The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently extended significant support to a cooperative in Santa Maria, Romblon, comprising coconut farmers. A grant amounting to ₱321,058 was awarded under the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE-AMP).
DOLE Romblon stated in a press release that the funds would be allocated to purchase tools and equipment for the Sta. Maria Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SMCFAC). This enhancement aims to improve the cooperative's productivity, safety, and operational capabilities, particularly in managing store operations, inventory tracking, sales monitoring, and financial management.
Since its inception, SMCFAC has been a recipient of various government programs, including those from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
These initiatives have significantly bolstered the cooperative, which operates a Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Oil (RBDO) facility. Beyond coconut oil production, the group also engages in herbal soap production and runs convenience stores that contribute to local economic growth and employment opportunities.
SMCFAC Chairman Patrocinio C. Dela Vega, Sr., expressed gratitude for the assistance, emphasizing its critical role in advancing the cooperative’s development and enhancing members’ livelihoods.
“This support is vital for the continued progress of our cooperative and for improving the lives of our members,” Dela Vega said, assuring that the grant would be utilized effectively for the benefit of the community.
DOLE Romblon Provincial Director Phil Ruga reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to transitioning informal workers to formal employment through livelihood assistance and skills training. Ruga highlighted DOLE’s partnerships with other government agencies as essential to the success of these programs.
The DOLE-AMP, formalized under DOLE Department Order No. 241, series of 2024, provides proactive measures to address challenges faced by workers and enterprises, particularly in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. The program seeks to alleviate the effects of economic disruptions and deliver targeted support to vulnerable communities.
