IN Sitio Bundok, Barangay Walay, the Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish overlooks a landscape of coconut trees, vital to the livelihood of Padre Burgos residents. Beside the parish is the Sta. Rita Agriculture Cooperative (SRAC), a young organization focused on nuts trading, copra processing and lending. Led by parish priest and SRAC Chairman Jayson Oriasel, the cooperative has grown from 19 to over 100 members, mostly local coconut farmers.
Despite its success, SRAC faces challenges with its limited storage facilities. To expand and remain competitive, the cooperative urgently needs a larger warehouse. With funding from the Angelo King Foundation Inc. (AKFI) and technical assistance from the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), a new coconut and copra warehouse will be built in Padre Burgos, improving SRAC's operations and ensuring sustainability.
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