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! 🌱💚

MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative: From Agrarian Reform Beneficiary to Accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA)

CAGAYAN VALLEY, PHILIPPINES — In a remarkable journey from tilling the land to transforming it into a center of learning, the MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative, an agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) in Region II, has earned its distinction as an accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) under the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI).

From Land to Learning

Formed by a group of dedicated farmer-beneficiaries under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative has long been a vital force in the rural economy of its community. With strong roots in rice farming and irrigation management, the cooperative was originally organized to empower farmers through land ownership and collective productivity.

Today, it stands as more than just a farmers’ cooperative—it is a beacon of innovation and shared knowledge, recognized officially as an LSA, where it hosts learning sessions, field demonstrations, and technical trainings for farmers, youth, agricultural extension workers, and other stakeholders in the agri-fishery sector.

Building Capacity Through Agriculture

The LSA program, spearheaded by the DA-ATI, aims to recognize and support farmer-led farms that showcase effective, sustainable, and innovative farming practices. The MBG cooperative fits this mold perfectly. Its members have adopted diversified and climate-resilient farming systems that include:

• Palay production using water-efficient irrigation systems

• Integrated rice-fish farming

• Vermicomposting and organic fertilizer production

• Use of farm machinery for postharvest processing

As an LSA, MBG now serves as a hands-on learning venue where trainees can engage directly with actual farming processes—from land preparation and crop production to marketing and cooperative management.

Agrarian Reform in Action

The MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative’s recognition as an LSA also underscores the success of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s support services, particularly in ARBO development and sustainability. With the backing of DAR and its partnership with DA-ATI, cooperatives like MBG are not only increasing farm productivity but also fostering a new generation of farmer-leaders and agri-entrepreneurs.

Empowering Rural Communities

For members of the cooperative and the broader community, the impact has been transformative. Local farmers now have access to technical training without the need to travel far, while young people are being drawn back to agriculture through MBG’s inclusive, community-based learning approach.

“Our farm is not just a source of livelihood—it is a classroom, a laboratory, and a place of hope,” says [Cooperative Chairperson/Manager], highlighting the importance of farmer-led learning in rural development.

The Road Ahead

As MBG Farmers Irrigators Cooperative continues to grow in its dual role as a productive ARBO and a Learning Site for Agriculture, it envisions further innovation, partnerships, and youth engagement. Plans are underway to expand its demonstration areas, host more specialized trainings, and serve as a model for other ARBOs aspiring to become LSAs.

Its success story is a testament to what can happen when agrarian reform, cooperative empowerment, and agricultural education converge, building not only better farms but stronger, self-sustaining communities.

Farm Machinery and Equipment Turned Over by DAR-Cagayan to Five ARBOs

TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN — In response to the growing challenges brought by climate change in the agricultural sector, the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Cagayan has distributed approximately ₱1.2 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) across the province.

The official turnover ceremony was held on June 23, 2025 at the DARPO Cagayan Compound in Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City. The event was led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Val Cristobal, PARPO I Glenn A. Follante, and OIC-CARPO for Program Beneficiaries Development Division Christian Sales, together with other DARPO officials and personnel. Representatives and members of the recipient ARBOs also participated in the ceremony.

The five recipient ARBOs are:

• Lizardo Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Lucban, Abulug

• MSRT Culung Credit Cooperative of Culung, Tuao

• Dafunganay Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Dafunganay, Amulung

• Paddaya Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Paddaya, Aparri

• Logac Farmers Agriculture Cooperative of Logac, Lallo

A total of approximately 260 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are expected to directly benefit from the distributed machinery and tools.

The agricultural equipment turned over includes:

• Four hand tractors with trailers

• One floating tiller

• One compact tiller rotavator

• Seven brush cutters with rice harvester attachments

• Eleven knapsack sprayers

• Thirteen pressure washers

• One rice transplanter

• Seven water pumps

In their messages, the DAR officials emphasized that the farm machinery granted to the cooperatives represents the fulfillment of a long-time dream of many ARBs. They encouraged the ARBOs to treat the equipment as their own—to care for, maintain, and maximize their use so that more members can benefit over a longer period.

