A multipurpose cooperative in the municipality of Barbaza, Antique has embarked on value-adding of its agricultural produce with support coming from different government agencies and is now producing “Deliciously Healthy”, providing its members with higher income.
Deliciously Healthy is the brand name of various products the Esparar MultiPurpose Cooperative (MPC) processed into vegetable sticks, special canton with malunggay, turmeric powder, ginger powder, malunggay powder, and batuan (Garcinia binucao) powder.
Cooperative manager Zenia Nacionales said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provided them training on food processing.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) made them a cooperator of the shared service facility (SSF) on food processing and packaging in 2017.
The cooperative, organized and registered with the Cooperative Development Authority on Dec. 2, 1994, has 428 members composed of farmers, landless workers and professionals.
“The Esparar MPC is composed of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from barangays of Esparar, Magtulis, and Igpalje in Barbaza who are producing vegetables like squash, malunggay and saluyot (jute leaves) processed into veggie sticks and other food products,” she said.
Ten members work as food processors, earning PHP300 to PHP350 a day.
“Other members help if we need additional workforce based on the orders we receive,” she added.
A pack of the 85-gram vegetable sticks is sold for PHP65, while a 120-gram is PHP85.
Further, a 100-gram pouch of batuan powder costs PHP150 and PHP300 for 200 grams.
The cooperative earns from PHP20,000 to PHP30,00 monthly, compared to their previous income of PHP5,000.
Its market includes school canteens in Barbaza, souvenir shops and trade fairs.
“We are very grateful for the help extended to our cooperative by the various government agencies that have enhanced our production,” she said.
Jenny Tabalanza, DTI Antique information officer, said in a separate interview that SSF has maximized the potential of Esparar MPC to meet its objectives of productivity and efficiency. (PNA)
