The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) II in Camarines Sur has reported increased sales of farmers’ produce through their participation in various direct marketing platforms of the government in the first quarter of 2024.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, Renato Bequillo, DAR-Camarines Sur II chief, said agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) earned PHP82,216 during the same period last year through their traditional way of selling.

This year, he said they garnered total sales of PHP252,278 by selling fresh and processed agricultural products directly to consumers.

In a media release, Bequillo said from January to March 2024, eight farmers’ groups sold products at fair prices, maximizing income by eliminating middlemen while fostering sustainable relationships with buyers.

Selling was done through weekly “tiangges” or flea market and the Tindarhan Corner Online Store, both organized by DAR II Camarines Sur last March, and the SM Sunday Market project in Naga City of DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Office Rowena Niña Taduran in February.

Sales from tiangge held monthly outside the DAR provincial office brought in PHP154,098; the Tindarhan Corner and Online Store– PHP42,060; and the SM Sunday Market, PHP56,120.

“Not only will these be a venue for showcasing local products, but it will also raise awareness that these ARBOs can meet community requirements and be partners for economic development with appropriate support,” Bequillo said. (PNA)