The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recognized the Dolefil Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Cooperative (DARBC) in South Cotabato as the most outstanding agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) in the Soccsksargen region.
In a statement Tuesday, DARBC chairman Vincent Palma said their commitment to expanding their services has more than doubled now that they have formally formed an “alliance of mutual support” with the Polomolok town government, where the cooperative is based.
According to Palma, the DARBC has immensely contributed to improving and empowering the socio-economic welfare of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), farmworkers, and cooperative members through pineapple production and other agricultural business ventures.
“The award and acknowledgment was not the primary goal of the organization. Its main objective is to create a cooperative that would provide the most outstanding benefits to its members and the community,” he said.
As indicated in the priority areas identified by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, the recognition is anchored on partnerships not only between the farmers and various government agencies, but also among DARBC members and the local government.
Palma lauded DAR and all the people who have helped the cooperative rise and become the most progressive ARBO in the region.
Hadji Roldan Ali, DAR-Soccsksargen assistant regional director, said the cooperative has been “excellently and effectively managed” for almost 34 years.
“Through the years, the cooperative has become the DAR’s partner in helping the ARBs and making their lives more progressive,” he said.
Ali said being recognized as the most outstanding ARBO in the region is one of the most valuable milestones for a cooperative, even as he encouraged DARBC to strive more in becoming the future top ARBO in the country.
The plaque of recognition was formally awarded to the cooperative on Sept. 26 in Polomolok.
DARBC bested 169 other DAR-assisted organizations across the region for the much sought-after award. (PNA)
