The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), through its Investment in Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Productivity (I-REAP) Component, continues to strengthen farmer organizations in Eastern Visayas with the conduct of the Capability Building Activities for the Eastern Visayas Banana Processing and Marketing Enterprise (EVBPME). Held on November 12–14, in Tabango, Leyte, this three-day training aimed to enhance the competencies of the Omaganhan Farmer Agrarian Reform Cooperative (OFMPC), the proponent group behind the enterprise.

The activity focused on two essential areas of enterprise management: the formulation of an Enterprise Operations Manual (EOM) and the development of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP). These tools are vital in ensuring efficient operations, standardized processes, effective organizational governance, and long-term enterprise sustainability.

The training gathered 38 participants composed of RPCO 8 I-REAP staff, PPMIU representatives, and members of the OFMPC and its clusters. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and writeshop sessions designed to enable hands-on development of the enterprise’s EOM and BCP.

The first day introduced the fundamentals and key components of an Enterprise Operations Manual. Participants took part in a writeshop that allowed them to begin drafting sections tailored to their organizational structure and operational needs. The day also provided an overview of Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction – emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in enterprise operations.

The following day delved deeper into the formulation of the Business Continuity Plan through guided discussions and collaborative workshops. This process enabled farmers and managers to understand risk management strategies, operational recovery procedures, and resource mobilization approaches necessary for sustaining the enterprise during disruptions.

On the final day, participants finalized critical BCP sections and presented their outputs for review. The activity culminated with further commitments made to the submission and approval of the finalized Enterprise Operations Manual and Business Continuity Plan by the General Assembly.

Through this capability-building initiative, PRDP reinforces its mission of empowering farmer cooperatives by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and organizational frameworks needed to manage enterprises effectively.

Strengthened by improved operational systems and enhanced risk preparedness, the Eastern Visayas Banana Processing and Marketing Enterprise stands better positioned for long-term viability, increased productivity, and sustained benefits for its farmer-members.