In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has delivered a major asset to farmers in Zamboanga Sibugay. The agency formally turned over a six-wheeler hauling truck valued at P1.8 million to a local cooperative on Wednesday, January 7.
Empowering Timbabauan's Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
The recipient of this substantial government support is the Timbabauan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Timarbemco), based in Barangay Timbabauan, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The cooperative, primarily engaged in rubber farming and production, received the vehicle to directly address logistical challenges in their operations.
The turnover ceremony was led by Dimalotang Guiling II, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer for Zamboanga Sibugay. He was accompanied by two other provincial DAR officials who witnessed the handover of the key asset to the farmer-members.
Expected Impact on Hauling and Marketing
According to the DAR-Zamboanga Sibugay provincial office, the provision of the truck is a strategic intervention designed to strengthen the cooperative's core functions. The vehicle is expected to significantly enhance Timarbemco's hauling and marketing capacity.
By improving the efficiency of transporting raw rubber and other products to markets, the cooperative can reduce costs and potentially secure better prices. This direct support is projected to contribute to improved productivity and increased income for the agrarian reform beneficiaries who are members of the cooperative, thereby fulfilling the core goals of the agrarian reform program.
Ongoing Commitment to ARB Organizations
In a related development underscoring DAR's continuous monitoring and support, the DAR-Zamboanga del Norte provincial office recently conducted a validation and verification activity for the Mabuhay Coconut Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Liloy town.
This process aimed to assess the cooperative's current status, ensure compliance with agrarian reform standards, and validate records supporting its organizational development. The agency stated that this process underscores its continuing commitment to strengthening Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) and promoting sustainable, farmer-led development across the region.
The turnover of the P1.8-million truck in Tungawan stands as a concrete example of this commitment, providing tangible resources to help farmer-cooperatives become more competitive and sustainable in the local agricultural economy.
