The Pineapple Fiber Project has exceeded the Php 10 million mark in gross sales in Pineapple Fiber Production. This project was initiated to upscale the pineapple contract growership program of the pineapple grower cooperatives and help sustain the business operations of the cooperatives amid the pandemic.
The project utilizes the pineapple leaves, which are incorporated back into the soil after harvesting the fruit. This project began in October 2021 with Polo Samahang Nayon Mult-Purpose Cooperative as the first cooperative to partner with Dole Philippines. With the continuous efforts of Dole Philippines, Inc., and Mahintana Foundation, Inc., the project expanded to two (2) additional cooperatives, namely Landan People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Tupi Integrated Agricultural Cooperative. As of November 2, 2022, the project has delivered 29,532.43 kg (26,532.43 kg from PSNMPC, 2,055.36 kg from LPMPC, and 534.80 kg from TIAC) of pineapple fiber to Ananas Anam PH, with an approximate worth of Php 11.4 million. This has also contributed to the community as it has offered jobs around the area. A total of 151 individuals were hired on the three (3) cooperatives.
The Pineapple Project has helped the surrounding communities in the municipalities of Polomolok and Tupi to improve their standard of living. The project is also set to expand in Laconon 100 Multi-Purpose Cooperative in the Municipality of T’boli. It is projected that they will start their operations late this year, in December.