TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Office of the City Agricultural Services (OCAS) has recently accredited three rural-based farmers associations involved in food processing and tree propagation.
These are the Sungadan Magasuso, Masuni Matagoan and Burayucan Association.
Clarita Ancheta, OCAS agriculturist, reported that the Sungadan Magasuso in barangay Bulo makes foods products from the banana like banana chips and banana cue.
Meanwhile, the Masuni Matagoan and Burayucan Balong Association propagate gmelina tree for sale on 100-acre and 50-acre plantation areas, respectively.
According to Balong barangay captain Jerry Doctolero, the propagation of gmelina trees was a suggestion from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) which gave them enough seedlings to support the two organizations.
Assisted by Crispica Buco, also of the OCAS, Doctolero said CENRO assists them in the proper management of the plants.
OCAS said that the newly-accredited farmer-organizations complied with all the eligibility requirements for accreditation from the regional office of Department of Agriculture which permit them to avail of the services offered by the agency to become more effective agents for the improvement of farming systems in the countryside.
The requirements for accreditation are certificate of registration, latest certification of good standing from Securities and Exchange Commission or the Department of Labor and Employment, audited financial statement for the last two years, barangay certification, and endorsement from the city or provincial agriculturist.
”Being an accredited rural-based association is advantageous because DA will provide agricultural equipment and other resources including additional seeds which help associations achieve their vision,” OCAS Agriculturist Fatima Solimen said.