PASAY CITY, Philippines - One of Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (Philrootcrops)’ long-time partners, Fatima Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FMPC) of Tunga, Leyte, received the prestigious Best Adopter Award during the biennial S&T Innovations in Agri-Aqua (SINAG) Awards held on January 30, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center.
The award was jointly conferred upon FMPC and the East-West Seed Corporation, with the ₱3-million prize shared equally between the two institutions.
The recognition highlights FMPC’s outstanding achievements in the commercialization and scaling of cassava-based technologies and practices across the country’s agri-business sector. This milestone reflects years of collaborative work between FMPC alongside Visayas State University through Philrootcrops, particularly in the technology adoption of NSIC-recommended rootcrop varieties, standardized production protocols, and value-added food processing within an inclusive agro-enterprise development framework.
FMPC’s journey began in 2012 as a cassava feed assembler supplying San Miguel Foods Incorporated, supported technically by PhilRootcrops under the “Arms to Farms” program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Over the years, the cooperative steadily expanded its operations, culminating in the acquisition of a License to Operate from the Food and Drug Administration (Philippines) as a food manufacturer.
Through a formalized partnership with PhilRootcrops, FMPC broadened its farmer network and emerged as the largest cassava assembler in Region VIII. Building on this foundation, the cooperative ventured into high-value root crop food processing, producing products such as Cassava Tsippi, cassava choco cookies, oat cookies, sweet potato fries—including vacuum-fried variants—and cassava grates.
With further enterprise intensification, FMPC expands into ube processing through its own facility, which was officially launched on May 30, 2025.
The cooperative currently produces ube powder and also serves as a processor for other companies, including the Filipino Ube House of Bukidnon.
Drawing strength from its broader partnerships, including its engagement as an incubatee of VSU Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (VSU-ATBI), the SINAG Best Adopter Award underscores the transformative impact of FMPC’s initiatives and research-driven collaborations with Philrootcrops in empowering farmers and cooperatives nationwide.
This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals No. 2 – Zero Hunger; 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and 17 – Partnership for the Goals.