This initiative forms part of the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) Program of DAR, which aims to strengthen the capacity of agrarian reform communities to adapt to climate change by introducing innovative and efficient agricultural solutions.

Through this program, DAR-Cagayan hopes to reduce production costs, increase yields, and boost income among ARBs—paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable farming future in the province.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WpMUYA97Js

PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/darcagayanIO/posts/pfbid0uBazEkMfbrerYdgmhQiiQdZi9Lqdqq4ZSAtBxZ4SCoTDH2Pues9BdXFGzvEikvKol

Sunrise Multipurpose Cooperative: Cultivating Community Prosperity in Gattaran, Cagayan though DAR's VLFED project

In the verdant landscapes of Gattaran, Cagayan, the Sunrise Multipurpose Cooperative (SMPC), an agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO), stands as a beacon of community-driven development and agricultural innovation. Established in Cappisayan Sur, SMPC has been instrumental in transforming the lives of local farmers through sustainable practices and enterprise development.

Empowering Farmers through the VLFED Program

The Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program has been pivotal in SMPC's journey. This initiative aims to bolster rural enterprises by providing essential support in processing, marketing, and capacity building. Through VLFED, SMPC has enhanced its production capabilities, ensuring that local farmers can process and market their products effectively, thereby increasing their income and community resilience. 

The DAR-VLFED project transformed the Sunrise Multipurpose Cooperative from a small farm-based group into a fully operational, FDA-registered rural enterprise. By leveraging local produce, boosting processing capacity, and opening new markets, VLFED empowered SMPC to uplift the lives of its agrarian reform beneficiaries while stimulating inclusive rural development in Gattaran. With funding and technical support from VLFED, SMPC was able to:

• Upgrade its processing facility for Bugnay wine and fruit preserves.

• Acquire food-grade equipment such as fermenters, bottling tools, pasteurizers, and labeling machines, enabling them to comply with FDA standards.

• Improve product quality, shelf-life, and packaging appeal, leading to better consumer trust and competitiveness.

Signature Product: Bugnay Wine

One of SMPC's standout products is its Bugnay wine, crafted from the indigenous wild berries abundant in the region. This fruit wine not only offers a unique taste but also boasts health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and essential minerals. The production of Bugnay wine has provided an alternative income source for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), showcasing the potential of value-added agricultural products. 

Community Engagement and Support

Beyond economic endeavors, SMPC has demonstrated a strong commitment to community welfare. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperative actively participated in relief efforts, distributing food packs and meals to affected families and frontliners. This spirit of bayanihan underscores SMPC's role as not just an economic entity but a cornerstone of community solidarity.

Collaborative Growth and Future Prospects

SMPC's integration into the Cagayan Cooperative Union, comprising 23 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, exemplifies its collaborative approach to regional development. By sharing resources and best practices, these cooperatives aim to amplify their impact, fostering a more robust and interconnected agricultural sector in Cagayan. 

As SMPC continues to harness programs like VLFED and engage in community-centric initiatives, it sets a precedent for how cooperatives can drive sustainable development, blending economic growth with social responsibility.

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. 

“PelikulAgraryo 2025” - A Cinematic Salute to Farmers’ Untold Stories

TUGUEGARAO CITY, June 13, 2025 - Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Cagayan Valley are stepping out of the fields and onto the screen, as DAR Region 02 unveils PelikulAgraryo 2025, a short-film competition that puts farmers at the heart of the story.

Lights, Camera, Agraryo! This year’s DAR Central and Regional Film Festival (DARCRFF) challenges tertiary-level students, especially from Cagayan State University-Carig Campus, to direct and produce short films that give voice to real experiences of land reform beneficiaries, cooperatives, and ARBO-led initiatives.

According to DAR Cagayan Valley Regional Director Primo C. Lara, the event is more than a creative showcase: it’s a platform to bridge generational divides, making agrarian reform issues relatable and emotionally resonant, especially for the youth.

