By Sam Ramos
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has granted PHP 150, 000 to the Tigao Farmers Development Cooperative (TFDC), a Surigao del Sur-based organization, to support its copra-buying operations. The turnover ceremony took place on November 20, 2024, at the OVP satellite office in Butuan City, with Vice President Sara Duterte personally handing over the check to TFDC officers.
The grant was provided under the OVP’s “Magnegosyo Ta Day” program, an initiative aimed at boosting entrepreneurship among local organizations. The TFDC, located in Barangay Tigao, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, consists of 47 active members and has been involved in copra-buying operations since 2021. The cooperative purchases copra from its members and other coconut farmers in the community, offering competitive prices and an additional incentive for members.
TFDC Chairperson Gerson Pagara said the grant would enable the cooperative to expand its buying capacity, addressing capital limitations. Treasurer Sonia Roluna added that the funds would help the cooperative sustain its daily purchases of 200 to 300 kilos of copra, with the prevailing market price ranging between PHP45 and PHP46 per kilo.
Vice President Duterte encouraged other organizations to explore the “Magnegosyo Ta Day” program and highlighted additional OVP services such as burial and medical assistance, particularly for constituents in the Caraga region.