ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government has approved P75 million in loans for seven cooperatives, with P70 million earmarked to strengthen palay trading and agricultural production in six municipalities, in a major financing initiative aimed at supporting farmers and sustaining rural livelihoods.
The financial assistance, approved through the Office of the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer (OPCDO), is intended to help agricultural cooperatives expand their operations, strengthen their participation in the rice industry, and improve economic opportunities in farming communities.
Of the P75-million allocation, P70 million will be extended to six cooperatives under the Mangunguma Sapnayon Palay Price and Production Support Program (MSPPPSP), while the remaining P5 million will support a cooperative under the Provincial Livelihood Project Fund (PLPF).
The provincial government formally recognized the seven beneficiaries during the culmination of the 2026 Provincial Cooperative Month celebration in Carles, Iloilo, on October 23.
OPCDO head Atty. Arturo C. “Bong” Cangrejo and Carles Mayor Arnold Betita II led the ceremonial distribution of checks to representatives of the beneficiary cooperatives.
However, the OPCDO clarified that the actual release of the approved loan proceeds is still being processed following the ceremonial turnover.
6 agricultural cooperatives to benefit
The Southern Iloilo Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Oton and the Pototan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pototan secured the largest allocations at P15 million each.
Four other cooperatives were approved for P10 million each: Kooperatiba Naton Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Tigbauan, Pinili Development Cooperative in New Lucena, Barotac Nuevo Development Cooperative in Barotac Nuevo, and Guimbal Development Cooperative in Guimbal.
Meanwhile, the PRO6 Development Cooperative was granted P5 million under the PLPF to support its livelihood initiatives and business operations.
The MSPPPSP provides financing to qualified cooperatives engaged in palay trading and agricultural production, helping them sustain and expand their farming-related activities.
The PLPF, on the other hand, offers soft loans to accredited cooperatives to strengthen livelihood projects and support their business operations.
Strengthening rural economies
The P70-million allocation for agricultural cooperatives underscores the provincial government’s emphasis on strengthening the role of organized farmers and cooperative enterprises in Iloilo’s agricultural economy.
By providing access to financing, the program seeks to improve cooperatives’ capacity to engage in palay trading, sustain agricultural production, and support the livelihood needs of their members.
The initiative also recognizes the importance of cooperatives as economic organizations that help farming communities participate more actively in agricultural commerce.
Access to financing is particularly important for agricultural cooperatives whose operations require substantial working capital for purchasing palay, supporting production activities, and maintaining business operations.
The provincial government said the two financing programs form part of its continuing efforts to empower cooperatives, sustain local livelihoods, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Iloilo.
With the loans already approved, the next step is the completion of the processing and release of funds to the seven beneficiary cooperatives.
The actual disbursement will enable the recipients to begin utilizing the financial assistance for their respective agricultural, livelihood, and business activities./PN
