The recent 31st Annual General Assembly Meeting of the Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Rubber Cooperative held last April 26, 2023 at the Tambanan Multipurpose Hall, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay was a platform for Director Cheryl L. Eusala to emphasize the need for collaboration.
During her speech, Director Eusala highlighted the importance of cooperation among members of the cooperative and the industry as a whole, particularly in light of the ongoing Pestalotiopsis threat in rubber production. She emphasized the need for collaboration to address this issue and ensure the sustainability of the industry. Director Eusala’s message of working together towards a common goal echoed the theme of the assembly, “Panaghiusa ug Pagtinabangay Aron Kita Makalahutay,” which translates to “Unity and Cooperation for Our Prosperity.”
She also highlighted the importance of protecting the rubber trees against the disease, as rubber is the main livelihood of the cooperative. With Pestalotiopsis threatening to reduce the productivity of rubber trees, the need to protect these trees has become more urgent. Director Eusala emphasized that the industry must work together to find solutions to the problem to ensure the sustainability of the cooperative’s main source of income.
Through her speech, Director Eusala’s message was clear – the cooperation of the rubber farmers and protection of rubber trees through the implementation of good agricultural practices are vital for the success of the cooperative. The cooperative members welcomed her words, and they have expressed their commitment to work together to protect their livelihood and secure their future.
Furthermore, Eusala expressed that PRRI is very much willing to extend its assistance to TARBEMCO, particularly in sharing its policy directions on mechanization for rubber and the use of improved technology for rubber production. This offer of support was warmly received by the cooperative’s members, who expressed their gratitude for the Director’s insights and recommendations.
The threat of Pestalotiopsis is real, and the spirit of cooperation is essential to address it. The call for unity and cooperation made by Director Eusala during the assembly is a reminder of the importance of working together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.
-Elline T. Macay
