The Aniban ng mga Magsasaka, Mangingisda at Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (AMMMA – Katipunan), through the AFOSP-MTCP2 was able to prioritize 10 of their chapters nationwide in terms of organizational development, policy advocacy, and establishing network and linkages. One of these chapters is AMMMA-K Victoria Chapter in the province of Tarlac in Central Luzon.
AMMMA-K Victoria was established in 1996 and currently has 200 farmer members. Most of the farmers have a maximum of three hectares to till, producing palay (rice), corn, vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees. Through the AFOSP-MTCP2 and the national farmer organization, the chapter was able to participate in capacity building activities focused on organizational strengthening, increasing participation of members, proposal making, and participation in policy advocacy. They were also able to participate in training courses offered by the Municipal Agriculture Office, including getting access to fertilizers and seeds.
Establishing networks and linkages with government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) and engaging the Municipal Development Council proved to be beneficial when AMMMA-K Victoria’s proposal for a mechanized dryer was approved by the DA. AMMMA-K was also able to monitor this engagement at the national level through resources provided by MTCP2.
The mechanized dryer, worth PHP 1.8 million (USD 37,256), was given to AMMMA-K Victoria in 2019. The organization contributed a counterpart of PHP 800,000 (USD 16,558) for the construction of a facility for the dryer. Access to a mechanized dryer at a time when current impacts of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL, Republic Act 11203) are felt by farmers is an advantage because this contributes to additional income for the organization and farmers in terms of providing post-harvest services. The passage of the RTL affected farmers because it lowered farm gate prices of palay locally and removed import quotas for rice that ended up cheaper in the market. One cavan of palay cost PHP 1,200 (USD 25) in 2018 and it went down to PHP 600 (USD 12) per cavan in 2019 when the RTL was implemented.
AMMMA-K Victoria recently created an agricultural cooperative to better deliver economic services to its members. The cooperative is projected to manage long term plans for production and post-production services, starting with the operation of the mechanized dryer in their area.
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