The Landan People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LPMPC) successfully launched their Decorticated Pineapple Fiber Project on August 9, 2021 at the Landan People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative Grounds, Brgy. Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato. LPMPC is exploring new businesses for additional source of income while promoting value-adding and waste upcycling of pineapple production. The cooperative’s pineapple fiber production is supported by Dole Philippines Inc. and Mahintana Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the local government unit of Polomolok.
Notable guests include Hon. Honey Lumayag-Matti, Municipal Mayor of Polomolok; Mr. Kennedy Costales, Executive Director of PhilFIDA; Ms. Milagros Laburada, ROXI OIC-PhilFIDA; Mr. Harlan Sunada, Vice President of Dole Packaged Foods Asia Technical Services of Dole Philippines Inc.; Mr. Tristan Sotto, Director of Engineering Services Division of Dolefil; Mr. Edgar Trazo, Director of Strategic Projects, Dole Philippines, Inc.; Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, President of Mahintana Foundation, Inc.; Ms. Liza Hora, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc.; and Mr. Jobe Tubigon, Operations Manager of Mahintana Foundation Inc. Staff from PhilFIDA, Dolefil, and LPMPC joined the launching event.
Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti expressed her support to LPMPC’s new venture. The cooperative is to send their proposal to the LGU to further help fund the project. Mr. Sunada, Mr. Magdolot, and Mr. Costales also expressed their support and continuing partnership with the cooperative.
Ms. Edilyn Pabicon, the General Manager of LPMPC, closed the program with a warm expression of their gratitude for the support that LPMPC has received. An actual demonstration of decorticating pineapple leaves to pineapple fiber was conducted with the assistance of Mr. Renato Amistad of PhilFIDA ROXI and the LPMPC decorticating machine operator.
