COTABATO CITY—Five cooperatives in the Special Geographic Area (SGA-BARMM) received units of processing equipment worth P250,000 from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to enhance production capacity and maximize the quality of their products.
The cooperatives are all from Barangay Clusters of Pigcawayan, Pikit, Carmen, and Kabacan, North Cotabato.
These include Bandara Kadingilan Women’s Association engaged in dried fish making, Asatidz Mangungaya Association (AMA) – cassava chips maker, Pikit 2 Catalyst Association (P2CA) – peanut butter producer, Integrated Bangsamoro & Agricultural Development Association – coconut vinegar making, and Kapalawan Women’s Association – chicken kagikit processor.
Monawara Abdulbadie, MOST Chief Science and Technology, said during the turnover of the equipment last Nov. 22-24 that the support provided by the Bangsamoro Government through MOST is a ‘great source of gratitude for us.’
“MOST has reached out to help you through technological intervention, aiming to enhance your product. Make the most of the processing equipment to maximize the production of a variety of products,” she stressed.
Abdulbadie also expressed her hopes for the success of each cooperative, envisioning their products to be displayed in various markets.
“Even with a small turnover, it can greatly contribute to the processing of your raw materials. Hopefully, we’ll see your products in grocery stores and many other markets soon,” she added.
Alimudin Manamba, AMA President, expressed gratitude for the technological intervention, saying, “This is a big thankfulness because they provided us with equipment and renovated the production area. If we handle this business well, there might be more assistance in the future. This is a huge gratitude to MOST.”
Noraida Sansaluna, President of Pikit 2 Catalyst Association (P2CA), expressed her surprise and gratitude, stating, “I didn’t expect us to reach this level of goodness. We are grateful to MOST, especially to Minister Engr. Aida Silongan.
She said the support provided is seen as a positive way of living, appreciating the opportunity presented.
Sansaluna encouraged a commitment to enhancing the production of peanut butter and other products, pledging to take care of the resources and aiming for continual improvement.
The provision of processing equipment was implemented through the Bangsamoro Empowerment for Science and Technology (BEST) Project, which is under the MOST Technology Transfer and Commercialization Program (TTCP).
The project aims to assist newly established MSMEs in the Bangsamoro region by adhering to good manufacturing practices. This includes technology training, food safety, and halal awareness along with the provision of start-up capital.
