By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Occidental North has launched two sites for its Farm Business School Project in the province to boost the marketing skills of the farmers.
The sites were launched in partnership with the local governments of Toboso and Cadiz City.
The project, which was participated in by a total of 60 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Hagnaya Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ARC) in the municipality of Toboso and Caridad Farmers Association in Cadiz City aims to develop a sustainable vegetable production systems for the farmers and boost their marketing skills.
Barangay Tabun-ac Captain Dante Sabillo encouraged ARB-members of Hagnaya ARC to continue with strengthening their organization and to be a good steward of the projects entrusted to them by the different national agencies.
Earlier, the Hagnaya ARC received farm tractors with implements worth ₱4.5M through DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Project.
Municipal Agriculture Officer Noel Tan, also of Toboso, assured the ARBs of the ready assistance from the local government and congratulated them for yet another successful endeavor.
Cadiz City Agriculture Officer Enrique Escares III said the local government should prioritize assistance for rice and vegetable production.
He further said that the associations should be accredited by the local government for them to be able to avail of the support services from the Department of Agriculture.