SATOCA Agrarian Reform Cooperative wins Best Shared Service Facilities Project Award in Western Visayas | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

Representatives from SATOCA, led by SATOCA ARC Chairperson Mr. Jose Gargar, received the plaque from the DTI Regional Office VI for being the Best Shared Service Facilities Project in Western Visayas. The award was handed by RD Rachel Nufable during the Mid-year Assessment and Planning held on July 31, 2024, at the Goldberry Hotel in Iloilo City

In a significant boost to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the SATOCA Agrarian Reform Cooperative from the Province of Negros Occidental has clinched the title of Best Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project in Western Visayas for 2024. The announcement was made during the annual SSF Mid-year Assessment and Planning held on July 31, 2024, at the Goldberry Hotel in Iloilo City.

Born out of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bottom-Up Budgeting (DTI-BUB) Program in 2015-2016, SATOCA has grown from a collection of small agricultural groups in Sagay City to a thriving cooperative. Initially comprising 22 members from Sagay, Toboso, and Calatrava municipalities, it now boasts 34 members, including associates.

The cooperative’s success story is intrinsically linked to the transformative impact of the SSF program, a flagship initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry. This program aims to enhance MSME productivity and competitiveness by providing access to advanced technology and equipment through a unique public-private partnership model.

DTI VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable said that this approach enables small businesses to access machinery, tools, and systems that enhance the productivity and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By providing better equipment and facilities, the program helps MSMEs produce higher quality products, increase efficiency, and contribute significantly to the growth of the local economy.

The cooperative’s success in the face of strong competition from other regional nominees – including projects focused on sewing facilities in Aklan, animal and livestock feed production in Antique, calamansi processing in Capiz, and a loomweaving center in Baraclayan, Iloilo – underscores the effectiveness of the SSF program in empowering local MSMEs.

SATOCA’s journey took a significant turn in late 2018 when it acquired its FDA License to Operate for its processing facility in Old Sagay. Equipped with new tools and machinery provided by the SSF, SATOCA dramatically enhanced its production capabilities and product quality. This support enabled them to expand their market reach, distributing their “Deliciously Healthy” branded products to Pasalubong Centers, One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hubs, and supermarkets across the province.

The SSF’s assistance facilitated a noteworthy partnership between SATOCA, the Department of Education – Division of Escalante, and Esheen Consumers Cooperative.

This collaboration resulted in the successful provision of Nutri-packs, including Rice-Mung Meal, Nutri-bun, and cereals, valued at ₱3,536,531.50.

SATOCA’s achievements extend beyond mere business success. The cooperative has become a beacon of hope for agrarian reform beneficiaries, demonstrating how government support, coupled with community determination, can transform lives. By increasing production capacities, improving product quality, and expanding market reach, SATOCA has not only increased sales but also generated jobs within the community.

SATOCA’s journey from a small agricultural cooperative to an award-winning enterprise shows the potential of public-private collaboration in Western Visayas. Their success, culminating in this prestigious award, demonstrates how targeted government initiatives like the SSF program can empower local businesses and drive economic growth.

This award not only recognizes SATOCA’s excellence in implementing the SSF project but also highlights the success of the government’s efforts to support and empower local businesses.

The cooperative’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other MSMEs in the region and demonstrates the potential for growth and innovation when public and private sectors collaborate effectively.

As Western Visayas continues to develop its local industries, the success of projects like SATOCA’s SSF initiative paves the way for increased economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for communities across the region. ♦

Date of release: 01 August 2024

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