Dr. Gerry S. Avila, Chief of DA7’s Field Operations Division, who represented the Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA7) during the LMPC’s 34th Annual and 14th Representative Assembly held recently in Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu, expressed gratitude to LMPC for their role played, being the big brother of the small farmers associations. They served as a model in the implementation of Clustering and Consolidation initiatives in Central Visayas.

LMPC, he said, is a strong partner of the agri sector, aligning its efforts with the DA Secretary’s 10-point agenda.

“Our current focus now is on clustering and consolidation, which enhances economies of scale, improves market access, and strengthens bargaining power. Lamac MPC has already demonstrated these practices successfully as a cooperative. All we want for LMPC to be the vehicle of changing the countryside into a more dynamic rural economies,” Avila said.

He emphasized the importance of empowering farmers to become agri-entrepreneurs, saying “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. We must strengthen that backbone by equipping the farmers with marketing strategies, production planning, and cost-reduction techniques. Through clustering, LMPC members can market their products collectively, addressing market demands more effectively while reducing logistics costs.”

He also encouraged the Lamac MPC to continue their cause, engaging with the broader community and assisting other organizations in adopting similar initiatives.

LMPC has partnered with the companies like Jollibee Foundation Corporation through the Agro-entrepreneurship Clustering Approach (AECA).

Also featured in the assembly were an agro-fair, showcasing agri-fishery products and by-products for sale.

Aside from DA, other government agencies, lending conduits, private partners and representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were invited, underscoring a united effort to promote sustainable agriculture and cooperative growth.