From the Farm to Your Table: DAR-Region 02 and Lighthouse Coop Light the Way for Farmers' Success!

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan– Something exciting just sprouted in Region 02!  The Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office II (DAR-RO2) and the ever-dynamic Lighthouse Cooperative just inked a partnership that’s bound to brighten the future of agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) across the region — and yes, your dining table might just get tastier, too.

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed with cheerful energy and shared optimism, both parties sealed their commitment to bring farm-fresh, high-quality products of ARBOs straight to wider markets, minus the middlemen, minus the stress!

More than Paper, It’s a Promise. This isn’t your typical ceremonial signing with stiff handshakes. At the heart of this agreement is a shared mission: empowering farmers, promoting local produce, and giving every Filipino a taste of what Region 02 proudly produces, processed food, coffee, and other products, such as snacks and drinks.

DAR-RO2 Regional Director Primo C. Lara, represented by OIC-Assistant Regional Director Estrelita V. Go, mentioned that the partnership is significantly beneficial, as it brings the ARBOs’ hard work out of the fields and into the spotlight. Together with Lighthouse Cooperative, represented by its General Manager, Arturo Tabbu, it will highlight the hope, dignity, and real stories behind every product.

Lighthouse: More Than a Coop, It’s a Beacon. The Lighthouse Cooperative, based in Tuguegarao City, is no stranger to innovation and community support. With its strong retail presence, digital platforms, and loyal customer base, it’s the perfect channel to showcase ARBO products. Imagine browsing your local Lighthouse store and seeing neatly packaged native goodies proudly tagged with the name of the ARBO on their labels, now on retail with a purpose.

With this agreement, expect to see more colorful product displays and the mainstreaming of ARBO products in the market. Additionally, every product purchased is a vote of support for sustainable rural development. This is the kind of agrarian reform that tastes good, feels right, and builds futures.

The next time you visit a Lighthouse Cooperative store, look for products bearing the special ARBO seal. You won’t just be shopping - you’ll be sowing seeds of change. From Region 02 with love, let’s grow together! 🌱💚

CSU-Carig Campus and ISU-San Mateo Campus bag major awards in DAR regional PelikulAgraryo 2025.

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 02 has launched PelikulAgraryo 2025, a regional short film competition aimed at showcasing the transformative journeys of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations through student-led storytelling.

With the theme “Pag-ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kuwento ng Pag-asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo” (Harvest of Dreams: Stories of Hope and Success in Agrarian Reform), the initiative invites tertiary-level students enrolled in communication and media-related courses across Region 02 to produce 10–15 minute films that highlight the real-life experiences of ARBs and agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). 

DAR Regional Director Primo C. Lara emphasized that the festival serves as a platform to bridge generational divides, making agrarian reform issues relatable and emotionally resonant, especially for the youth. 

The competition features two categories: the ARB Category, focusing on individual beneficiaries, and the ARBO Category, highlighting the achievements of organizations involved in DAR programs. Regional winners from each category will receive ₱30,000 and will advance to the national finals, where they stand a chance to win ₱60,000. Additionally, eight special awards with monetary prizes will be conferred at the regional level. 

A total of nine (9) entries were accepted from the students of state colleges and universities within Region 02 for the contest. Regional judging took place on June 11, with the awarding ceremony held on June 28. The top films will proceed to the national finals, where they will compete under the same theme. 

This initiative is part of DAR's broader effort to engage the youth in agrarian reform, encouraging them to become storytellers and advocates for rural development. Through PelikulAgraryo 2025, DAR aims to humanize land reform policies and inspire a new generation to appreciate and participate in the ongoing transformation of the agricultural sector.

Winners (Regional Level):

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) category: 

1st Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

2nd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

3rd Place: Quirino State University - Diffun Campus

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category: 

1st Place: Isabela State University - San Mateo Campus

2nd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

3rd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

Entries for the ARBO category

Entries for the ARB category

The short film Dalawamput Dalawang Krisantemo by Cagayan State University-Carig Campus won the regional Best Film under the ARBO category.

The short film BUNGA by Isabela State University-San Mateo Campus won the Best Film under the ARB category. 

Regional Winners under the ARBO category. 

Regional winners under the ARB category.