BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has reinforced its commitment to empowering farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives by awarding a ₱5-million financial grant to the Perlas ng Silangan Multipurpose Cooperative (PERLASS Coop) of Surigao City under the Agri-Enterprise Capability Enhancement Assistance (AECEA) Program.

The financial assistance, formally turned over on Wednesday by DA-13 Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oñate Jr., aims to strengthen the cooperative's aquaculture production, improve product consolidation, and expand its agribusiness operations to generate greater economic opportunities for its members.

The grant was received by PERLASS Coop officers led by Chairperson Lea Sarvida, who expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for its continued support in advancing community-based agricultural enterprises.

According to Sarvida, a significant portion of the funding will be invested in the construction of a Norwegian Fish Cage System and a prefabricated container storage facility, both of which are expected to improve the cooperative's aquaculture production capacity, enhance fish handling, and increase operational efficiency.

The cooperative also plans to acquire a delivery vehicle to improve the transport and distribution of its products to wider markets, allowing members to reach more customers and strengthen market linkages. In addition, ₱1 million of the grant has been allocated as working capital to support the cooperative's day-to-day operations and sustain future business expansion.

The Agri-Enterprise Capability Enhancement Assistance (AECEA) is one of the flagship financial assistance programs of the Department of Agriculture's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service. The initiative seeks to build the capacity of farmers' and fisherfolk organizations by providing grants that enhance production, processing, marketing, and enterprise development.

The funding support reflects the government's continuing efforts to modernize Philippine agriculture and fisheries by strengthening cooperative enterprises, increasing productivity, and improving the income of farming and fishing communities.

Through strategic investments in infrastructure, logistics, and enterprise development, DA-13 hopes to help organizations like PERLASS Coop become more competitive, sustainable, and resilient while contributing to food security and local economic growth in the Caraga Region.

The latest grant underscores the Department of Agriculture's commitment to empowering rural communities by transforming cooperatives into dynamic agri-enterprises capable of creating employment, expanding market access, and improving the quality of life of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA) / Department of Agriculture – Caraga Region

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR