21/07/2026
DOLE MIMAROPA Boosts Sustainable Livelihood Through ARCA's Integrated Coconut and Pili Nut Processing Project
San Andres, Romblon โ Reinforcing its commitment to creating sustainable employment and improving the lives of workers in the countryside, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPAโRomblon Provincial Office, in line with the directive of DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to strengthen grassroots livelihood opportunities, extended livelihood assistance to the Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Agpudlos (ARCA) under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) for the establishment of its Integrated Processing of Coconut and Pili Nut Products project.
The livelihood initiative is expected to increase ARCA's production capacity, create additional livelihood opportunities, and raise the value of locally produced coconut and pili nuts through the establishment of a centralized processing facility equipped with modern food processing equipment. The project will enable the association to produce premium products such as pili-coconut tarts, macaroons, pili nut brittles, and specialty tart butter, enhancing product quality and operational efficiency while helping sustain existing jobs, generate additional employment, provide more stable incomes for its members, and expand market access beyond Romblon.
Through the project, DOLE provided livelihood assistance amounting to โฑ470,750.00, primarily for specialized equipment and tools, benefiting 83 farmer-members, the majority of whom are women. The assistance is expected to help the association increase its productivity, create more income-generating opportunities, and provide sustainable sources of livelihood for its members and the local community.
The initiative also reflects the strong collaboration among government agencies in empowering local farmers and cooperatives. While the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) continues to support ARCA's organizational development and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provides enterprise and product development assistance, DOLE remains at the forefront of promoting sustainable livelihoods by equipping workers' associations and cooperatives with the resources they need to modernize their operations, enhance their competitiveness, and build resilient community enterprises.
During the turnover, DOLE Romblon Provincial Head, Ms. Karen A. Bugarin, expressed her confidence in the cooperative and highlighted Romblon's potential to become known for its pili nut products.
"Pili nuts are widely known in the Bicol Region, but Romblon also has this valuable resource. I hope this production continues to grow and improve so that Romblon's pili nut products will become known in many other places. I also hope that this assistance from the government, especially from DOLE, will be well taken care of and continue to benefit the association for many years. I have great trust in ARCA, and I believe this project will help provide sustainable livelihoods for your workers while ensuring the production of quality products."
Deeply moved by the support they received, ARCA's General Manager Marie Jean Gado expressed the association's heartfelt gratitude and optimism for the future.
"Marami man kaming pagsubok na pinagdaanan, ngayon ay lubos ang aming kagalakan dahil natanggap na namin ang matagal naming pinapangarap. Dahil sa tulong ng DOLE, mas mapapadami na ang aming produkto, makakarating na ito sa labas ng Romblon, at maghahatid ng dagdag na trabaho sa aming komunidad. Makakaasa kayo na ang biyayang ito sa ARCA ay aming iingatan at pagyayamanin. Maraming salamat po, DOLE!"
For more than two decades, ARCA has served as a pillar of support for farmers in Agpudlos, San Andres, Romblon. Through this assistance, the cooperative is now better positioned to transition from traditional farming into a competitive, value-adding agribusiness enterprise capable of increasing farmers' incomes, strengthening local industries, and expanding market opportunities while creating sustainable employment within the community.
As DOLE continues to champion livelihood development across the province under the leadership of Secretary Tolentino, the agency remains committed to empowering workers through sustainable livelihood interventions that transform local resources into thriving community enterprises, generate quality jobs, and contribute to the long-term economic development of Romblon.
END//K.A.M
NR-2026-07-093-ROM
