In a significant boost to Palawan’s agricultural sector, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has been instrumental in enhancing farm productivity through the provision of vital equipment and comprehensive training. This initiative, captured in a recent photo of members from the Malalong Multi-Purpose Cooperative testing a new farm tractor, underscores DAR’s ongoing commitment to uplifting farmers across the nation.
DAR’s efforts, highlighted in a recent news release, align with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III to fortify the livelihoods of agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs). Local cooperative leaders in Palawan have expressed gratitude for DAR’s impactful interventions, which have transformed the farming landscape in the region.
Lovimen Gallego, chairman of both the Malalong-Binasbas Agriculture Cooperative (MABIACO) and the Palawan Agrarian Reform Communities Cooperative Federation (PARCOFED), emphasized that DAR’s assistance extends far beyond mere land distribution. The provision of essential farm machinery like trailers, tractors, harvesters, and hauling trucks has significantly elevated production levels and income for local farmers.
Gallego, representing three farming cooperatives in Palawan, noted that DAR’s consistent support enables these groups to better serve agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Since its inception in 2017, MABIACO has grown to include 251 members involved in various agricultural enterprises, financial services, and equipment rentals, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural community.
Jaime Marin, chairman of the Malalong Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC), praised DAR’s capacity-building programs, stating that the department not only provides land but also ensures ARBs receive the necessary support to maximize their land’s potential and improve their livelihoods.