Cagayan Valley’s Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Shine at 'The Grand Bagsakan in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The heart of Binondo pulsed with the vibrant energy of Cagayan Valley's agricultural heritage as "The Grand Bagsakan" and the inaugural Negosyo Agraryo Fair unfolded on June 19, 2024, at Lucky Chinatown Mall's Ground Atrium and 2nd Floor Railings.

This landmark event spotlighted the rich array of products from Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) of Region II, also known as the Cagayan Valley region. Organized collaboratively by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, the fair aimed to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers, providing ARBOs with a platform to showcase and sell their goods directly to Metro Manila's bustling market.

A Cornucopia of Regional Delights

Visitors were treated to a diverse selection of fresh produce, including highland vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and chayote, as well as lowland staples such as tomatoes and eggplants. The fair also featured an assortment of processed goods: the region's renowned chicharabao (crispy carabao skin), milk candies, and various non-food items reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Cagayan Valley.

Empowering Local Enterprises

The event brought together 63 participants, with 30 representing the One Town One Product (OTOP) program and 33 hailing from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). These participants had undergone extensive training and seminars to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, ensuring they were well-prepared to engage with a broader market and seize new business opportunities.

Institutional Support and Market Expansion

The significance of the fair in expanding market access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local farmers is part of ongoing efforts to provide wider market opportunities for MSMEs and local farmers, allowing them to introduce their products to Metro Manila and beyond.

The fair also attracted institutional buyers, further amplifying the potential for sustained business relationships and market growth for the participating ARBOs.

Specifically, Promoting Cagayan Valley agrarian reform beneficiaries' (ARBs) products in Metro Manila serves several important economic, social, and developmental goals:

1. Expanding Market Access

Cagayan Valley is an agricultural powerhouse, but its local market is limited. Bringing ARBs' products to Metro Manila — the Philippines’ largest consumer base — allows farmers to:

• Sell in higher volumes.

• Command better prices.

• Reduce reliance on middlemen.

This helps ARBs generate more income and scale their agribusinesses sustainably.

2. Enhancing Economic Inclusion

Agrarian reform aims to empower smallholder farmers and rural communities. Promoting their goods in urban centers like Manila:

• Levels the playing field between rural producers and large agri-corporations.

• Brings marginalized farmers into the mainstream economy.

• Showcases that ARBs can be agri-preneurs, not just producers.

3. Supporting Food Security and Localization

Manila relies heavily on rural regions like Cagayan Valley for food. Highlighting these producers:

• Strengthens regional food systems.

• Encourages urban consumers to support local and traceable food sources.

• Reduces supply chain risks by promoting direct-from-farm sourcing.

4. Fostering Product Recognition and Branding

Many ARBOs produce high-quality but underrecognized products. Exposure in Metro Manila helps:

• Build product awareness and brand identity.

• Attract partnerships with institutional buyers, hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

• Set the stage for future exports or expansion.

5. Encouraging Investment and Policy Support

Visibility in the capital often draws attention from:

• Policymakers and legislators.

• NGOs and development partners.

• Investors looking for inclusive business models.

This exposure can unlock more funding and support for regional agribusinesses.

6. Strengthening the Agrarian Reform Program

Ultimately, showcasing ARB products in Manila validates the long-term vision of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). It proves that:

• Land reform can lead to viable rural enterprises.

• Small-scale farmers can compete in national markets.

• With the right support, agrarian reform beneficiaries can thrive.

Also, promoting Cagayan Valley ARBs' products in Metro Manila isn't just about selling produce — it's about connecting economies, reducing inequality, and empowering rural communities through inclusive development.

A Model for Sustainable Development

The success of "The Grand Bagsakan" and the Negosyo Agraryo Fair underscores the potential of collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities in promoting sustainable economic development. By providing a platform for ARBOs to showcase their products, the event not only celebrated the agricultural richness of Cagayan Valley but also highlighted the importance of empowering rural communities through market integration.

