TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is investing in the development of agrarian reform communities in the region of Eastern Visayas by providing a grant of 1.5 Million PHP to the local government of Palo, Leyte.
This funding will be used to establish a greenhouse that will be managed by an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) and is part of the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities (SuRe ARCs) program.
The SANAG (San Agustin) Rice Farmers and Livelihood Association, a farmer organization assisted by the DAR within the Palo Agrarian Reform Community (ARC), has been chosen as the recipient of the greenhouse.
The organization will be able to expand its livelihood activities and generate more income by undertaking an enterprise-based crop nursery project.
This project aligns with the food security program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the nine primary goals of Agrarian Reform Secretary Connrado Estrella III, specifically in providing modern farm equipment to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
The strong support of Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla was a major factor in the municipality being selected for the project.
The collaboration between the DAR and the Palo LGU was formalized in December 2020 when a memorandum of agreement was signed by both parties. The LGU will be responsible for the implementation of the project, including the procurement of goods and materials.
Mayor Petilla expressed her appreciation for the opportunity and her commitment to supporting any agricultural projects in the region.
The project will benefit the recipient ARBO and local farmers by increasing access to quality seeds and seedlings and ensuring the production of improved crop varieties and higher-quality plant materials.
This partnership between the DAR and LGU of Palo is a positive step towards achieving sustainable and resilient agrarian reform communities in the region. The project will provide additional income opportunities for farmers and help them improve their livelihoods.