Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) signed the Memorandum of Agreement in partnership with the Lanao Norte Processors Federation (LANPROF) on February 17, 2018 at Maigo, Lanao del Norte during the Midpoint General Assembly of WOMAN (Women Organizations Managing Agri-based Networks) project recipients in the province.
The XSF-WOMAN is a project funded by the US Embassy Philippines that supports the creation of economic opportunities for 43 women-led organizations and their members through micro-enterprise development and improve agricultural productivity to reduce poverty and promote peace in Mindanao.
The agreement ensures that LANPROF, an organization of producers of processed foods and non-food products that provides effective marketing and technical services to Agri-Fishery and Organic-based producers and enterprises will sustain the current and post project activities of WOMAN by accepting all organizations in the Federation, as well as replicate the learning of WOMAN to other communities.
The Midpoint General Assembly was also a gathering of the 132 women leaders wherein they shared their journey coupled with hardships and successes. They also showcased their improved products and gained on-the-spot market acceptability through the Echostore.
Ms. Celeste Maria V. Palomares, licensee/manager of the Echostore in Cagayan de Oro City, a market outlet that promotes eco-friendly and natural products of craftmen and local artisans happily announced that EchoStore will showcase the select products of the WOMAN recipients in the coming days. She also shared insights on how to
better improve product labelling and marketing. Ms. Palomares signed a Memorandum of Understanding with XSF to serve as market outlet for WOMAN products, and recommend qualified products to other EchoStore branches nationwide.
This was a major step for the WOMAN recipients as they transcend to ordinary women with hopes of becoming entrepreneurs to formal business leaders serving not just themselves but also their entire community.