By Kenneth Marcos 
On an ordinary day in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, local farmers saw their hard work bloom into real opportunities. Smiles filled the faces of farmer-members as they proudly introduced their homegrown products—Rice Coffee Brew, Malagkit Rice, and GAP-certified rice—now officially launched and available to the public.
These products were developed by three hardworking cooperatives supported by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) under its RiceBIS Magsasaka Network (RMN). The aim: to help farming communities bring their products closer to the market, increase income, and promote local food systems.
Farmers, products, and hope come together
The launch showcased products from the following farmer cooperatives:
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Pinagbuklod na Adhika Agriculture Cooperative (PNAMC) – Rice Coffee Brew
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Zaragoza People’s Agriculture Cooperative (ZPagCo) – Malagkit Rice
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Cama Juan Multipurpose Cooperative (CJMC) – GAPproved (Good Agricultural Practices certified) Rice
Each product represents months of labor, training, and unity within farming groups in Zaragoza, now recognized for their safe and quality rice-based products.
Local government backs agri-coops
Zaragoza Mayor Lovella Belmonte-Espiritu was present during the launch, showing full support for the initiative. She emphasized the importance of connecting farmers to buyers and creating more market opportunities.
“We are very grateful to PhilRice and the RiceBIS Program for helping our farmers’ cooperatives. This product launch is a big step for them. We hope more of our local farmers will be reached by this kind of support,” said Mayor Espiritu.
Power in unity, success in cooperation
Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, Deputy Executive Director for Development of PhilRice, also highlighted the values behind successful cooperatives.
“The secret to a strong cooperative is unity, teamwork, and the principle that no one gets left behind,” Dr. Barroga shared.
PhilRice’s RiceBIS program continues to guide farmer groups nationwide by teaching sustainable practices, helping improve productivity, and strengthening market access. More importantly, it empowers farmers to become entrepreneurs and leaders in their own communities.
Where to buy and how to support
Consumers can now enjoy locally produced rice coffee—a healthier alternative to traditional brew—sweet and sticky Malagkit Rice, and high-quality GAP rice that meets food safety and sustainability standards.
These products are not only delicious and healthy, they also help sustain Filipino farmers’ livelihoods.
To view the complete product list and cooperatives under the RMN network, interested buyers can visit: bit.ly/RiceBISFCAsProductsandContacts
By supporting local agri-products, every purchase becomes a vote for rural development, food security, and a more resilient farming sector.
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