ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAM. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Support Services Office Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran delivers a speech during the four-day Program Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Planning Workshop Sustainability that started on June 25, 2024. The DAR said the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) have earned a total of PHP2.377 billion through PAHP. (Photo from DAR)
MANILA – The Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) have earned a total of PHP2.377 billion through the government’s Program Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP), a government initiative addressing food security, hunger, and poverty problems through the cooperation and convergence of essential services of various government agencies.
Under the program, various government agencies and institutions tap the services of ARBOs to supply them with various agricultural products and food commodities, which enable farmers to have a steady and large market at a fair price and thus more earnings.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced the ARBOs’ PHP2.3-billion profit during its ongoing four-day PAHP’s Planning Workshop Sustainability that started on June 25.
It was learned that in its initial implementation in 2019, the ARBOs earned PHP3.68 million; in 2020, PHP148.86 million; in 2021, PHP485.39 million; in 2022, PHP800.09 million; in 2023, PHP680.68 million; and this year, as of April, these farmers groups have already earned PHP259.13 million.
The DAR has linked a total of 470 ARBOs to institutional markets such as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Education, National Nutrition Council, local government units, DAR Employees Association, Medical Mission Groups, San Miguel Food Incorporated, and Pro Green Agricorp, among others.
DAR’s Support Services Office Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran said through collaborative efforts, the DAR, with its partners can make a meaningful impact on the lives of the farmers.
“This workshop marks a pivotal moment where we brainstorm and strategize toward sustainable solutions such as sustainable agriculture practices, food security initiatives, and economic empowerment opportunities,” she said in a news release on Thursday.
On the last day of the activity, there will be an awarding ceremony to recognize the commitment, hard work, and valuable contributions of regional and provincial offices and institutional partners in the success of the program, as well as the outstanding ARBO performers that helped realize the goals of the program. (PR)
