By Althea Jane Ballon
The Eunlad Marketing Cooperative and the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) launched the ‘₱20 per kilo of Premium Rice Program’ on April 11, 2025 at Brgy. Amonoy in Majayjay, Laguna. With the theme “Handog ng mga Bayaning Magsasaka,” the program provides high-quality rice at only twenty pesos per kilo to residents, while also honoring the vital role of farmers in feeding the nation.
Eunlad Cooperative led the program as part of its mission to build a cooperative that uplifts the lives of fellow Filipinos. Since its establishment in 2023, said coop has expanded its operations across various parts of the country including Quezon City, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Batangas, and Pasay.
According to Mr. Rodel Manalo, a member of the Board of Directors of Eunlad Cooperative, “Ang tinatarget po ng kooperatiba ay matulungan lahat ng mga Pilipino, hindi lamang po partikular sa magsasaka.” He added that unlike typical cooperatives that serve only a specific town or province, Eunlad Coop operates on a nationwide scale.
Currently, the cooperative has over 6,000 members-including farmers, workers, and small business owners. Eunlad Coop offers a range of benefits including hospitalization and burial assistance, annual dividends, savings programs, loans, and discounts on products, in addition to affordable rice.
Meanwhile, Roberta Estera, a 59 year old espasol vendor, expressed gratitude after benefiting from the program. “Maganda naman, malaki ang tulong nito sa akin,” said Estera. “Bilang isang nagtitinda, ang gusto ko kasi madagdagan ang pinansyal, dahil na rin sa pagtaas ng mga bilihin. Kaya malaking tulong rin ito sa aking pamilya.”
In line with the initiative, Eunlad Coop also introduced its PISO Program for members. Under this program, members may contribute one peso per day as insurance, with benefits including ₱20,000/year in medical assistance and ₱100,000 in case of a member’s death.
The cooperative also partnered with PGL through the Field Agriculture Extension Services (FAES) and various Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) across the province to reach more beneficiaries.
Estera urged the cooperative to continue implementing this kind of project. “Sana naman ay gan’yan, tuloy-tuloy ang kanilang programa na murang bigas na 20 pesos lang,” she added.
Through the collaboration between PGL and Eunlad Marketing Cooperative, the goal of making rice affordable for all has become a reality. (Photos: Laguna PIO)
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