by Ericson M. Guiao, PSO North Luzon InfoACE

In a move to strengthen the financial management skills and strategies of farmer cooperatives in North Luzon, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), through the I-REAP Component, conducted an Internal Capitalization Training from February 4 to 7, 2025 in La Union.

Spearheaded by the I-REAP National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), in collaboration with AgriTerra Corporation, the training intended to empower the participating Proponent Groups by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to raise and manage capital within their organizations.

Additionally, the training focused on the importance of internal capitalization in an organization, highlighting the fundamentals, pre-conditions, and different modalities of IC that best fit the cooperatives.

“Napakahalaga ng training na ito para sa ating proponent groups and I-REAP implementers dahil sa mapag uusapang patungkol sa capitalization, funding, and financial management ng isang organization. I hope this training will provide you valuable insights, clarity, practical tools that you can use directly to your organization,” said Ilocos region I-REAP Component Head Rhoda A. Galban in her message.

Throughout the four-day training, the participants engaged in interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and case studies, learning from both the trainers and their peers, on topics such as fund management, capital growth strategies, and practices for improving member participation.

They also enhanced their skills in SWOT analysis, balance sheet management, and investment appraisal. As a workshop output, the participants drafted their action plan for implementing internal capitalization within their organization.

Among the participating groups were the Sapang MPC, Conconig East MPC, SRT La Trinidad Cooperative of Benguet, Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators MPC, Santiago Amos Credit and Development Cooperative (SACDECO), Dupligan Farmers MPC, Buenavista MPC, and Abagon Compact Farm and Seed Growers MPC, together with I-REAP representatives from the Project Support Office, Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO), and staff from the DA – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAS). ##