Multi-Million Peso Agricultural Boost for Zamboanga Sibugay Farmers
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has delivered a significant boost to the agricultural sector in Zamboanga Sibugay, distributing farm machinery and equipment valued at P19.2 million to local farmer cooperatives. The official turnover ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, at the DAR provincial office located in Ipil Heights, Ipil, the capital town of Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Substantial Support for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
The distributed assistance package is designed to strengthen farming capabilities and improve livelihoods. It includes substantial assets such as three units of six-wheeler trucks, one four-wheel drive tractor, and three coffee depulpers. The package also features one multi-power station and a remarkable 7,846 organic plant supplements intended to enhance agricultural productivity across the province.
The primary recipients of this Farm Machineries and Equipment (FME) are five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (Arbos):
- Zampen Agri-Marketing Cooperative (Zampagrimco)
- Barangay Sto. Niño Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Basfarco)
- Timbabauan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Timarbemco)
- Latuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Larbenco)
- United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC)
For the organic plant supplements, a broader group of 36 Arbos have been identified as beneficiaries, with the initial batches distributed during the ceremony and the remainder scheduled for subsequent distribution.
Ongoing Commitment Beyond Equipment Distribution
During the turnover ceremony, Romulus Perez, OIC-Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer for the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBBD), emphasized that the government's support extends far beyond the physical distribution of equipment. He clarified that focal persons from PBBD will continue working closely with the Arbos, providing sustained support for their economic enterprises and assisting in policy formulation related to support services.
Perez encouraged the recipient organizations to utilize the intervention wisely and remain proactive in strengthening their cooperative structures. Mohammad Abdul Jabbar Pandapatan, DAR-Zamboanga Sibugay chief, echoed this sentiment, urging cooperatives to properly manage and value the machinery and inputs entrusted to them.
Pandapatan also expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Rolando Libetario Jr., acknowledging his strong support in bringing the project to fruition. He extended congratulations to all recipients, recognizing their continued efforts in uplifting their respective organizations and contributing to the agricultural development of Zamboanga Sibugay.
