BACOLOD City – The Sta. Rita Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SRMPC) in Barangay Dulao, Bago City, Negros Occidental and Barangay Ara-al Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (BAARBA) in La Carlota City received P900,000 worth of projects from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-South.
The assistance is part of the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) of DAR.
DAR turned over P450,000 worth of VLFED Project to SRMPC which would directly benefit its 54 members.
Meanwhile, the same project was turned-over to Barangay Ara-al Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (BAARBA) for the implementation of the similar project, covering 149 members.
Provincial agrarian reform officer I Dr. Enrique Paderes said the DAR allocated budget for the trainings and construction of the processing center in each project site.
While as their counterpart, the ARBOs (agrarian reform beneficiaries organization) shouldered the labor expenses in the construction of these projects.
Paderes said the project would help the SRMPC in producing and marketing their products such as calamansi juice while Baarba would produce turmeric and ginger tea.
“The VLFED is implemented in line with the agency’s continuing thrusts of strengthening agri-enterprises among ARBs and their organizations, and enabling them to sustain the productivity of their awarded lands,” Paderes said.
According to Paderes, establishing farm-focused community enterprises which promote value-adding activities to major and secondary crops also allows the participation of other community members in the livelihood activities within the value chain and increase their household income.
Paderes also appealed to both ARBOs to treasure the blessing which they received from the government.
Members of the ARBOs said the project would equip them with skills in product development, including packaging, labeling, and processing.
SRMPC president Torino Tomaro said the project will give us the competitive advantage in positioning their products even for bigger markets. (PIA/PN)
