SPADe: Strengthening abaca cooperatives in Mindanao

On February 12-14, the GIZ SPADe Project supported a benchmarking study on abaca consolidation and marketing in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Participants visited Farmers Alternative for Self-Reliance Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FARSMCO) in Agusan del Sur and San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) in Agusan del Norte to exchange best practices, strengthen networks, and explore market opportunities.

This initiative brought together the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), the IP Women’s Cooperative, and other abaca farmers' cooperatives. Representing Surigao del Sur are Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Cagwait Producers Cooperative (SAMACAPCO), Matikdum Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (MAFAMCO), Barangay Pong-on Farmers Organization, and Kabanayen-an Alang sa Malambuong Panginabuhian (KAMAANAN).

By learning from successful models, we aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of abaca cooperatives in Caraga. Let’s work together to promote peace-driven investments and community-led growth!

The SPADe project is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Developent (BMZ).