In a significant achievement, agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the Caraga region amassed over PHP660 million in 2024, thanks to strategic marketing agreements, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform in Caraga (DAR-13). Merlita Capinpuyan, the director of DAR-13, highlighted that the success of these ARBOs was bolstered by the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) alongside support from other governmental bodies. The ARBDSP is instrumental in the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) initiative, which facilitates ARBOs in securing institutional markets like hospitals, educational institutions, and public sector facilities. A standout performer was the Lumad sa Adgawan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAMPUFACO) based in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, which reported gross sales exceeding PHP83 million last year. Lorena Durango, the chairperson of LAMPUFACO, shared that their products, including milled rice and other agricultural goods, were supplied to various institutions such as hospitals, correctional facilities, and schools. She expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership with DAR-13 to expand their market reach. In terms of regional earnings, ARBOs in Agusan del Sur led with PHP369.9 million, followed by Agusan del Norte at PHP211.1 million, Surigao del Sur at PHP73.4 million, and Surigao del Norte at PHP5.4 million. Milled rice emerged as the highest revenue generator, contributing over PHP194.1 million to the total earnings.
