Southern Mindanao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SDMC) started initial talks with Biao Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BARBCO) for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Supplementary Feeding Program of the DSWD. The partnership aims to provide packed champorado utilizing SDMC-produced tablea to the 52 Day Care children of the municipality of Sta. Maria, province of Davao Occidental.
In a MOA signing between the two organizations last 17 November 2020, it was stipulated that SDMC will supply quality cacao beans to BARBCO. The latter as the anchor organization in the partnership, will provide technical and marketing assistance in cacao production and DTI for the business development services, processing equipment/facilities, among others. BARBCO is a Davao City-based cooperative, primarily engaged in cocoa production, marketing, cocoa liquor & chocolate production.
The EPAHP was formed after the success of the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program of the DAR, DSWD and DA in 2016, originally aimed at helping farmers’ livelihood and the production of staples needed for the Supplementary Feeding Program for Residential Care Facilities.
The enhanced features of the EPAHP include: credit assistance to support food production and processing, steady markets to community-based organizations and support services from partner agencies in the region.
“Daghang salamat sa mga kaayohan nga miabot sa among kooperatiba” (Thank you for all the great help to our cooperative) said a beaming Preciano “Bebot” Natad, chairman of Southern Mindanao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SDMC).
The partnership of these two organizations and the assistance of regional agencies is part of Davao Region’s response to the national government’s call to participate in the execution of EPAHP, particularly with the aims of increasing productivity, maintaining nutrition and food security and combating poverty and hunger in the countryside.
EPAHP is tied to the government’s Sustainable Development Goals, Ambisyon Natin 2040, Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, Masustansiyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, Kalusugan At Nutrisyon Ng Mag-Nanay Act, Sagip Saka Act and other directives of President Rodrigo Duterte intended to reduce poverty incidence to below 14% at the end of his term.
