SSF to expand coco coir production in Capiz

MOA signing with DTI officials, CASCOFAMCO, and beneficiaries

The Capiz Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative (CASCOFAMCO) has inked an agreement to its three end-beneficiaries for the use of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for the Coco Coir Upscaling on February 21, 2017.

CASCOFAMCO Chairperson Adan V. Laurilla forged a Memorandum of Agreement with representatives from the Lonoy, Sapian Kasaganahan Sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAANIB), Cayus, Pilar Small Coconut Farmers Organization (SCFO) and Tapaz Marketing Cooperative (KAANIB).

On December 29, 2016, DTI Capiz Provincial Office granted CASCOFAMCO with two units of decorticators, four units of handlooms and 22 units of twining gears amounting to P1.55 Million, as the cooperator of the SSF.

Of these facilities, CASCOFAMCO will operate one unit handloom while the rest of the equipment were entrusted to its three association-members to help them expand their operation from mere buying stations of coconuts to producers of coir, twines and geonets. CASCOFAMCO will act as consolidator/marketing arm of its members.

DTI-Capiz Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes and PCA-Capiz Provincial Manager Jeffrey De Los Reyes together with DTI-VI Regional SSF Coordinator Henry Tampani, representing OIC-RD Rebecca M. Rascon of DTI-VI, were present during the activity.

Both heads of DTI and PCA delivered their respective messages which motivated the end-beneficiaries of the project.  Tampani, on the other hand, provided inputs on the market opportunities for coco coir.

These organizations are expected to make full use of the facilities to start a business on coco coir production in their respective areas.  It is hoped that the project will provide employment and income opportunities that will eventually improve the quality of life of the people in their communities.