DAGUPAN CITY — Two agrarian reform beneficiaries’ cooperatives (ARBOs) in Pangasinan are now empowered to open their own bakery businesses after receiving bakery livelihood kits from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
The Maresma Multipurpose Cooperative (MMPC) in Balungao and the Calapugan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CARe.Co) in Natividad were given the said kits, which include stainless steel tables, bread racks, mixers, and ten bags of Pilmico flour, amounting to ₱437,250. Of this figure, ₱311,750 was allocated for the equipment, while ₱125,500 was designated for technical support and bakery management training.
Further, members also underwent hands-on training in bread-making, with additional cake-making training scheduled this September. This will ensure that the cooperatives are well-prepard to expand and diversify their product offerings.
Sally Madriaga, MMPC chair, said the cooperative plans to sell classic merienda items such as pandesal, cheese bread, ensaymada, pan de coco, donuts, and made-to-order pizza at their soft opening this month. They will begin offering these products once they have mastered the recipes and received the remaining ingredients.
Madriaga, expressed her gratitude for receiving the bakery kits from DAR, in collaboration with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation (PANC). This initiative is part of PANC Project Farina: Empowering Bakers in North Luzon, which seeks to support local bakers and enhance their economic stability in the region.
“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa DAR, Pilmico at Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. sa pagkakataon na kami po napili at pinagkatiwalaang mabigyang bakery kits para sa dagdag kita at trabaho para sa aming cooperative at magkaroon ng arawan na kita,” said Madriaga.
(We are very grateful to DAR, PILMICO, and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. for the opportunity to be chosen and trusted with these bakery kits. This support will provide our cooperative with extra income and work, and potentially lead to a daily income.)
She stated that aside from the potential income, the bakery kits also provide significant support to MMPC members who wish to pursue work as bakers.
The two ARBOs were endorsed by DAR to Pilmico due to their existing production centers and their location in remote areas. Establishing a bakery is expected to improve the local baking industry and offer substantial support to these communities.
Charlotte F. Lasmarias, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II of DAR Pangasinan, emphasized their agency’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ livelihoods by collaborating with various organizations to increase the income of agrarian reform beneficiaries and urged the recipients to make the most of the support provided through these programs.
“Prayoridad ng DAR na mapabuti ang buhay ng ating mga magsasaka. Handa po kaming makipagtulungan sa ibang ahensya upang madagdagan ang kita ng ating mga ARBOs. Ang aming hiling lang po ay pag-ingatan at paunlarin ang anumang tulong na naiaabot sa inyo.” Lasmarias sad.
(DAR’s priority is to enhance the lives of our farmers. We are committed to collaborating with other agencies to boost the income of our ARBOs. Our only request is that you take good care of and fully develop any support you receive.)
The two Project Farina beneficiaries received their Pilmico Bakery Livelihood Kits on Aug. 18, after completing baseline assessments, validation, and ocular site inspections conducted by the foundation earlier this year. (PIA Pangasinan)
