Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative: Driving Food Security and Economic Growth under DAR’s PAHP

Solana, Cagayan — The Bantay Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) Cooperative in Solana, Cagayan, has emerged as a vital force in the fight against hunger and poverty through its active participation in the Department of Agrarian Reform’s PartnershipAgainst Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program.

In January 2024, the cooperative received a multicab utility vehicle valued at ₱299,500 from the Department of Agrarian Reform provincial Office of Cagayan (DARPO-Cagayan). This provision, under the PAHP and Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program, aims to bolster the cooperative's logistical capabilities, facilitating the efficient transport of agricultural products and enhancing market access for its members.

The PAHP initiative, a collaborative effort among various government agencies including the DAR and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), seeks to address food insecurity and poverty by integrating community-based organizations like the Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative into institutional food supply chains. Through this program, cooperatives are linked to government feeding programs and other institutional buyers, ensuring a stable market for their produce and contributing to the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.

Since its inception, the PAHP program has significantly impacted agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) nationwide. As of April 2024, these organizations have collectively earned over ₱2.3 billion by supplying agricultural products to institutional markets. This success underscores the program's effectiveness in enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

In Solana, the local government's support for agricultural development is evident through initiatives like the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Distribution Caravan and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. These programs provide financial aid and direct market access to farmers, complementing the efforts of cooperatives like Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative in strengthening the local agricultural economy.

The Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative's active engagement in these programs exemplifies the potential of grassroots organizations to contribute meaningfully to national goals of food security and poverty alleviation. Through continued collaboration with government agencies and sustained community involvement, the cooperative is poised to further its impact on the well-being of its members and the broader community.