OE-NADA [Organization and Enterprise-Needs Assessment and Design Assessment] of the proposed ARCCESS [Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services] sub-project: coconut productivity enhancement and trading in San Juan, Batangas [Philippines] (Final Report)

One of the proposed sub-projects of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project is the 'Coconut Productivity Enhancement and Trading' in Laiya, Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas [Philippines]. Intended for the SAPAGLAYA MPC [Multipurpose Cooperative], the sub-project aims to improve coconut productivity and income of ARBs [Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries] cooperative in managing agri-enterprise. Specifically, it aims to: 1) provide trainings on coconut productivity improvement and farming systems to 103 ARBs from 2012 to 2013, 2) develop linkages with the LGU [local government unit] and the PCA [Philippine Coconut Authority] to facilitate the provision of fertilizers to support coconut productivity in about 50 hectares by 2013, 3) increase yield from 2.18 tons to 2.83 tons per hectare per year, 4) develop a viable agri-enterprise through the provision of elf truck and business development services, 5) facilitate marketing tie-ups with agri-firms/buyers, and 6) strengthen partnership with the LGU and the PCA for the complimentation of activities and resources. It has two major components: 1) fertilization of coconut which involves the collaboration with the LGU and PCA to conduct trainings on coconut productivity improvement and farming systems, as well as provide fertilizers and agri-extension services to ARBs, and 2) coconut marketing in which the selected ARBO will be provided with an elf truck. The study conducted three focus discussions (FGDs) to gather primary data: one with ARBO members and officers, another one with ARBO members only, and lastly with non-ARBO members. The Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer and Development Facilitator were also interviewed. Secondary data were also gathered from various documents. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the ARBO as well as its opportunities and threats given its current environment, it is recommended that the proposed sub-project particularly coconut trading should not be implemented. At this point, the ARBO has no enough capital base to operate a coconut trading enterprise. Moreover, its manager nor its current set of officers do not have the experience nor the skills to run this kind of business. They also do not have the required information to engage in coconut trading foremost of which is the fluctuation of coconut prices and probable markets. Furthermore, with the restriction of the DBM on the provision of hauling trucks, costs of operations will increase further thereby affecting project profitability. Another coconut-based sub-project could be considered for the coop and this may include production of souvenir items like wall decors, key chains and even production of lambanog [coconut liquor] and vinegar. Products such as buko [young coconut meat] and buko-ube [yam] pies and buko pancit sold by 'Coconut House' in Quezon City [Philippines] may also be looked into. Engaging in these projects will not require large capital which is suitable to the coop considering that it does not have large financial resources and is credit averse. Meanwhile, unemployed and underemployed women in the community can be tapped and trained for the livelihood project. The service provider that DAR will be hiring can assess the demand of tourists for these products in the area. In the meantime that the alternative sub-project is being studied by the service provider, the intended on increasing farm productivity and farming systems could be started. Moreover, to ensure that the pests do not attack the community, trainings on this topic should also be conducted.