As the fair concluded, the enthusiasm and positive feedback from both vendors and consumers signaled a promising future for similar initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth and bridging the urban-rural divide.

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Embrace Drone Technology to Revolutionize Rice Farming

In a transformative move towards modernizing agriculture, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the Philippines are increasingly adopting drone technology to enhance rice production. This shift is part of the government's broader initiative to promote precision agriculture, aiming to increase yields, reduce costs, and attract younger generations to farming.

In the rice paddies of Nueva Ecija, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It's not marked by loud protests or sweeping land reforms, but by the soft hum of propellers slicing through the air. These are not toys or tech novelties—they are agricultural drones, and for thousands of smallholder farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), they represent the future of farming.

From Hand Tools to High-Tech. For decades, agrarian reform in the Philippines has focused on redistributing land to landless farmers. While land ownership is a critical step toward equity, it has not always guaranteed prosperity. Many ARBs have continued to face poverty, largely due to high labor costs, low productivity, and limited access to modern technologies.

Now, with the introduction of drone technology through government and NGO initiatives, that paradigm is beginning to shift.

“Before, we needed five workers to plant seeds on one hectare. Now, a drone can finish it in under 30 minutes,” says Ricardo Santos, a 48-year-old farmer from Isabela and member of a local ARB cooperative. “We save money, time, and we can do it without exhausting ourselves.”

The Drones4RiceProject: Pioneering Precision Agriculture. Launched in April 2024, the Drones4Rice Project is a collaborative effort between the International RiceResearch Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine RiceResearch Institute (DA-PhilRice). The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for drone applications in seeding, fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By implementing these protocols, the initiative seeks to optimize input usage, leading to higher yields and cost efficiency for farmers.

Collaborative Efforts and Support. The Drones4Rice Project is also supported by various stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), and the CivilAviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). These collaborations aim to streamline regulations and facilitate the widespread adoption of drone technology among smallholder farmers.

Government Support and Subsidies. Recognizing the potential of drone technology, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated ₱300 million to support its commercial application. Through a voucher system, organized groups such as rice clusters, irrigators' associations, farmers' cooperatives, and ARB organizations can access drone services. Each beneficiary is entitled to a ₱2,000 voucher per hectare, covering comprehensive drone-assisted farming operations from pre-flight planning to pest and disease control.

Objectives and Scope. The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for drone-assisted applications in rice production, including seeding, fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By establishing these protocols, Drones4Rice aims to optimize input usage, enhance crop yields, and reduce labor costs, thereby promoting precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Implementation and Benefits. Drones equipped with advanced sensors are utilized to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and apply inputs precisely. This technology enables real-time data collection, allowing for informed decision-making and efficient resource management. The adoption of drones is particularly beneficial in addressing challenges such as labor shortages and high production costs, which are prevalent in the Philippine rice farming sector.

Efficiency and Cost Reduction. The adoption of drones has significantly improved farming efficiency. For instance, drone seeding can complete crop establishment in just 20 minutes per hectare, compared to half a day or more using traditional methods. This rapid deployment not only saves time but also reduces labor costs by up to 50%. Additionally, drone-assisted operations have demonstrated higher yields; a study showed that drone-seeded fields produced 6.85 tons per hectare, surpassing the 6.38 tons achieved through manual broadcasting.

Empowering Farmers and Promoting Inclusivity. Beyond efficiency, drone technology is empowering farmers by reducing the physical demands of farming, making it more accessible to women and the youth. The ease of operating drones for tasks like seeding and fertilization is encouraging more individuals to participate in agriculture, promoting gender inclusivity and rejuvenating the farming workforce.

Women and Youth in the Fields—Again. Perhaps one of the most powerful impacts of drone adoption has been social. Farming, once seen as a physically grueling and low-prestige profession, is being reimagined as a modern, tech-enabled enterprise.

“Drones have made farming attractive again, especially for young people,” says Angelica Ramos, a 26-year-old ARB and agribusiness graduate who now manages a drone service cooperative in Bukidnon. “We used to think we had to leave the farm to succeed. Now, the farm is where the future is.”

