Overview of Republic Act No. 12231: The Government Optimization Act

 📜 What is RA 12231?

Republic Act No. 12231, officially titled the Government Optimization Act, is a landmark law enacted under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It was signed on August 4, 2025, and published in the Official Gazette shortly thereafter.

🔍 Key Objectives and Purpose

• RA 12231 aims to streamline and optimize the executive branch by restructuring governmental agencies to eliminate overlapping mandates, consolidate functions, and improve coordination.

• Its goal is not cost-cutting or rightsizing but building a more coherent, agile, and citizen‑focused bureaucracy that delivers public services effectively and efficiently. 

🛠 Presidential Powers under the Law

For a period of five years (beginning mid‑August 2025), the President may:

• Merge, consolidate, transfer, split, scale down, abolish, or create agencies within the executive branch as deemed necessary. 

• Reallocate responsibilities and facilitate transfers of programs and functions across departments or to local governments or private sector entities. 

🏛 Oversight Mechanism: Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch (COEB)

RA 12231 establishes the COEB, co‑chaired by the Executive Secretary and Budget Secretary, and including key agencies such as:

• Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

• Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (or equivalent)

• Civil Service Commission (CSC)

• Anti‑Red Tape Authority (ARTA)

COEB’s mandates:

• Conduct studies into mandates, programs, structures, manpower, and operations of agencies

• Develop optimized organizational structures and change‑management programs

• Recommend restructuring actions to the President. 

🛡 Coverage and Exemptions

✅ Entities Covered

• All executive branch agencies, including departments, bureaus, offices, and GOCCs not governed by GOCC Governance Act (RA 10149). 

🚫 Exemptions

• Teaching and teaching‑related positions in public schools and universities

• Military and uniformed personnel

• Constitutional bodies, judiciary, legislature, Office of the Ombudsman, and local government units — though these may voluntarily adopt reforms under the law. 

🎯 Focus Areas and Principles

• Emphasis on service delivery enhancement, transparency, and digitalization to simplify systems and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Not centered on layoffs, but rather on realignment and career development opportunities for civil servants, fostering a merit-based culture. 

✅ Timeline and Implementation

• Sign‑off by President Marcos: August 4, 2025

• Publication in Official Gazette followed within days

• Effectivity: Became operative 15 days after August 4, 2025 (i.e., around August 19, 2025) 

• Presidential authority window: Five years from that date, during which restructuring actions may be undertaken. 

👥 Stakeholder Reactions

• Senate President Francis Escudero emphasized that the law is about transforming bureaucracy into a cohesive and service-centered system, not downsizing.

• Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of DBM hailed the law as a defining moment: underscoring efficiency, structural alignment, and welfare protection for government workers. 

📌 Implications & Broader Significance

• Enables structural modernization: breaking silos, improving coordination, reducing red tape.

• Encourages digital transformation and e‑governance, aligning with modernization agendas.

• Prioritizes civil service capacity building and alignment, rather than mass retrenchment.

• Sets legal precedent for executive-driven reorganization, albeit within legislative-created guardrails.

By granting the executive flexibility and oversight mechanisms to reorganize agencies, RA 12231 seeks to transform how government operates—from within. Its success will depend on measured implementation and ensuring reforms enhance public service, not just government form.

Abogado ti Mannalon: The Superheroes of the Farmlands

CAGAYAN VALLEY, PHILIPPINES - Move over, courtroom dramas and superhero capes, because out in the rice fields, sugarcane farms, and rolling hills of Region II, a new kind of hero is rising: the Abogado ti Mannalon!

Yes, you heard it right! They’re not wielding swords or flying through the skies, but they are armed with laws, love for the land, and a deep passion for justice. The "Abogado ti Mannalon", which proudly means "lawyer of the farmer" in Ilocano, is here to fight for the rights of our hardworking farmers.

This program was strengthened when the Department of Agrarian Reform Region 02 (DAR RO2), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cagayan Chapter, Department of Justice - National Prosecution Service (DOJ NPS 02), and Tuguegarao Young Lawyers Initiative (TYLI) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 25 June 2025 at The Orient, Caggay, Tuguegarao City.

🎯 What’s the Mission?

Under the banner of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), this program brings free legal aid directly to farmers, whether it’s land disputes, tenancy issues, fake land titles, or confusing contracts. These lawyers aren't sitting behind fancy desks all day, they’re on the ground, literally meeting farmers in barangay halls, under mango trees, and even beside carabaos!

💬 “Adda tulong kadakami!"

