by Mayrich T. Soriano, RPCO2 InfoACE

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project Regional Project Coordination Office 2 (DA-PRDP RPCO 2) I-REAP Component, in partnership with various government agencies/bureau, successfully wrapped up a three-day seminar on strengthening the I-REAP stakeholders on May 6-8, 2025 at DA MPCI Conference Hall, San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. 

The activity was organized to capacitate the participants in managing and sustaining I-REAP subprojects. Moreover, they were oriented on the projects and programs of the DA RFO 2 Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) and invited partner-agencies/bureau such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). Representatives from the said agencies/bureau served as resource persons throughout the activity. 

In her message, Director Kay S. Olivas, RTD for Research and Regulations and PRDP-RPCO 02 Deputy Project Director, highlighted the significance of this activity in keeping the Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) informed about the programs and projects of the partner- agencies, thereby maximizing opportunities and strengthening collaboration and program implementation. 

The following were among the topics discussed — major functions of AMAD, CDA Development, Regulatory, and Adjudicatory Functions, Tax Briefing on Associations and Cooperatives under BIR, Workers’ Rights and Benefits (General Labor Standards) under DOLE, Insurance Programs (Regular Insurance and Special/Fully-subsidized Insurance Programs) of PCIC, DOST and DTI programs and projects, and Agrifishery Credit Programs of ACPC. 

A total of 15 FCAs participated in the activity. These were Buenavista MPC, Samahan ng mga OFW ng Santiago City Consumers Cooperative, G10 Council of Irrigators Association, Farmers Council of Irrigators Association, Santiago Amos Credit and Development Cooperative (SACDECO), Federation of Aritao Rural Improvement Club (FARIC), Tiblac Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Malabing Valley MPC, Ramon Farmers MPC, Caviteño Isabelino MPC, Wigan Settlers’ MPC, San Mateo MPC, Cagayan Seed Producers MPC, Rang-ay ti Pussian Farmers’ Cooperative, and Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative.