Product Offerings
Products:
Coconut Sugar Processing: refined coconut sugar products
Agri Services & Infrastructure: mechanical dryers, processing facility construction
Mindanao Cooperative Trades and Industries (MCTI), headquartered in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, is a farmer-led cooperative and agri-processing organization dedicated to uplifting Mindanao's agricultural communities through value-added production and infrastructure support. Spearheaded by Narciso P. Paitan, MCTI serves as a critical platform for smallholder farmers transitioning from raw material suppliers to integrated producers in the coconut and agribusiness value chains.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
MCTI operates in two primary domains: food processing and agricultural service provision. Its notable offerings include:
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Coconut Sugar Products:
- High-quality, minimally refined coconut sugar sourced from cooperative-managed coconut farms.
- Packaged in retail-ready formats for direct sales and bulk orders.
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Agricultural Infrastructure and Processing Services:
- Construction and maintenance of mechanical dryers for grains and coconut.
- Fabrication of agri-processing facilities, providing technical solutions for cooperatives and farmer groups.
The cooperative leverages local talent and community labor to implement projects that directly benefit its members, reinforcing a shared economic model.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
MCTI is distinct in its:
- Farmer-Owned Business Model: Revenues and enterprise gains are redistributed to its members, creating sustainable livelihoods.
- Integration of Processing Infrastructure: Offers turnkey agri-processing solutions and capacity building for rural communities.
- Eco-Friendly and Ethical Practices: Promotes organic and sustainable sourcing methods for coconut-based products.
The cooperative acts as a multiplier for community development, combining economic activity with social empowerment.
Financial and Operational Strength
While MCTI operates as a non-profit cooperative, it has successfully mobilized resources and partnerships with:
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Department of Agriculture (DA)
- Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)
Its coconut sugar production facilities process several tons monthly, and the mechanical drying systems support local rice and coconut processors with enhanced efficiency and lower post-harvest losses.
Operational capacity is further expanded by cooperative members who contribute land, labor, and logistical support to MCTI's collective projects.
Shipment and Market Reach
MCTI primarily serves:
- Local Retailers and Cooperative Stores: Through direct supply of coconut sugar and dried agri-products.
- NGOs and CSR Procurement Programs: Supplying healthy, organic coconut sugar as part of sustainable sourcing campaigns.
- Other Cooperatives: Providing processing infrastructure and advisory services.
No confirmed international exports have been recorded, but demand from organic food buyers in Metro Manila and neighboring regions has been steadily growing.
Target Market
MCTI’s target segments include:
- Health-conscious consumers: Looking for low-glycemic, natural sweeteners like coconut sugar.
- Fellow agricultural cooperatives: Needing technical solutions for drying, packaging, and value-addition.
- Institutions and social enterprises: Partnering with rural MSMEs on inclusive supply chains.
Their diversified offerings ensure relevance across agricultural, retail, and development sectors.
Certifications and Compliance
MCTI products and facilities comply with:
- Municipal and provincial business permits
- Philippine Coconut Authority guidelines for coconut product handling
- Undergoing compliance review for FDA registration and organic certification
The cooperative emphasizes safe and sanitary practices and provides training to its farmer-members on quality control and hygiene.
Customer Testimonials
Local consumers and partner organizations commend MCTI for:
- Consistent product quality, especially the rich flavor of its coconut sugar.
- Professional and timely service delivery of mechanical dryer units.
- Empowering community narrative—supporting the shift from commodity dependence to value-added production.
Positive word-of-mouth and repeat orders from institutional clients highlight trust in MCTI's reliability.
Notable Achievements
- Constructed multiple mechanical dryer facilities across Lanao del Norte.
- Successfully organized farmer training programs on value addition and cooperative marketing.
- Featured in regional DTI and DA showcases as a model agri-cooperative.
- Pioneered coconut sugar production in partnership with Mindanao farming clusters.
Mindanao Cooperative Trades and Industries continues to advance sustainable agriculture and grassroots entrepreneurship in Mindanao by promoting farmer ownership, innovation, and inclusive economic development.