Assessing the Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Facilitating Market Access to Farmers and Fisherfolk in Region Iv-A: Towards Program Development

AUTHOR(S)

ELVIRA O. ESPEJO-PASAGUI, DPA FLORENDA S. FRIVALDO, DPA

ABSTRACT

— This study explores the role of agricultural cooperatives in facilitating market access for their members within the CALABARZON region, the 7Ps marketing mix—Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical Evidence—as an analytical lens. Through surveys and focus group discussions with CDA representatives, it evaluates the extent of cooperative support, explores differences across cooperative types and provinces, and identifies key challenges impacting agricultural marketing. Findings indicate uniform assistance across cooperative types, but provincial disparities point to the need for benchmarking best practices. Key challenges include infrastructure gaps, logistical bottlenecks, and limited capacity-building. SWOT and PESTLE analyses reveal both internal and external factors shaping cooperative operations. To address these challenges, the study proposes a Cooperative Market Access Enhancement Program (CMAEP) under CDA’s enterprise development efforts. This framework emphasizes: Development of marketing structures; Capacity building; Logistics and infrastructure upgrades; Strengthening of market linkages, and Product certification and monitoring systems. The study calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration—involving CDA, DA, DTI, DILG, LGUs (through CDOs), SAOs, RCOs, financial institutions, and the academe—to expand market access, improve facilities, and enhance financial and technical support. Technology adoption, climatesmart strategies, timely market intelligence, and targeted training are also prioritized to support resilient and inclusive cooperative enterprise growth. Keywords — Agricultural Cooperatives, Market Access, 7Ps Marketing Mix, CALABARZON, Capacity Building, Sustainable Development