PAA and EUNLADCOOP Ink Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture

In a momentous step toward empowering the stakeholders in the agriculture sector, the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) and the Eunlad Marketing Cooperative (EMC) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last 12 April 2025 at the new PAA headquarters located at the 3/L SEAMEO SEARCA building in Los Baños, Laguna.

The partnership signifies a mutual cooperation to strengthen the capacity of farmers and agriculture professionals and the commitment of both parties to strive for mutual benefits of establishing institutional links and support.

The signing ceremony was led by PAA Chairman Dr. Roberto F. Rañola, Jr., PAA National President Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., PhD, and EMC Chairman Juanito D. Saligumba, Jr. Both parties expressed their shared initiatives to enhance productivity, sustainability, and market access for Filipino rice farmers.

EMC Chairman Saligumba noted that EMC has deep ties to farming communities to help them maximize their profit from their produce, and PAA’s technical guidance through their experts will complement such a partnership.

Chairman Rañola added that both PAA and EMC can aim to build a more robust agricultural workforce and empower local producers including senior citizens who have retired from their work posts but are still capable of handling jobs in the agricultural value chain.

Under the agreement, the PAA and EMC will jointly implement activities focused on farmer education, product marketing, and sustainable farming practices. Both parties will also engage in knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives, signalling the birth of synergistic cooperation for the benefit of Philippine agriculture.

The event was also attended by key members of both organizations including PAA CSSP-CATS Chair Dr. Virginia R. Cardenas, PAA Business Manager Dr. Jessica D. Rey, and PAA Treasurer Ivy Rosemarie Ortiguero.