Fresh Voices Illuminate Rural Realities. Past editions in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya provinces have shown the power of story: student filmmakers crafted narratives that blended legal battles, multigenerational wisdom, and the triumph of securing land titles.

One such film depicts a beneficiary’s journey from landlessness to cultivating ownership through Project SPLIT. Others highlight challenges, like protecting ancestral land or preserving agrarian legacy. These stories have captivated both judges and audiences.

Youth + Roots = Rural Renaissance. “Students are often unaware of agrarian reform’s impact,” DAR-Cagayan’s campaign explains. By having young creatives collaborate with ARBs, the festival fosters empathy, historical awareness, and even calls students to become future champions of rural development.

In Cagayan Valley, representatives from DAR and local universities have teamed up to mentor entries and urged filmmakers to dig deep into ARB communities for authentic, powerful stories.

On the Road to National Finals. PelikulAgraryo 2025 kicked off its call for entries in February. Regional judging will took place on June 11, 2025 - the Awarding will be on June 28, 2025 and the best films will move forward to the national finals under the theme “Pag‑ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kwento ng Pag‑asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo” (“Harvest of Dreams: Stories of Agrarian Hope and Success”).

Judges are looking for originality, strong storytelling, technical skill and most importantly, narratives that humanize land reform, going beyond policies and statistics.

The economic impact of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the Philippines

The economic impact of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the Philippines has been extensively studied, revealing a complex picture of both benefits and challenges. Below is a synthesis of empirical findings from various studies:

📈 Positive Economic Outcomes

1. Poverty Reduction and Income Gains

 Between 1990 and 2010, poverty incidence in ARC barangays declined by 28.3 percentage points, a slightly greater reduction than in non-ARC barangays. This suggests that ARCs contributed to faster poverty alleviation in rural areas. -ResearchGate

 A 2002 study by Celia Reyes found that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) experienced higher real per capita incomes and reduced poverty incidence between 1990 and 2000 compared to non-ARBs. -PIDS

2. Increased Agricultural Productivity

The Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project (ARCDP2) reported significant increases in crop yields post-implementation. For instance, hybrid rice yields increased by 30%, and traditional corn yields rose by 131%. -FFTC Agriculture Platform

3. Enhanced Access to Services

ARBs residing in ARCs had better access to basic services such as potable water and sanitary toilets, and higher ownership of household assets compared to non-ARBs. -FAOHome

Challenges and Criticisms

1. Decline in Farm Productivity

A study by Adamopoulos and Restuccia (2014) found that agricultural productivity under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) fell by 17%, alongside a 34% reduction in average farm size. -AmericanEconomic Association

2. Persistence of Rural Poverty

Despite land redistribution, a 2014 paper by Raul Fabella noted that poverty incidence among ARBs in ARCs stood at 54% in 2011, higher than the national average for farmers. This led to the characterization of ARBs as the "landed poor." -UP School of Economics

 3. Implementation Issues

 Critics argue that restrictions on land markets and the fragmentation of landholdings have hindered the potential economic benefits of agrarian reform.

While Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) have led to notable improvements in poverty reduction, agricultural productivity, and access to services for beneficiaries, challenges such as declining farm sizes, reduced overall productivity, and persistent poverty among ARBs highlight the need for policy adjustments. Addressing land market restrictions and providing sustained support services are crucial for enhancing the economic impact of agrarian reform in the Philippines.

Key policy adjustments made after 2010 in the Philippines aimed at improving the incomes of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs):

✅1. Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Program.

*Year Implemented: 2011

*Lead Agency: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Objective: Enhance productivity and income of ARBs by supporting ARB organizations (ARBOs) through: Enterprise development, Common Service Facilities (CSFs) like tractors and post-harvest equipment and Business development services and training. 

Impact: Helped ARBs transition from subsistence to commercial farming in many ARCs by integrating them into value chains and improving productivity.

✅ 2. Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP). 

*Year Implemented: 2012

*Lead Agencies: DAR, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Agriculture (DA)

*Objective: Provide accessible and affordable credit to ARBs for production inputs and agri-enterprises.

