The Department of Agrarian Reform's Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (DAR-CRFPS) program in Cagayan province is an initiative aimed at helping agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs) adapt to the effects of climate change. The program provides essential farming support, such as: (1) Farm inputs and equipment – Seeds, fertilizers, and machinery to enhance productivity; (2) Sustainable livelihood projects – Support for agrarian communities in establishing climate-resilient agricultural enterprises; (3) Capacity-building and training – Educating farmers on climate-smart farming techniques.
The key Goals of DAR-CRFPS are: to increase farm productivity
despite climate challenges, enhance food security in agrarian communities and empower ARBOs to become more
self-sustaining.
In the heart of Cagayan province, the Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR) is making significant strides to bolster agricultural resilience
through its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program. This
initiative is designed to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on
agrarian communities, ensuring that farmers not only survive but thrive amidst
environmental challenges.
For instance, In January 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), DAR
distributed essential farm supplies and inputs to five Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in Cagayan. Each organization received 101
bags of hybrid seeds (rice and corn) and organic fertilizers under the
CRFPS-Sustainable Livelihood Project/Enterprise (CRFPS-SLP/E) program,
amounting to a total of ₱1,350,000. The recipient ARBOs included: Salamin
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SMPC) of Tuao; Rang-ay ti Pussian MPC of Alcala; MBG
Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative of Rizal; Lasvinag MPC of Gattaran; and Payagan
Farmers Credit Cooperative of Ballesteros.
The CRFPS-SLP/E project aims to minimize the adverse effects
of climate change in agrarian reform communities, helping farmers become more
resilient. The project also serves as a starting kit to establish
agri-enterprises for the recipient ARBOs.
William Olang of Salamin MPC in Tuao expressed his
gratitude, stating, "We are so grateful that DAR has been always there to
support us from land distribution to support services. DAR never failed to
provide our needs, a total package of intervention which differentiates DAR
from other national government agencies."
In Cagayan province, DAR-CRFPS has assisted multiple ARBOs by distributing hybrid seeds, organic fertilizers, and farm tools to help farmers cope with climate-related challenges and boost agricultural productivity.
Beyond providing immediate agricultural inputs, the CRFPS
program emphasizes sustainable livelihood projects and enterprises, enabling
ARBOs to establish agri-enterprises that can withstand climatic adversities.
This holistic approach ensures that support extends beyond mere resource
distribution, focusing on long-term sustainability and economic growth.
The success of the CRFPS program in Cagayan province underscores DAR's commitment to empowering agrarian communities. By equipping farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, DAR is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in the region.
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