The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to human life but also to many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are struggling to survive the economic impact of the pandemic worldwide. 

A survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in May 2020 highlights the dramatic global effect of the health crisis on business continuity, labor force, as well as on revenues and occupational health and safety. 

“Of the 1,000 companies surveyed from eight countries across four continents, 70% have had to shut down operations. Half (50%) have temporarily closed their business by following direct instructions from the authorities, while the other 50% have closed temporarily due to a reduction in orders, cases of staff COVID-19 infection, or more sadly, permanently,” the report published in www.ilo.org on June 26, 2020 stated. 

An enterprise development (I-REAP) project in Albay resists this trend by finding alternative marketing strategies to guarantee income for at least 12 of its workers and offer hope for the community, particularly over 100 cooperative members who serve as its direct and indirect workers. Online selling is the new normal for the Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise, an I-REAP subproject funded by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The project is managed by the Tunay Tapat Lahing Pilipino Cooperative (TTLPC) in Libon, Albay.

According to Operations Manager Jerom Pedrocillo, results of market studies they conducted show that coco peat became more in demand during the lockdown during which many people turned to home gardening as a hobby. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) promotes coco peat or also known as coconut coir dust as a renewable substitute of peat moss. A by-product in processing coconut husk to coir fiber, coco peat has firm water retention properties. It can hold water with 8-9 times its weight which it gradually releases to the plant through its feeding roots. 

To sustain the I-REAP subproject’s business operation while coping with the travel restrictions and other quarantine protocols being implemented in the area, Pedrocillo initiated the launch of the Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise’s Facebook page: Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise ACGME on July 5, 2020. Pedrocillo thought that using online marketing strategy would further introduce the enterprise and connect it with prospective buyers and larger markets.  

Pedrocillo mentioned that this venture is actually applying learnings they derived from the strategic planning activities previously conducted by the PRDP I-REAP team as part of its capacity development trainings for project beneficiaries.  

“Hindi lang ina-apply kundi iniisa-isa po ulit naming nire-review… Yun po ang basehan namin kung paano po namin ngayon pinapatakbo yung enterprise ngayong panahon na kahit mayroong pandemic na limitado (ang operation), nagagamit namin sya, nau-utilize kung paanong mapapaganda yung takbo ng enterprise,” Pedrocillo said in a phone interview. 

As of writing the FB page now has 102 likes with its members now engaged in sharing it with their respective networks using their social media accounts.  Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise currently offers fine coco peat at P50 per bag. They also deliver their products within Albay area with a maximum load limit of 250 bags per booking at a minimum service charge. 

“It really has a good impact kasi paunti-unti na tayong nakikilala… This time, mismong mga buyers na ang pumupunta rito. Nagkakaroon tayo ng mga transactions online and sometimes, challenging kasi malalaking demands ang hinihingi,” he added. 

TTLPC is gradually working on the full blown operation of the enterprise once it established new markets for coco geonets, its main product. According to Pedrocillo, said progress would generate income for the community especially the twiners and weavers. The enterprise currently implements alternative work arrangement for its employees and laborers and has started implementing the Specific Guidelines for I-REAP Enterprise Operations set by the PRDP’s Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) unit. 

“Inspite na meron tayong ganitong crisis, hindi yun hadlang para ma-achieve natin yung mga hangarin natin na mapalago natin yung ating enterprise at the same time ang pinakafocus and goal pa rin ng TTLPC is to lift also the lives of our members and the community,” Pedrocillo added. 

Interested buyers and resellers may visit the Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise ACGME Facebook page or schedule an appointment with the Operations Manager during weekdays through electronic mail jppedrocillo1024@gmail.com or mobile number 0951-498-8934. The TTLPC office, located in Sitio La Medalla, Brgy. Bonbon Libon, Albay, is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  ### (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA-RAFIS V)

Photo Credits: Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise ACGME Facebook page