GARBECO : The Road to a Successful Brew
It started as a 30-member association back in 2008 when DAR implemented the Agrarian Reform Community program in the municipality of Sta. Monica in Siargao Islands, Province of Surigao del Norte. Agrarian reform beneficiaries were being organized into associations one of which was the Garcia Farmers Association (GAFAS). It then immediately engaged in lending business. But because of lack of experience and mismanagement, the association took a deep fall and could barely survive as a young and immature association. In less than two years it started to weaken and its members became inactive and non-participative. Slowly, it faded and eventually died.
But in 2010, a group of ARBs who were former members of GAFAS, led by Tessie M. Vertudazo, personally approached DAR for assistance to have themselves re-organized. The group decided to avail the several support services that DAR extends to ARBs who organized themselves.
Mrs. Vertudazo, in her native dialect was quoted saying, “It was the turning point in the life of our association. We bravely asked for the help and guidance of DAR because we know how DAR works with their assisted organizations.” Turning point it is. The newly revived group showed enthusiasm and displayed conviction in doing the series of association’s activities. Gradually the association found its new strength. Its membership increase to 102, extending not just farmers but even to the fishermen. Later, GAFAS was aptly renamed to Garcia Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (GAFFAS).
GAFFAS started to underwent trainings focused on cooperative strengthening, governance and management. The said trainings prepared GAFFAS to graduate into a cooperative.
In 2014, GAFFAS with the assistance from DAR through ARBDSP support services was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority under the name Garcia Farmers and Fisherfolks Credit Cooperative (GAFFARCRECO). Right there the members knew that a new ray of light has shone upon their newly-registered cooperative.
“We were so happy that we become a cooperative. We know for sure that our sacrifices are paying off. We now have a brighter future ahead” said Mrs. Vertudazo.
Wasting no time, GAFFARCRECO started to engage in turmeric herbal brew processing. A backyard activity that the members happily took part. The members processed their own turmeric powder in their homes and then sold it to GAFFARCRECO for packaging and marketing. A year after, GAFFARCRECO was able to avail of DAR’s Expanded Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Program (VLPCEP) worth P500,000.00 for its turmeric herbal brew processing.
“When we were told that our coop was identified to be a proponent of VLPCEP, we could not contain our happiness. It was the realization of our dream” said Mrs. Vertudazo.
“When the building of the processing center started, we could not help ourselves from daydreaming that our lives will be so much better now with the foreseen increase of income from our livelihood enterprise” continued Mrs. Vertudazo
said in zest.
Apart from the construction of processing center, GAFFARCRECO underwent training on good manufacturing practices, assisted in the promotional packaging of their product and had already forged linkage to prospective buyers. They also accessed trainings from DTI on good labelling, pricing and packaging.
The revival of GAFFARCRECO has brought about a wide range of impact. They received cash assistance from the local government unit of Sta. Monica in the amount of P50,000.00 as additional capital for its growing turmeric business.
The ARB-members were also able to access credit through the Agrarian Production Credit Program of the DAR for the capitalization of their turmeric plantation.
Slowly but consistently, its turmeric herbal powder has now started to gain ground in the local market. The unique brew of turmeric’s herbal powder is gently making into the everyday lives of its customers that have attested to the health benefits that it brings.
In 2017, through its amendment with the CDA, GAFFARCRECO became Garcia Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative. Eight years after, it now boasts a total assets of more than P800,000.00 and a member’s capital share of P90,000.00.
Today, GARBECO with their own resource, started expanding its processing area for their additional products. It now produces herbal powders like salabat, sambong, lagundi and malunggay that now added to the coop’s income. Truly a potent, brewing success in the lives of the members of GARBECO.
“We are far from what we want to be. But we know we will get there. One day we will be walking the track of a successful brew” said Tessie in conclusion.
- Daryll Tumbaga, PIO Surigao del Norte
