DTI deploys shared service facility for Laguna coconut cooperative

Workers in the coconut industry in Laguna stand to benefit from a new shared service facility the Department of Trade and Industry launched recently.

 

In a news release, the DTI said the "Lingap sa Nayon ng Barangay Anglas Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Lingap)" in Cavinti is Calabarzon’s second to be awarded this year.

 

"Lingap is a group of coconut farmers organized in 1994 with 34 members engaged in coconut production and is registered with the Cooperative Development Authority," the DTI said.

 

Earlier, the DTI awarded a dry powder packing equipment worth P353,000 to Pinagdanlayan Rural Improvement Club in Dolores, Quezon, for its instant salabat production.

 

The new service facility includes of a gas engine-powered decorticating machine, a baling machine (box baler), a gas engine-driven winnowing/peat screening machine, a 300-kg digital weighing scale, 40 sets of wooden twining machine, 5 units of twin twisting machine, and 10 sets of loom costing around P960,000.

 

With the facility, the cooperative can process coconut husks into various products such as coir, peat, ropes and geo-nets that will be sold in the local market.

 

Also, the DTI said the SSF project should directly impact on the generation of jobs, exports and investments.

 

Jobs creation

 

Noel Florido of Cocos Nucifera Pacific Enterprises said at least 108 jobs will be generated with the facility.

 

DTI Calabarzon regional director Marilou Toledo underscored the role of the micro and other community-based enterprises in driving the local economy.

 

DTI assistant secretary for regional operations Blesila Lantayona said the SSF is one among the compendium of integrated government services for SME development.  — ELR, GMA News