MALAYBALAY, Bukidnon (October 23, 2026)—The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to roll out a P2.9-billion fund intended to help agricultural cooperatives expand production and improve their competitiveness, with the agency initially targeting about 12 applicants.
DA Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros announced the readiness of the Competitive Enhancement Measures Fund (CMF) on Friday, October 23, during the signing of a coffee development partnership between the DA and Nestlé Philippines in Malaybalay.
“I would like to announce that the CMF, or the Competitive Enhancement Measures Fund, which is about P2.9 billion, is now ready to roll out,” Oliveros said.
He urged cooperatives to access the funding, saying the money was intended for their benefit.
“I would like to encourage all our cooperatives to tap that funds. Those funds belong to you,” he added.
Oliveros said the DA was initially targeting around 12 applicants, with regional offices expected to help cooperatives navigate the application process. The agency plans to publicize more details about the program over the next couple of weeks.
The initial target, however, does not establish how much of the fund will be released in the first round or how many cooperatives could ultimately benefit. Details on eligibility, financing terms, application requirements and the timeline for disbursement were not provided in the announcement.
Oliveros underscored the need to put the funds to productive use, particularly to expand agricultural areas and improve farmers’ capacity. He also called for closer coordination among national government agencies, local government units, cooperatives, farmers and academic institutions to accelerate agricultural development.
The planned rollout comes as the DA pursues efforts to raise farm productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and increase farmers’ incomes through targeted support.
The fund’s impact will depend in part on how accessible the application process is to cooperatives, what investments it can finance and how quickly approved applicants can turn funding into expanded production and better market opportunities. (Irma Isip)
