The project verification and site visitation conducted by EPAHP and DENR aimed to assess the readiness and capacity of two community-based organizations (CBOs)—Kablacan Winds Agriculture Cooperative in Maasim and Winds of Lomuyon Women and Nation Development of Sarangani in Kiamba—to join the EPAHP Institutional Market. These CBOs offer promising products such as turmeric salabat, roasted corn, and vegetable noodles that have potential for inclusion in institutional feeding programs of DepEd, DSWD, hospitals, BJMP, and even in commercial markets.
The main goal of the activity is to ensure that only capable and market-ready organizations are included in the 2026 procurement cycle through NP-CP. It also aims to strengthen community enterprises through collaboration, support, and sustainable practices—contributing to EPAHP’s goal of inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
Kablacan Winds Agriculture Cooperative: A Model of Growth through Convergence
Kablacan Winds has been supported by several government agencies over the years. The DENR initiated its involvement in 2016 through meetings and further assisted in 2017 in enhancing their turmeric and salabat production. A key milestone came on May 7, 2019, when a ₱1.7 million MOA was signed, funding a building and providing machinery for turmeric, salabat, and coffee processing. The DOST further enhanced operations by providing solar panels and a meat processing machine on October 30, 2024, while the DA-LGU delivered a corn coffee roaster, grinder, and building improvements on November 30, 2020. Their facility sits on a site initially supported by PAMANA-DSWD, with a traditional pugon used for roasting, symbolizing their modest beginnings.
As per the verification, Kablacan Winds is considered qualified for participation in the institutional market. All required documents are complete, operations are functional, and most importantly, their members are active and engaged, showing strong organizational stability.
Winds of Lomuyon Women and Nation Development: Strong Potential with Areas for Strengthening
The Lomuyon CBO also received various forms of support. In 2016, DTI provided ₱700,000 worth of stainless tables, a noodle maker, packaging machine, and deep fryer. In 2017, the LGU under Governor Pacquiao provided a ₱450,000 building, although it remains unfinished. The DOST supported shelf life and noodle training in 2018, while the DENR gave additional capacity-building support including BDFE workshops and a food shredder worth ₱8,000 in 2023.
However, based on the results of the verification, Lomuyon is considered semi-qualified. While they have a strong record of support and innovation, there are internal issues related to member participation and organization dynamics that need to be addressed to ensure smooth and reliable operation.