cooperatives fail to register their organizations is the distance since they operate in far-flung areas.
However, he said these farmers are missing out since membership will give them access to financial and loan assistance.
Farmers’ cooperatives are advised to apply for accreditation in the Cooperative Development Authority. Once accredited, they may apply for membership in the city co-op.
Dayap confirmed there are 15-20 farmers’ cooperatives already accredited by the city co-op today.
As of March, CCDO has provided loan assistance programs to 13 cooperatives, amounting to P5.7 million.
On top of the loan assistance, CCDO is also looking into providing subsidies and livelihood programs to farmers affected by the extreme heat index. The CCDO continues its information drive through their Serbisyo Caravan to extend the programs to farmer cooperatives.