("There's help for us!") says Mang Ernesto, a tenant farmer from Cagayan province. For the first time, he understands his rights, thanks to an Abogado ti Mannalon who explained the law in Ilocano, not in legalese! “Ti abogado ket kasla kaduak a makidanggay!” ("The lawyer is like my companion in the fight!") he beams.

🌟 Why It Matters

Farming feeds the nation—but many farmers don’t know their rights, or can’t afford a lawyer. With Abogado ti Mannalon, justice is no longer a luxury—it’s a right, planted firmly in the soil of social justice.

🚜 Field Office or Field Work?

These legal eagles don’t just work behind desks, they visit sitios and far-flung barangays, giving lectures, holding consultations, and even mediating conflicts. They're like legal "caravans," rolling into towns to sow seeds of hope.

So next time you pass a rice paddy, remember: somewhere out there, a real-life legal hero is helping a farmer stand tall.

👨‍🌾💼 Abogado ti Mannalon: Para iti Mannalon, Para iti Pagilian!

(Lawyers for the farmers, for the nation!)

Regional Grand Bagsakan and 2nd Negosyo Agraryo Fair 2025 Returns to Lucky Chinatown Mall

Binondo, Manila – August 1, 2025 — The vibrant flavors, crafts, and culture of Region 2 have once again taken center stage as the Regional Grand Bagsakan and 2nd Negosyo Agraryo Fair 2025 opened its doors at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila. Running from July 30 to August 3, the event showcases an exciting array of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) products from across the Cagayan Valley Region.

Organized through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and partner agencies, the fair aims to promote inclusive growth by providing local entrepreneurs, especially agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), a strategic venue to market their products and expand their reach beyond regional borders.

Visitors can explore an array of goods, from processed food, organic produce, handicrafts, native wear, and wellness items, to award-winning agricultural products such as garlic from Nueva Vizcaya, bananas from Isabela, and processed fruit and vegetable products from Cagayan. Each booth tells a story of hard work, resilience, and the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of the communities in Region 2. The event is not just a marketplace, it's a celebration of local talent, innovation, and the partnerships that empower our agrarian reform communities.

In its second year, the Negosyo Agraryo Fair continues to grow in popularity, drawing in both curious mall-goers and loyal customers seeking authentic regional products.

The Grand Bagsakan is part of DAR’s efforts to strengthen market linkages for ARBs and cooperatives under its Enterprise Development and Economic Support Services (EDESS). It also aligns with DTI’s goal to boost MSME competitiveness under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.

Shoppers, foodies, and advocates of local products are invited to visit the fair until August 3 and support the farmers and artisans of Region 2. Admission is free.                                   

Photos: DTI region 02

From the Farm to Your Table: DAR-Region 02 and Lighthouse Coop Light the Way for Farmers' Success!

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan– Something exciting just sprouted in Region 02!  The Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office II (DAR-RO2) and the ever-dynamic Lighthouse Cooperative just inked a partnership that’s bound to brighten the future of agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) across the region — and yes, your dining table might just get tastier, too.

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed with cheerful energy and shared optimism, both parties sealed their commitment to bring farm-fresh, high-quality products of ARBOs straight to wider markets, minus the middlemen, minus the stress!

More than Paper, It’s a Promise. This isn’t your typical ceremonial signing with stiff handshakes. At the heart of this agreement is a shared mission: empowering farmers, promoting local produce, and giving every Filipino a taste of what Region 02 proudly produces, processed food, coffee, and other products, such as snacks and drinks.

DAR-RO2 Regional Director Primo C. Lara, represented by OIC-Assistant Regional Director Estrelita V. Go, mentioned that the partnership is significantly beneficial, as it brings the ARBOs’ hard work out of the fields and into the spotlight. Together with Lighthouse Cooperative, represented by its General Manager, Arturo Tabbu, it will highlight the hope, dignity, and real stories behind every product.

Lighthouse: More Than a Coop, It’s a Beacon. The Lighthouse Cooperative, based in Tuguegarao City, is no stranger to innovation and community support. With its strong retail presence, digital platforms, and loyal customer base, it’s the perfect channel to showcase ARBO products. Imagine browsing your local Lighthouse store and seeing neatly packaged native goodies proudly tagged with the name of the ARBO on their labels, now on retail with a purpose.

With this agreement, expect to see more colorful product displays and the mainstreaming of ARBO products in the market. Additionally, every product purchased is a vote of support for sustainable rural development. This is the kind of agrarian reform that tastes good, feels right, and builds futures.

The next time you visit a Lighthouse Cooperative store, look for products bearing the special ARBO seal. You won’t just be shopping - you’ll be sowing seeds of change. From Region 02 with love, let’s grow together! 🌱💚

The Mauanan Baluncanag Gaddangao Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative (MBGFICC) as a thriving agrarian reform cooperative.

