TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Another cooperative is on the track of progress as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) officially turned over the Integrated Coconut-based Enterprise to the Malingao Community Services Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MCOCO) of Tubod, Lanao del Norte on July 21, 2021.

With DA-PRDP’s intervention, MCOCO received a total of P25,024,108.70 worth of assistance which includes warehouse, weaving center, hauling trucks, and machines for weaving, baling, and decorticating, among others.

In his message, Tubod Mayor Leoncio C. Bagol recalled the hardships they went through just to get the subproject’s approval.

“I cannot help but look back at the days where we have to endure countless sleepless nights just to prepare the business plan. A lot of challenges occurred along the way and it was a tough battle to win. But I always believe that no matter how hard the trials are, as long as we are united and we are helping each other, success is within our reach," he said.

"Now that the enterprise is already turned over, the fate of its success lies in our hands. Let’s aim for the cooperative to prosper and let’s show to those who helped us achieve this project that we deserve it. More importantly, let us aim for the progress of our enterprise so we can provide more livelihood to our fellowmen. It is such a sweet thought that we are being paid while we provide income and services to one another,” said Bagol.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director of DA-10 and Project Director of DA-PRDP 10 Carlene C. Collado, congratulated the MCOCO and the Local Government Units of Tubod and Lanao del Norte for successfully completing the subproject.

“Here in Northern Mindanao, this is the only subproject of its kind and has given pride to the cooperative and the officials of Lanao del Norte. Now that the enterprise is turned over, I would like to ask the workers, members, officials of the cooperative, and even the officials of the LGUs to take care of this and fully utilize its potential in order to provide livelihood and quality life to people in the locality. I hope that your operation will be smoother, which will boost your production and income, so the workers and the employees will greatly benefit from it,” Collado said.

MCOCO was initially assisted by the Mindanao Rural Development Program. Through the enterprise, the cooperative envisions to expand their current enterprise, benefiting at least 2,000 coconut farmers, providing additional livelihood to the residents, especially the women of the barangay and its neighbors.

Also present in the said event are officials and staff of LGU Lanao del Norte headed by Vice Governor Maria Cristina N. Atay, officers and staff of LGU Tubod, officials and members of MCOCO, DA-10 personnel, and DA-PRDP 10 staff. (DA-DA-PRDP 10)