DAR Provides Php 3.8 Million Worth of Farm Machineries and Supplies to Support Benguet Farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform-Cordillera Administrative Region (DAR-CAR) and DAR-Benguet have delivered farm machinery and equipment, along with farm inputs valued at Php 3,844,787.00 to eight Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), benefiting a total of 7,767 ARBs and farmer-members. The event took place on February 27, 2024, at the Keys of The Kingdom Ministries Life in The Spirit Fellowship, International Grounds, Pico, La Trinidad.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Trust Agreement between DAR-Benguet and the beneficiaries were forged, alongside a blessing, dedication, and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the farm machinery, equipment, and input support.

The provided equipment includes water pumps, hand tractors/power tillers (with accessories), rechargeable battery-operated knapsack sprayers, grass cutters, rice threshers, pelletizers, a multi-cab utility vehicle, a wing-type hauling truck, and various farm inputs.

The beneficiary ARBOs are Binadang Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Pongayan Credit Cooperative, Cabiten Agrarian Neighborhood Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC), Calikling Proper MPC, Balangabang ARB Farmers Association, Pappa Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, Tawangan Agrarian Reform Community MPC, and Taba-ao Cuba MPC.

Representatives from the ARBOs expressed their gratitude, committing to effectively utilize the provided assistance for their success. They voiced their appreciation for the current support and expressed a desire for ongoing assistance and stronger partnerships with DAR and local government units.

Acknowledging the challenges of farming, they emphasized its importance to the community they serve and expressed hope for more provisions and support to navigate the difficulties of growing crops while contributing positively to their community.

This effort is under DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project, which includes the Major Crop-based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement and Sustainable Livelihood Support, aimed at improving the productivity and income of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and smallholder farmers sustainably through the ARBOs.

DAR-CAR Assistant Regional Director Virginia D. Aycud stressed DAR’s commitment to the community, urging farmers to effectively use the provided assistance for their success, with the promise of DAR’s ongoing support.

Benguet Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, through his Executive Assistant David Cabuten, thanked DAR for its continued partnership and support for local farmers, reaffirming his commitment to improving the welfare of the farming community in Benguet.

DAR-Benguet Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lailani A. Cortez welcomed the ARBs and guests, highlighting that DAR’s support extends beyond land titles to include various services aimed at empowering ARBs with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable agriculture and better livelihoods.

DAR’s initiative aims to enhance ARBs’ farming practices and entrepreneurial success post-receiving their land ownership certificates, extending support beyond land allocation to include crucial training and resources, showcasing DAR’s dedication to the sustainable progress and prosperity of the community. (PR)