The Mauanan Baluncanag Gaddangao Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative (MBGFICC) is a thriving agrarian reform cooperative located in Purok 1, Baluncanag, Rizal, Cagayan, Philippines. Established in the mountainous region northwest of Tuguegarao City, MBGFICC has become a model of grassroots resilience and agricultural innovation.

Origins and Development

MBGFICC traces its roots to the 1980s when local rice farmers from the barangays of Mauanan, Baluncanag, and Gaddangao united to create the MABAGA Communal Irrigation System. This initiative aimed to ensure equitable water distribution for farming activities. In 2012, the group formalized as the MBG Farmers Irrigators Association and later registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 2018 as MBGFICC. At the time of registration, the cooperative had 36 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and assets amounting to ₱36,000.

Membership and Services

Today, MBGFICC boasts 225 members, primarily ARBs engaged in rice and corn cultivation. The cooperative offers a range of services, including production loans, discounted farm machinery services, organic fertilizer production through vermicomposting, and the sale of farm inputs at competitive rates. Additionally, MBGFICC manages irrigation systems to ensure sustainable water distribution.

Government Support and Achievements

MBGFICC has received substantial support from various government agencies. In 2015, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provided ₱31 million under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program for Small Water Impounding Systems. The cooperative also benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Enterprise Program, receiving ₱250,000 in additional capital for small lending in the form of farm inputs. 

Despite challenges such as typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic, MBGFICC demonstrated resilience by adapting its loan-giving approach and improving financial capacity through seminars and training provided by DAR. This adaptability led to a positive credit standing with the Land Bank of the Philippines, resulting in the approval of short-term loans and the acquisition of farm machinery, including a four-wheel-drive tractor and a rice combine harvester under the DA-PhilMech program. 

The Mauanan Baluncanag Gaddangao Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative (MBGFICC) in Rizal, Cagayan, has also been recognized as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). In 2022, the cooperative expanded its facilities by acquiring an additional 600 square meters of land specifically intended for the Farm Business School, aligning with its role as a beneficiary of the Agrarian Learning Site for Agriculture program.

As an LSA, MBGFICC serves as a model for sustainable farming practices, offering hands-on training and knowledge sharing to fellow farmers and community members. The cooperative's initiatives include organic fertilizer production through vermicomposting, efficient irrigation management, and the utilization of modern farm machinery. These efforts contribute to the empowerment of local farmers and the promotion of innovative agricultural techniques in the region.

Community Impact and Vision

MBGFICC has significantly contributed to the local economy by creating employment opportunities and supporting members in achieving financial stability. The cooperative's core values—Makers of dreams, Benevolence, God's loving members, Focus on one dream, Inspiring attitudes, Commitment to uplift lives, and Cooperation—guide its mission to uplift people's lives through accessible financial services, encapsulated in its motto, "No Farmers Left Behind."

MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative: From Agrarian Reform Beneficiary to Accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA)

CAGAYAN VALLEY, PHILIPPINES — In a remarkable journey from tilling the land to transforming it into a center of learning, the MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative, an agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) in Region II, has earned its distinction as an accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) under the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI).

From Land to Learning

Formed by a group of dedicated farmer-beneficiaries under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative has long been a vital force in the rural economy of its community. With strong roots in rice farming and irrigation management, the cooperative was originally organized to empower farmers through land ownership and collective productivity.

Today, it stands as more than just a farmers’ cooperative—it is a beacon of innovation and shared knowledge, recognized officially as an LSA, where it hosts learning sessions, field demonstrations, and technical trainings for farmers, youth, agricultural extension workers, and other stakeholders in the agri-fishery sector.

Building Capacity Through Agriculture

The LSA program, spearheaded by the DA-ATI, aims to recognize and support farmer-led farms that showcase effective, sustainable, and innovative farming practices. The MBG cooperative fits this mold perfectly. Its members have adopted diversified and climate-resilient farming systems that include:

• Palay production using water-efficient irrigation systems

• Integrated rice-fish farming

• Vermicomposting and organic fertilizer production

• Use of farm machinery for postharvest processing

As an LSA, MBG now serves as a hands-on learning venue where trainees can engage directly with actual farming processes—from land preparation and crop production to marketing and cooperative management.

Agrarian Reform in Action

The MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative’s recognition as an LSA also underscores the success of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s support services, particularly in ARBO development and sustainability. With the backing of DAR and its partnership with DA-ATI, cooperatives like MBG are not only increasing farm productivity but also fostering a new generation of farmer-leaders and agri-entrepreneurs.