*Loan features: Low interest, no collateral for accredited ARBO members

*Impact: Bridged financing gaps for ARBs who previously relied on informal, high-interest sources.

✅ 3. Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP)

 *Year Implemented: 2014(pilot); expanded thereafter

*Lead Agencies: DAR, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DA

*Objective: Link ARBs and ARBOs to institutional buyers (e.g., feeding programs, schools) to ensure markets for their produce.

*Impact: Provided consistent income sources and market assurance for many farmer groups.

✅ 4. Split Project (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling)

*Year Implemented: 2020 (funded by the World Bank)

*Lead Agency: DAR

*Objective: Fast-track the parcelization of collective Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) into individual titles.

*Rationale: Individual titles give ARBs greater security, enabling access to loans, land-based investments, and formal markets.

*Target: 1.3 million hectares to be titled to 1.1 million ARBs by 2024.

*Impact: Aims to improve land tenure security and farmer confidence in long-term investment.

✅5. Executive Order No. 75, Series of 2019

 *Issued By: President Rodrigo Duterte

 *Purpose: Mandates the distribution of government-owned lands suitable for agriculture to qualified beneficiaries.

*Scope: Accelerated land distribution through administrative means, expanding the land reform coverage without judicial delays.

✅ 6. Republic Act No. 11953 or the “New Agrarian Emancipation Act”

*Signed Into Law: July 2023

*Key Provision: Condones ₱57.6 billion in unpaid debts of over 600,000 ARBs

 *Goal: Free ARBs from amortization burdens and encourage reinvestment in agriculture.

*Impact: Expected to boost income by removing financial constraints tied to land repayment obligations.

In general, the ARC strategy has had a positive impact on poverty reduction, such as: (1) Faster Poverty Reduction in ARC Areas. A study by Ballesteros and dela Cruz (2016) from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed that poverty incidence declined faster in ARC barangays compared to non-ARC areas between 1990 and 2010. Poverty incidence dropped by 28.3 percentage points in ARC areas, slightly outperforming non-ARC barangays. This suggests that the integrated approach of providing land and support services (infrastructure, credit, training) had measurable effects on household welfare; and (2)  Improved Income and Welfare Indicators. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reported that ARBs in ARC areas generally had higher incomes, more assets, and better access to services (e.g., potable water, electricity, schools). World Bank evaluations (such as of ARCDP1 and ARCDP2) found that ARC strategies helped transition subsistence farmers to market-oriented production, boosting incomes and reducing vulnerability.

📌 Conclusion

The ARC strategy has contributed to poverty reduction among farmers by integrating land reform with support services and infrastructure development. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on sustained government support, cooperative development, and access to markets. In well-functioning ARCs, poverty reduction has been substantial; in weaker or poorly supported areas, gains were limited.

 

ARBO members have access to multiple economic, social, and political benefits, etc.

Engaging agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to join agrarian reform beneficiary cooperatives (ARBOs) or organizations requires a strategic and community-based approach. Here are some effective methods ("eat the meat, spit out the bones"):

1. Awareness and Education Campaigns.
- Conduct community meetings to explain the benefits of joining an ARBO, such as access to credit, shared resources, and government support.
- Organize seminars and training programs on cooperative principles, farm management, and financial literacy.
- Share success stories of ARBs who have improved their livelihoods through cooperative membership.
 
2. Engaging Community Leaders and Influencers.
- Work with local government officials, barangay leaders, and respected farmers to promote the cooperative.
- Identify early adopters (successful ARBs already in cooperatives) who can advocate for membership among their peers.
 
3. Highlighting Economic and Social Benefits
- Show how ARBO membership provides access to loans, farm inputs, machinery, and subsidies from the government and NGOs.
- Explain the profit-sharing system and how collective bargaining can improve farmers’ incomes.
- Emphasize social benefits such as support networks, skills training, and community development programs.
 
