Lipa Beekeepers Marketing Cooperative (LBMC) pledged to double their effort to reach more consumers outside Batangas as they received the refrigerated van worth P2.5-M given by the Department of Agriculture Region IV-CALABARZON (DA-4A) through the Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita project of DA-4A under the Bayanihan Act 2, happened at the regional office in Lipa City on April 21.

Aside from honey, one of the main products of the LBMC is dairy, very perishable good, especially if it was just stored in a room or at a high temperature. Having a refrigerated van, they can prolong the shelf life of their products even if their destination is outside Batangas.

Currently, the reach of LBMC is limited to Batangas. But according to their chairman, Mr. Jose Vicente Tarnate, they can now cater to consumers in CALABARZON and NCR areas without worrying that the quality of their products might be compromised because of this van.

“Gusto naming mas mapalawig ang aming mapagdadalhan ng products. Mas makararating na kami sa Maynila and other parts ng CALABARZON. Dati kasi, nagrerenta pa kami kaya hindi kami gaanong makapag-deliver,” said Chairman Tarnate.

Meanwhile, LBMC Manager Ms. Cecilia de Jesus said, “That [van] will help [us] to expand [the reach] of our products. Sayang naman ‘yong maraming products pero walang mapagbentahan,”

Aside from faster and more convenient delivery, the said cooperative will also use the van in promoting their products through joining KADIWA ni Ani at Kita marketing programs. #### (Reina Beatriz P. Peralta, DA-4A RAFIS)