A total of 31 agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in Negros Occidental received certificates of registration (CORs) from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) during a joint caravan with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at Acacia Hotel Convention Center here Thursday.
The awarding of the CORs converts the ARBOs into new cooperatives, which is part of the support and commitment of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III in providing opportunities for ARBs to become farmer-entrepreneurs.
In his message, Undersecretary for Support Services Office Josef Angelo Martires said the true foundation of every cooperative is the trust and unity among its members, as he assured the ARBs of support from the DAR, CDA, and partner-agencies.
“This also marks the start of a new journey. A new chapter as an organization that comes with greater responsibility. More opportunities, and clearer goals among you. You are not walking this journey alone,” he added.
DAR-Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna said a bundle of support services can be availed by the ARBOs, such as provisions of farm machineries and equipment and farm-to-market roads.
“Keeping the ARB organizations stronger and faith in the government are the keys toward success. The DAR-NIR mantra also mandates that ‘No ARBS shall be left behind in terms of support services,’” she said.
The recipients of the CORs include Hacienda Pascual; Cabutongan; Hiyang-hiyang Malasaga; San Jose 2 Suli; Camantero 1; Hacienda Sagrada Familia; Small Upland Lauron; Rita Balud; Sol; Malasaging Pinapugasan; Prosperidad; Minapasuk; Mina-utok; Hinab-ongan; Mamive; and Sta. Isabel agrarian reform cooperatives, all in northern Negros.
Those in southern Negros are Barangay Pandan Farmers and Farmworkers; Purok Narra; Bagong Silang Tuguis Farmers; United Tinongan; Prosperidad Farmers Beneficiaries; Hacienda Esperanza Communal; Kapit Bisig Kapit Buhay Farmers; Tabugon Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Farmers; Oringao Lowland Upland; Barangay Cabcab Integrated Farmers; Busay Farmers; Hacienda Garben; Barangay Cansalongon; Canlamay; and Balik-Balik agrarian reform cooperatives. (PNA)
