Representatives of Baclay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMPC) and Batu Farmer's Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAFAMCO) actively participated the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Focus Group Discussion (FGD) last July 13, 2022, at Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The FGD aimed to determine and validate the needs of the Farmers Cooperatives by gathering qualitative data.

Acting Assistant Center Director Gerry R. Pagarigan, DVM, gave his welcome address during the opening program and it was followed by the conduct of assessment activity which was facilitated by Mr. Nino Codino, ATI-RTC IX RCEF Point Person, and Mr. Kennmark Tiad, ATI-RTC IX Technical Staff for RCEF.

The activity was facilitated by the RCEF Team from the Department of Agriculture-Central Office (DA-CO), Agricultural Training Institute-Central Office (ATI-CO), Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office IX (DA-RFO IX), Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

The participants keenly participated the group discussions, shared their ideas and some suggestions and recommendations for the betterment of the Rice Industry in Zamboanga Peninsula.