LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Don’t expect exact replicas of peanut butter products as this cooperative isn’t trying to follow others. Its reimagining and reinventing them with purpose and it is likely to succeed.
The Panuptuban Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC) plans to exactly do that when it enters into this lucrative business in the coming years.
For one, it intends to use only all natural- ingredients which means no use of extenders, chemical and artificial preservatives. There shall be sweetened and non-sweetened peanut butter.
As it showed, the PMPC is more than ready for the Cordilleras, Philippines and the world.
The PMPC, a fast-emerging cooperative based in Barangay Panuptuban in upland Asipulo town of Ifugao, plans to engage in the production of peanut butter and muscovado sugar as part of efforts to support the agriculture sector, especially to address the issue of job creation.
PMPC head Tessie Dillag said the cooperative would prioritize measures that create jobs and upgrade the skills of workers after the village suffered from the devastation of the super typhoon Uwan.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Dillag pointed out that “The PMPC’s plan of pursuing this livelihood project is important for so many reasons.”
“Ensuring the collective growth of our barangay as the coop provides financial support by giving gainful employment to people that empower them to live productive and meaningful lives,” she explained.
There are a number of villagers who lost their jobs and livelihood during Uwan’s catastrophe. Dillag justified the PMPC’s plan in light of this development. Is this the ultimate solution? Yes, just think of its near-term and long-term benefits.
Looking closely and seriously now at the situation in the barangay when the people are mostly poor, really matters most, as she said, “Yes, we want to help them. We are ever-ready to help our people.”
Many are totally amazed at how the PMPC answered their dreams. “We are pleased to partner with the national government in giving back to our community through this livelihood venture,” Dillag stressed.
Under the proposed plan, the PMPC shall buy farmers’ produce for the production of peanut butter and muscovado sugar.
This effort best indicates the promise to support livelihood and curb poverty incidence. The PMPC’s commitment particularly emphasizes job generation and livelihood opportunities for villagers, while contributing to the improvement of lives of farmers here and across Asipulo through higher crop production. With low farm yields, farmers end up in the list of the poorest people in the barangay.
Increasing the production of peanuts and sugar cane will provide more options for available crops of the same, which is essential for food security.
Through Enterprise Rehabilitation Fund (ERF) and pertinent adjustment measures for cooperatives as this one, cooperatives severely affected by calamities are able to recover.
The PMPC also acknowledged the need to utilize digital platforms in mapping out value and supply chains in the not-so-distant future. This highlights the importance of digital tools and solutions in propelling efficiency and growth.
Given the pervasiveness of social media, this business venture is likely to engage in online selling too.
The successfull implementation of this project is crucial to the emergence of a dynamic and self-sustaining Panuptuban barangay, ensure farmers produce more wealth and creation of business environment that inspire and support entrepreneurs through life’s journey.
By going into this venture, the PMPC is contributing to the effort of promoting inclusive and sustainable growth by enabling access to job opportunities and entrepreneurial resources. **By Anthony A. Araos
