JPIC: Center for the Poor Agriculture Cooperative

Richie Gomes, MSC. On March 15, 2020, amidst challenges and uncertainties, the MSC-Center for the Poor Agriculture Cooperative (CEPAGCO) was born at Del Monte, Talocogon, Agusan del Sur. This cooperative, initially a single FCA cluster, quickly became a beacon of hope for various sectors, including indigenous peoples and former rebels. Their journey began with a commitment to voluntarism, focusing on enhancing human development through values formation. In a testament to their dedication, CEPAGCO collaborated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, investing over 4,5 million pesos to aid those affected by typhoon Odette in the region.

Amidst the unprecedented challenges of 2020, with Covid-19 restrictions impacting farmers and disrupting food supply chains, CEPAGCO emerged as a food security frontline, addressing the immediate needs of communities. They also embraced sustainable practices, aiming to heal the land while ensuring food production. Leveraging the recirculating dryer facility provided by DA Caraga, they consolidated rice produce, including organic variants, promoting their health benefits through initiatives like the AMAD Organic Expo and the Kadiwa program.
Starting with 125 members, they rapidly expanded to 398 members post-F2C2. They diversified into value-added products like mushroom produce and optimised rica drying processes using DA’s facilities. Their production area grew from 120 to 235 hectares, resulting in a significant increase in production from 576 metric tons to 1.128 metric tons. CEPAGCO forged partnerships with entities like the Golden Seeds Consumers Cooperative, supplying organic and white rice and showcasing their market reach and impact.

CEPAGCO’s earnings skyrocketed from 89,000 pesos in 2021 to an impressive 669,000 pesos in 2022-2023. By implementing the F2C2 model, they diversified into commodities like corn, adlai, and multiplier chicken, further enhancing their economic resilience and community impact. The story of CEPAGCO is a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Through their journey, they not only overcame challenges but also thrived, empowering communities and fostering economic growth. CEPAGCO’s success story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the transformative impact of clustering and consolidation approaches in agriculture and community development.