By Dalos Emok, RPCO-CAR PDA

“Daytoy nga project ket dakkel nga responsibilidad ken dakkel met nga obligasyon (this project is a great responsibility and a serious obligation).”

Edmond T. Vasquez, General Manager of Abra Vegetable Seed Growers Development Cooperative (AVSECO) emphasized, during the turned over ceremony of the Carabao Mango Consolidation and Marketing subproject to AVSECO on May 21, 2024 in Pangtud, Pidigan, Abra.

Implemented under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), the enterprise subproject aims to boost the total incremental income of the 71 targeted carabao mango growers by 24%. For an individual currently earning around P10 thousand annually, this translates to an additional income of more than P3 thousand.

The enterprise subproject includes a hauling truck (9-ton capacity) costing PhP4.9 million, 1,400 crates valued at PhP512 thousand, and a working capital of PhP521, 600.00 for purchasing fresh mangoes from its members.

To enhance the overall profitability for growers, the enterprise will implement measures to reduce post-harvest losses, improve fruit quality, and secure better market prices. Strategies include on-site sorting, providing packing crates to prevent damage, and using the hauling truck for timely and proper transportation of mangoes. 

In his message, DA-PRDP Deputy Project Director Danilo P. Daguio underscored the role of AVSECO as recipient of DA projects and as the agency’s partner as well in implementing projects under the DA.

“Dakayo ti katulongan mi nga mangimplement iti project tapnu dagijay biyag iti members yu nga farmers ket maimprove. Be reminded of the enterprise objectives because the purpose of this subproject is not solely about raising money, make sure nga ma-sustain yu daytoy nga project (we are together in implementing this project so that the lives of your members will improve. Be reminded of the enterprise objectives because the purpose of this subproject is not solely about raising money, but to ensure that this subproject will be sustained),” said Daguio.

Vasquez further appreciated the mode of procurement process that they have undergone for it was their first time to procure goods themselves.

“Mapadayawan iti kooperatiba nga mangreceive daytoy brand new hauling truck ta idi paylang sirsirmataen tayo daytoy nga project ngay ket kuna mi pay nga baka 2nd hand mabalinen ngem gayam ni AVSECO ti naikan ti gundaway nga nagpili  dagiti namnamaen na nga kasapulan para iti daytoy nga enterprise…naeksperyensa mi met dajay agbid ken agpili jay mayat nga specifications daytoy truck nga nasurot jay inlatag da nga proseso (the Cooperative is extremely grateful for the brand new hauling truck. We initially opted for a second-hand truck for the enterprise, believing it would suffice. But we were given the freedom to select the necessary specifications of the materials, including the hauling truck according to the specifications set by the PRDP),” expressed Vasquez.