Women, too, are stepping into leadership roles in drone operations, as the technology lessens the need for brute strength and rewards technical skills and organizational savvy.

Regulation and Safety Measures. To ensure the safe and effective use of drones in agriculture, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is developing regulations and protocols. These measures aim to safeguard users, consumers, and the environment, while also preventing potential misuse of drone technology.

Challenges and the Road Ahead. While the benefits are clear, challenges remain. Not all ARBs have immediate access to drone services, especially in remote areas. There's also a learning curve—farmers need training not just in how to operate drones, but how to interpret the data they provide.

To address this, Drones4Rice and its partners have launched capacity-building programs that include hands-on training, certification, and community-level workshops. Pilot sites in Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Iloilo have become models of success.

A Glimpse into the Future. The integration of drone technology into Philippine agriculture marks a significant step towards modernization. As ARBs continue to embrace these innovations, the country moves closer to achieving sustainable and efficient farming practices, ensuring food security and improved livelihoods for its farmers.

As the Philippine agriculture sector grapples with the impacts of climate change, aging farmers, and global competition, drone technology offers more than just convenience—it offers resilience and hope.

“We’ve always worked hard,” says Santos, shading his eyes to watch a drone sweep across the sky. “Now, with these new tools, our hard work is finally paying off.”

In the skies above Philippine rice fields, drones buzz quietly, almost humbly. But on the ground, their presence is anything but silent. For agrarian reform beneficiaries reclaiming not just land but dignity and opportunity, these machines are heralds of a new, more equitable agricultural era.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Information Agency

DAR Region 2 distributes Php17.6 million worth of farm machinery and equipment.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial offices in the Cagayan Valley region (Region 2) have procured and distributed Php17.6 million worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME) consisting of tractors, combine harvesters, delivery trucks, etc., to nine (9) agrarian reform beneficiaries' organizations (ARBOs) in the different provinces in the region. The FME would help farmers modernize their operations and increase their yield resulting to increase in income.  

According to DAR region 2 Regional Director Primo C. Lara, the farm machineries and equipment for distribution to selected agrarian reform beneficiaries' organizations is being implemented under the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities Project (SuRe ARCs), a DAR program for farm machines aimed to improve farm productivity and increase thehousehold income of ARBs through the ARBOs where they are a member.  

The turnover of the farm equipment was graced by the presence of Atty. Kazel Celeste, DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations (FOO) and Atty. Marjorie P. Ayson, DAR Assistant Secretary, FOO. The FME was distributed to the following ARBOs: Sunrise Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Garita Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, the Farmers of Luna Agriculture Cooperative, Villaverde Development Cooperative, Brgy. Paitan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc., San Salvador ARB Association, Luttuad ARB Farmers Association, San Francisco ARB Farmers Association, Maui Farmers' Cooperative, Dicamay Farmers Agri Cooperative, Greenfield Cabatuan Agriculture Cooperative, Nam-Ay Farmers Association, Western Aurora Agri Cooperative, Upper Forest Region Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Reform Farm Workers Association, Sinili Vegetable Growers Cooperative, and Rotary Community Corps of Cauayan City Producers Cooperative. 

The SuRe ARCs is a program of the Department of Agrarian Reform that aims to support the agricultural sector and enhance food security. In addition to farm mechanization, the project is also establishing enterprise-based crop nurseries with greenhouse facilities and tissue culture laboratories in agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, state universities and colleges, and local government units within Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).  

Turnover of farm machinery and equipment under DAR Project SuRe ARCs.  

DAR Usec Atty Kazel C. Celeste (left) and DAR Asec Atty Marjorie P. Ayson. 

Delivery truck for hauling of ARB agri products. 

Combine harvesters and tractors. 

Four-wheeled tractors for ARB coops. 

DARPO Cagayan-Batanes PARPO II Val M. Cristobal and staff.

Sunrise MPC officers and members - recipients of delivery truck.