CEBU, Philippines — Our farmers are unsung heroes as without them, we cannot have food on our tables. In an agricultural country like the Philippines, farmers should benefit from innovations and upskilling program.
RAFI Microfinance and One-to-Tree, in line with the government’s objective of food security, financial inclusion and poverty alleviation, recognize the importance of helping our farmers have access to greater value in the market chain by assisting them in building their capacities to address constraints in their market engagement.
By facilitating the implementation of the AgroEnterprise Cluster Approach (AECA) in Lamesa Farmers’ Association (LFA), providing responsive and affordable access to markets, financing (money) and business development support (including mentorship), capacity and capability trainings, we journey together with LFA in uplifting their lives, their families and their community. By organizing our farmers to actively participate in a consolidated production for collective marketing, the chances of creating a sustainable agriculture-based enterprise increase.
“This partnership will open more markets for the products of the LFA members, business development, and other forms of support with the ultimate goal of elevating the lives of these farmers and their families,” said Jonar Dorado, RAFI MFI COO.
The LFA is an association based in the town of Balamban, Cebu, with 87 active farmer-members. Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which was signed by Jonar Dorado of RAFI MFI, Anton Dignadice of OTT and Elisaldo Lapinid of Chairman of LFA on March 2, 2022, the LFA will be forming at least two clusters composed of eight farmer members each wherein RMF will then be providing each cluster with access to its financial and non-financial services.
Elisaldo Lapinid, Chairman of the Lamesa Farmer’s Association, said they are very grateful to RAFI MFI for seeing the importance of implementing the AECA Program. They are looking forward to a fruitful partnership that will not only help the members of the association but will also benefit the agro industry.
About RAFI Micro-Finance Inc.
The Microfinance Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI-MFI) provides financial and non-financial services to micro-entrepreneurs with a mission of elevating lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through stable and rewarding livelihood.
About One-to-Tree
RAFI One to Tree (OTT) offers community-based and environmentally appropriate tree growing services. It has bridged organizations, businesses, and communities to plant over 1.2M trees in the last three years. It combines best practices in forestry with periodic maintenance and monitoring of every project to greatly enhance seedling survival.
Know more about RAFI by visiting https://www.rafi.org.ph/.
