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:
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Upgrade its processing facility for Bugnay wine and fruit preserves.
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Acquire food-grade equipment such as fermenters, bottling tools, pasteurizers, and labeling machines, enabling them to comply with FDA standards.
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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.
