Tubod, Lanao del Norte – In a bid to further strengthen the local cooperatives, the Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO) conducted a Direction Setting Workshop on October 28, 2010 at the Macapagal Training Center, Tubod, this province.

The activity was participated by representatives from the 14 cooperatives comprising the Lanao del Norte Food Processors Association (LANOFPA).

“We need to strengthen the food processors’ federation for them to gain better access to government assistance”, PCO Head Rod Gamit explained.

During the workshop, the participants were taught the strength indicators of an organization which includes membership, financial stability and sound organizational structure.

The Lanao del Norte Food Processors Association (LANORFPA) is a regular participant in food expos and tourism conventions to give their products more exposure in the regional and national market.

In recent food conventions, LANORFPA has noted an increasing trend in its product orders from new and previous clients.

Also assisting the PCO in its activities are ECOWEB, LAFCCOD, GAVOLFI and DTI-Iligan Office.