Empowering Rural Communities

For members of the cooperative and the broader community, the impact has been transformative. Local farmers now have access to technical training without the need to travel far, while young people are being drawn back to agriculture through MBG’s inclusive, community-based learning approach.

“Our farm is not just a source of livelihood—it is a classroom, a laboratory, and a place of hope,” says [Cooperative Chairperson/Manager], highlighting the importance of farmer-led learning in rural development.

The Road Ahead

As MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative continues to grow in its dual role as a productive ARBO and a Learning Site for Agriculture, it envisions further innovation, partnerships, and youth engagement. Plans are underway to expand its demonstration areas, host more specialized trainings, and serve as a model for other ARBOs aspiring to become LSAs.

Its success story is a testament to what can happen when agrarian reform, cooperative empowerment, and agricultural education converge, building not only better farms but stronger, self-sustaining communities.

CLOA Titles: Once a CLOA, always a CLOA.

“Once a CLOA, always a CLOA” under RA 9700: What Does It Really Mean? 🧑‍🌾

Imagine this: You’re a farmer who just received land from the government through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). You hold in your hands the golden ticket of agrarian reform — the Certificate of Land Ownership Award, better known as the CLOA. 🎫🏡

But wait! This isn’t just any land title. It’s special. It’s a badge of honor. It says, “You earned this land through agrarian justice!”

Now here comes the golden rule:

🗣️ “Once a CLOA, Always a CLOA!”

That means:

• You can’t just sell it to the highest bidder 💰🚫
• You can’t turn it into a mall or resort without proper permission 🏢🙅‍♂️
• Even after 10 years, if you transfer it, it must go to another farmer or the government, not just anyone with deep pockets! 👩‍🌾➡️👨‍🌾

The land must stay with farmers, for farming, and for the future of food security and rural development. 🌾🥕🍚

It’s like a “forever” commitment. Not to a person, but to the mission of agrarian reform. ❤️

So whether it’s Day 1 or Year 50, if your land was awarded under CLOA, it stays within the CARP system. It’s not a stepping stone to land speculation — it’s a lifeline for generations of farmers to thrive. 🌱👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💬 In short:

👉 You don’t just “own” the land — you’re entrusted with it.

👉 So wear that CLOA like a crown, farmer-king or queen! 👑

👉 Because “Once a CLOA, always a CLOA” — and that’s the law! ⚖️🌾

Farm Machinery and Equipment Turned Over by DAR-Cagayan to Five ARBOs

TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN — In response to the growing challenges brought by climate change in the agricultural sector, the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Cagayan has distributed approximately ₱1.2 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) across the province.

The official turnover ceremony was held on June 23, 2025 at the DARPO Cagayan Compound in Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City. The event was led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Val Cristobal, PARPO I Glenn A. Follante, and OIC-CARPO for Program Beneficiaries Development Division Christian Sales, together with other DARPO officials and personnel. Representatives and members of the recipient ARBOs also participated in the ceremony.

The five recipient ARBOs are:

• Lizardo Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Lucban, Abulug

• MSRT Culung Credit Cooperative of Culung, Tuao

• Dafunganay Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Dafunganay, Amulung

• Paddaya Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Paddaya, Aparri

• Logac Farmers Agriculture Cooperative of Logac, Lallo

A total of approximately 260 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are expected to directly benefit from the distributed machinery and tools.

The agricultural equipment turned over includes:

• Four hand tractors with trailers

• One floating tiller

• One compact tiller rotavator

• Seven brush cutters with rice harvester attachments

• Eleven knapsack sprayers

• Thirteen pressure washers

• One rice transplanter

• Seven water pumps

In their messages, the DAR officials emphasized that the farm machinery granted to the cooperatives represents the fulfillment of a long-time dream of many ARBs. They encouraged the ARBOs to treat the equipment as their own—to care for, maintain, and maximize their use so that more members can benefit over a longer period.

This initiative forms part of the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) Program of DAR, which aims to strengthen the capacity of agrarian reform communities to adapt to climate change by introducing innovative and efficient agricultural solutions.

