Tacloban: Two farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Eastern Visayas have secured financial grants under the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Program, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here said on Thursday. Baybay Dairy Cooperative received PHP2 million, which will be used for key operational upgrades, including the acquisition of a new delivery truck and a milk homogenizer. The Talolora Farmers Association of Palapag, Northern Samar, was granted PHP300,000, earmarked to augment its trading capital and strengthen its market activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the grant is expected to boost their operational capacity and improve direct market access for the FCAs' agricultural products, DA Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapa±as said in a statement. The Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program provides eligible farmers' cooperatives, community organizations, and local government units with grants of up to PHP5 million.

The funds are intended for essential operational improvements such as equipment purchase, logistics support, vehicle acquisition, working capital for processing and retail distribution, and the establishment of Kadiwa stores, Macapa±as explained. Under the program, grants can be used for the rehabilitation of Kadiwa centers, including the trading capital, and procurement of delivery vehicles and equipment such as freezers, chillers, crates, and weighing scales.