The Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Banna, Ilocos Norte, continues to lead the way among cooperatives nationwide in the fight against hunger and poverty, securing a total of PHP7.3 million in contracts from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) for supplementary and school-based feeding programs.
The cooperative’s sustained collaboration with both agencies benefited school children while securing a market for fresh agricultural products from food producers and agri-entrepreneurs throughout the feeding programs.
This earned the cooperative recognition as an outstanding partner in the 2026 Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Awards for its significant contribution to improving food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and supporting efforts to reduce hunger and poverty in local communities.
The recognition highlights the cooperative’s role in empowering smallholder farmers through access to improved farming inputs, training, modern agricultural practices, and better market opportunities, helping farmers increase crop yields, improve household incomes, and strengthen resilience to economic challenges.
“Your dedication is shining through. Wishing you continued growth and even greater success in the future,” Banna Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla said in a statement Monday, commending the cooperative for its recognition as one of the national awardees in the PAHP project from January to December 2025.
As one of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) under DAR-Ilocos Norte, the cooperative secured contracts amounting to PHP6,138,350.93 and supplied nutritious food to at least nine municipalities across Ilocos Norte, benefiting 3,540 children.
Another contract under the DSWD supplementary feeding program also opened opportunities for smaller cooperatives by serving as their “Big Brother.” The cooperative enabled the Camguidan MPC and Lang-ayan MPC to supply agricultural products for their respective municipalities, providing them with additional sources of income.
Through partnerships with local farmers, the cooperative promoted and marketed fresh, high-quality agricultural products while ensuring Day Care beneficiaries received nutritious meals, strengthening farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to food security and community development.
The cooperative also secured a contract with DepEd Ilocos Norte amounting to PHP1,203,393 for its school-based feeding program for elementary school learners.
“We would like to offer this award to the entire Bagnos MPC family – its management, employees, workers, officers, and members. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of every individual behind this successful endeavor,” cooperative leaders said following the awarding ceremony in Manila.
Farmer beneficiaries welcomed the recognition, saying the cooperative has enabled them to improve productivity, access reliable markets, and enhance their standard of living. They expressed optimism that continued collaboration with government agencies and development partners would further strengthen efforts to combat hunger and poverty. (PNA)