4. Offering Incentives for Membership.
- Provide discounted membership fees or allow gradual payment.
- Arrange seed capital, farm inputs, or insurance benefits for new members.
- Promote group-based projects, such as communal farming or joint marketing, to encourage participation.
 
5. Organizing Cooperative Activities.
- Conduct demonstration farms or pilot projects showcasing improved farming techniques.
- Arrange field visits to successful ARBOs to show real-life examples of benefits.
- Host community events (e.g., agricultural fairs, cooperative anniversary celebrations) to generate interest.
 
6. Government and NGO Collaboration.
- Partner with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and other agencies for capacity-building programs.
- Work with NGOs that provide agricultural extension services, funding, and business development assistance.
- Ensure ARBs understand how ARBOs serve as a channel for receiving government grants and support programs.
 
7. Personalized Approach.
- Assign community coordinators to do house-to-house visits and address concerns directly.
- Use peer influence, where current ARBO members personally invite and mentor new recruits.
- Address potential fears or misconceptions about cooperatives, such as past failures or distrust in management.
 
DETAILS (again, "eat the meat, spit out the bones"):
Here's a detailed recruitment campaign plan for attracting Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) to join Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Cooperatives/Organizations (ARBOs). This plan is structured into key phases to ensure a strategic and sustainable approach. 
 
Recruitment Campaign Plan for ARBs to Join ARBOs
 
I. Campaign Objectives
1. Raise Awareness – Educate ARBs about the benefits and importance of joining ARBOs. 
2. Encourage Participation – Motivate ARBs to become active members of existing or newly formed ARBOs. 
3. Sustain Membership – Ensure long-term engagement and participation through capacity-building and support programs. 
 
II. Target Audience
Primary: Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who are not yet members of ARBOs. 
Secondary: Community leaders, local government officials, agricultural officers, and ARBO leaders who can influence and support recruitment efforts. 
 
III. Implementation Strategy 
Phase 1: Awareness and Outreach 
📅Timeline:1-2 months 
🎯 Goal: Educate ARBs on the value of ARBO membership and generate interest. 
 
1. Community Education & Orientation
- Conduct/join barangay-level seminars and orientations on ARBOs’ benefits and opportunities. 
- Use local radio programs, flyers, and posters to spread awareness. 
- Share success stories of ARBs who have benefited from cooperative membership. 
 
2. House-to-House and Farmer Field Visits 
- Assign community mobilizers or current ARBO members to visit ARBs and personally invite them. 
- Organize farm visits and field demonstrations to showcase how ARBO members benefit from shared resources. 
 
3. Engagement Through Social Media & Digital Platforms 
- Create a Facebook page or community chat groups to disseminate information. 
- Share videos and testimonies from successful ARB members. 
 
Phase 2: Encouragement & Recruitment Activities 
📅 Timeline: 3-4 months 
🎯 Goal: Convert interested ARBs into cooperative members. 
 
1. Open House & Cooperative Open Forum
- Organize a Cooperative Open House where ARBs can meet existing members, ask questions, and see how the cooperative operates. 
- Hold a Q&A session with cooperative leaders, government representatives, and agribusiness experts. 
 
2. Membership Incentives 
- Offer discounted membership fees or staggered payments for new recruits. 
- Provide free training sessions or starter farm inputs (seeds, fertilizers, small tools) as a joining benefit. 
 
3. Field Visits to Successful ARBOs 
- Arrange exposure trips for potential members to visit successful cooperatives in nearby areas. 
- Allow ARBs to interact with experienced cooperative members to understand the benefits firsthand. 
 
Phase 3: Skills Development and Capacity-Building 
📅 Timeline: 3-6 months 
🎯 Goal: Equip new members with the skills and knowledge to succeed within the cooperative. 
 
1. Training & Workshops 
- Conduct training sessions on: 
  - Cooperative governance and leadership. 
  - Financial literacy and business planning. 
  - Sustainable farming techniques. 
 
- Partner with government agencies (DAR, DA, TESDA) and NGOs to provide free workshops. 
 
