The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) and the Partnership for the Developmental Assistance in the Philippines (PDAP) hosted a meeting with Care Filipinos Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) and Pamana Matarek Inc. on 10 October 2023.  The meeting collectively identified priorities for establishing a lemongrass nursery to expand production to address the increasing demand for juice, oil, capsules, and other lemongrass products.  In addition, setting up a Community Food Hub (CFH) was considered to sell essential goods for farming households and serve as a center for farmers to bring and market their produce.

The gathering was a follow-up from the previously organized Farmers Orientation and Farm Planning Session held in Barangay San Rafael, Montalban, Rizal on 29 June 2023, a platform of significant discussions took place to assess the farmers’ needs on consistent markets and fair prices for their produce.  The Pamana Matarek Inc. is an association and a member of the Care Filipinos MPC with a predominant Dumagat (indigenous) farmer member in Rizal province.

The initiatives are RUML’s tireless commitment to support the dedication of the local farmers as partners’ suppliers, where the efforts are recognized and rewarded to nurture their growth and success further.