Cagayan de Oro City, November 26, 2024 – In a significant boost to local dairy production and marketing, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) handed over two refrigerated vans to the Pangantucan Maramag Kalilangan Farmers’ Dairy Cooperative (PAMAKA FDC) under its KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program.
The turnover ceremony, held at the DA-10 compound, marked the agency’s commitment to supporting its dairy farmer-members in enhancing milk production, processing, and distribution. The project, valued at PHP 4.375 million, was primarily funded by DA-AMAD 10 with a PHP 3.5 million grant, while the cooperative contributed PHP 875,000.
The event was led by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) chief Larry E. Paraluman, who officially turned over the vans to PAMAKA FDC Chairperson Rodolfo M. Belleza and Coop Manager Gemma P. Apaap.
Expressing gratitude, Chairperson Belleza shared, “I am very grateful to the DA for granting us two refrigerated vans that we can use to deliver milk products to our partnered programs in different cities and municipalities.”
PAMAKA FDC, comprising 185 dairy farmers, offers a variety of milk-based products such as fresh milk, flavored milk, and milk bars, with plans to introduce pastillas and ice cream soon. The cooperative operates its own display center and supplies products to government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which implement feeding programs in five towns in Misamis Occidental and three municipalities in Bukidnon, including Pangantucan, Maramag, and Kalilangan.
Also present at the turnover were AMAD Development Section Chief Mae Carmela G. Fabela and farmer-members of the cooperative, who celebrated the milestone for their community.
The provision of refrigerated vans is expected to enhance the coop’s operational efficiency, ensuring better delivery of dairy products while maintaining quality. The initiative reflects the DA-10’s continuous efforts to empower local farmers and strengthen the region’s dairy industry.