LEGAZPI CITY, March 15 -- The offices in Bicol of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-5) and Department of Science and Technology, along with the local government unit (LGU) of Bula in Camarines Sur province, have expressed their intent to help the Sto. Nino Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SNMPC) increase its cassava "kropek" (snack) production and ensure a stable market for it.

In a statement on Wednesday, DAR Camarines Sur OIC chief Ricardo C. Garcia said the aid will be in the form of funds for the purchase of equipment.

The project is part of the DAR and DOST convergence programs, which seek to increase and improve the production of cassava "kropek" (fried crackers or chips) to meet growing consumer demand and make the cooperative mor...