2. Establishment of Mentor-Mentee Programs 
- Assign experienced ARBO members to mentor new recruits. 
- Create peer groups to encourage active participation and knowledge sharing. 
 
Phase 4: Retention and Continuous Engagement
📅 Timeline: Ongoing 
🎯 Goal: Sustain membership and strengthen cooperative participation. 
 
1. Regular Meetings & Social Events 
- Organize monthly cooperative meetings, farmer assemblies, and community bonding activities. 
- Host agri-fairs, cooperative anniversaries, and recognition programs for active members. 
 
2. Provide Continued Benefits & Support 
- Work with LGUs, DAR, and agricultural extension programs to ensure members get access to: 
  - Government subsidies and grants. 
  - Modern farming equipment and shared facilities. 
  - Market linkages for better product pricing. 
 
3. Strengthen Cooperative Governance 
- Ensure transparent financial management and democratic decision-making to maintain trust. 
- Develop feedback mechanisms to address members’ concerns and improve services. 
 
IV. Success Indicators & Monitoring 
✅ Short-Term Metrics: 
- Number of ARBs attending awareness sessions and meetings. 
- Percentage of ARBs expressing interest in ARBO membership. 
 
✅ Mid-Term Metrics: 
- Number of ARBs recruited into cooperatives. 
- Number of ARBs who participate in training programs. 
 
✅ Long-Term Metrics: 
- Increase in cooperative productivity and financial stability. 
- Improved livelihood and income levels of ARBO members. 
 
V. Partnerships & Collaborations
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Provide technical and financial support. 
-Department of Agriculture (DA) – Offer training, subsidies, and farm equipment. 
-LGUs and Barangay Officials – Help in organizing and mobilizing ARBs. 
-Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) – Support with capacity-building and funding programs. 
 
VI. Budget Considerations 
-Educational materials & promotions – Posters, flyers, social media ads. 
-Training & workshops – Fees for trainers, venue rentals, food. 
- Membership incentives – Seed capital, farm inputs, or insurance for new recruits. 
-Travel expenses – Field visits and exposure trips. 
 
This campaign follows a recommended step-by-step process that builds trust, awareness, and active participation among ARBs. By emphasizing education, incentives, mentorship, and continued benefits, recruitment efforts will lead to long-term cooperative success. 
 
Good luck… 

Benefits of ARBO membership

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) under Presidential Decree No. 27 or Republic Act No. 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) are encouraged to join agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) because doing so provides several benefits that can help improve their farming operations and livelihood. Here’s why they should consider joining:

1. Access to Government Support and Assistance

• Farmers’ organizations often serve as a bridge between ARBs and government agencies like the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

• Members may receive subsidized seeds, fertilizers, farming equipment, and training programs.

• The government provides financial assistance, such as soft loans and grants, to organized groups rather than individuals.

2. Collective Bargaining Power

• Farmers’ organizations help members negotiate better prices for their products by reducing middlemen intervention.

• They can advocate for better policies, infrastructure, and support services from the government and private sector.

3. Easier Access to Credit and Financing

• Many banks and lending institutions prefer lending to cooperatives or farmers’ organizations rather than individual farmers.

• Membership can help ARBs secure loans with lower interest rates for farm inputs and machinery.

4. Market Access and Stability

• Organizations can help members find buyers and negotiate better contracts, ensuring fair prices and reducing exploitation.

• Some cooperatives engage in direct marketing, bypassing traders who often underprice farm products.

5. Shared Resources and Knowledge

• Members can share knowledge on best farming practices, modern techniques, and climate-resilient agriculture.

• Organizations sometimes operate shared facilities, such as post-harvest centers, warehouses, or irrigation systems.

6. Stronger Legal and Institutional Support

• Farmers’ organizations help protect ARBs from land disputes, eviction, or unjust policies.

• They provide legal assistance and ensure that ARBs’ rights under PD 27 and RA 6657 are upheld.

ARBs are encouraged to join farmers’ organizations because doing so offers them economic, social, and legal advantages that can improve their productivity and quality of life. By working collectively, they can overcome challenges that individual farmers may struggle to handle.