Through this program, DAR-Cagayan hopes to reduce production costs, increase yields, and boost income among ARBs—paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable farming future in the province.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WpMUYA97Js

PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/darcagayanIO/posts/pfbid0uBazEkMfbrerYdgmhQiiQdZi9Lqdqq4ZSAtBxZ4SCoTDH2Pues9BdXFGzvEikvKol

Court Orders Government to Pay ₱28.48 Billion to Hacienda Luisita

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeals (CA) has mandated the Philippine government to compensate Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) with ₱28.48 billion for 4,500 hectares of land redistributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). This decision overturns a previous valuation of ₱304 million by the Tarlac Regional Trial Court, which the CA deemed insufficient and not in line with Section 17 of the CARP law, emphasizing the need for "real, substantial, full, ample, just and fair" compensation.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Land Bank of thePhilippines (LBP) were directed to pay the amount as of April 30, 2025, with interest accruing until full payment is made. However, LBP has clarified its non-liability, stating it was removed as a party to the case in 2024 and serves solely as a custodian of public funds.

The DAR has filed a motion for reconsideration, arguing that the CA's valuation did not adequately consider the factors outlined in the CARP law. If denied, the department may elevate the case to the Supreme Court.

This ruling is the latest development in the protracted legal battle over Hacienda Luisita, a sugar estate owned by the Cojuangco family. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the distribution of the land to farmer-beneficiaries in 2012, with compensation to be based on the 1989 land valuation.

As the case continues, it remains a focal point in discussions about land reform and equitable compensation in the Philippines.

• The case revolves around the just compensation owed to HLI for lands distributed to farmers under CARP. 

• The Previous Ruling:

  The Tarlac City Regional Trial Court (acting as a Special Agrarian Court) previously affirmed a valuation of P304 million plus interest, set by Landbank and adopted by DAR. 

• The CA's Decision:

  The CA ruled that this valuation was insufficient and ordered a higher payment based on valuation guidelines outlined in Republic Act 6657, taking into account factors like actual production data and delayed payment. 

• Landbank's Position:

  While Landbank acknowledges the CA's decision, it emphasizes that the ruling is not yet final and that it will comply with any final court directives. 

• DAR's Role:

  DAR has already filed a motion for reconsideration and is awaiting a resolution. If the motion is denied, DAR may elevate the case to the Supreme Court. 

• Significance:

  This decision is significant because it addresses the long-standing issue of land distribution at Hacienda Luisita and the fair compensation owed to the landowner. It also highlights the complexities involved in determining just compensation in agrarian reform cases. 

Sunrise Multipurpose Cooperative: Cultivating Community Prosperity in Gattaran, Cagayan though DAR's VLFED project

In the verdant landscapes of Gattaran, Cagayan, the Sunrise Multipurpose Cooperative (SMPC), an agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO), stands as a beacon of community-driven development and agricultural innovation. Established in Cappisayan Sur, SMPC has been instrumental in transforming the lives of local farmers through sustainable practices and enterprise development.

Empowering Farmers through the VLFED Program

The Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program has been pivotal in SMPC's journey. This initiative aims to bolster rural enterprises by providing essential support in processing, marketing, and capacity building. Through VLFED, SMPC has enhanced its production capabilities, ensuring that local farmers can process and market their products effectively, thereby increasing their income and community resilience. 

The DAR-VLFED project transformed the Sunrise Multipurpose Cooperative from a small farm-based group into a fully operational, FDA-registered rural enterprise. By leveraging local produce, boosting processing capacity, and opening new markets, VLFED empowered SMPC to uplift the lives of its agrarian reform beneficiaries while stimulating inclusive rural development in Gattaran. With funding and technical support from VLFED, SMPC was able to:

• Upgrade its processing facility for Bugnay wine and fruit preserves.

• Acquire food-grade equipment such as fermenters, bottling tools, pasteurizers, and labeling machines, enabling them to comply with FDA standards.

• Improve product quality, shelf-life, and packaging appeal, leading to better consumer trust and competitiveness.

Signature Product: Bugnay Wine

One of SMPC's standout products is its Bugnay wine, crafted from the indigenous wild berries abundant in the region. This fruit wine not only offers a unique taste but also boasts health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and essential minerals. The production of Bugnay wine has provided an alternative income source for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), showcasing the potential of value-added agricultural products. 

Community Engagement and Support

Beyond economic endeavors, SMPC has demonstrated a strong commitment to community welfare. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperative actively participated in relief efforts, distributing food packs and meals to affected families and frontliners. This spirit of bayanihan underscores SMPC's role as not just an economic entity but a cornerstone of community solidarity.

Collaborative Growth and Future Prospects

SMPC's integration into the Cagayan Cooperative Union, comprising 23 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, exemplifies its collaborative approach to regional development. By sharing resources and best practices, these cooperatives aim to amplify their impact, fostering a more robust and interconnected agricultural sector in Cagayan. 

As SMPC continues to harness programs like VLFED and engage in community-centric initiatives, it sets a precedent for how cooperatives can drive sustainable development, blending economic growth with social responsibility.