DARPO Cagayan-Batanes Powers Up ARBOs Through CARP Support Services

CAGAYAN VALLEY — The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office of Cagayan-Batanes (DARPO) is intensifying efforts to strengthen agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs), leveraging Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) support services to drive rural productivity, enterprise development, and measurable improvements in household welfare.

Across agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in the province, DARPO has been rolling out an integrated package of interventions—ranging from farm machinery and post-harvest facilities to capacity-building, credit facilitation, and market linkage support—aimed at transforming ARBOs into viable rural enterprises.

From Land Distribution to Enterprise Development

While CARP initially focused on land redistribution, the current phase emphasizes Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD)—ensuring that farmer-beneficiaries translate land ownership into sustainable income streams.

Through flagship programs such as the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) and Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED), DARPO has enabled ARBOs to:

• Increase farm productivity through mechanization
• Reduce post-harvest losses
• Access institutional buyers and stable markets
• Strengthen cooperative governance and financial management

According to a study by RSIS International, these interventions align with broader national evidence showing that support services are critical in maximizing agrarian reform outcomes, particularly in improving income and reducing rural poverty .

Empirical Gains in Income and Productivity

Data from national impact studies reinforce the gains observed in the field.

A longitudinal study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) found that:

• Average farm income of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) increased by 87% between 1990 and 2000
• ARB households earned ₱67,761 average farm income in 2000, significantly higher than non-beneficiaries
• Overall household income of ARBs reached ₱98,653, compared to ₱76,156 for non-ARBs

Moreover, real per capita income of ARBs rose by 12.2%, accompanied by a decline in poverty incidence from 47.6% to 45.2%, while non-ARB poverty rates worsened during the same period .

These figures underscore a consistent trend: agrarian reform beneficiaries tend to achieve higher incomes and improved economic resilience, particularly when supported by government interventions.

Improving Quality of Life in Agrarian Reform Communities

Beyond income, CARP support services have contributed to broader quality-of-life improvements.

Studies indicate that ARB households demonstrate:

• Better access to safe water and sanitation facilities
• Higher educational attainment among household members
• Increased likelihood of transitioning out of poverty

In ARCs where support services are sustained, farmers report enhanced social capital, stronger community organizations, and improved access to government programs—key indicators of rural transformation.

At the local level, DARPO Cagayan-Batanes notes similar outcomes. ARBO members engaged in enterprise clustering and value-adding activities—such as rice processing, corn production, and agri-based trading—have reported:

• Increased seasonal and annual incomes
• Diversified livelihood sources
• Reduced reliance on informal lending

Support Services as the Critical Multiplier

Development experts emphasize that land ownership alone is insufficient; productivity and income gains depend heavily on complementary inputs.

“Irrigation, credit access, infrastructure, and training significantly increase the likelihood that agrarian reform beneficiaries become non-poor,” one study concluded, highlighting the role of integrated support systems.

DARPO’s current strategy reflects this evidence-based approach—prioritizing convergence with other agencies, local government units, and private sector partners to expand services in ARCs.

Toward Inclusive Rural Growth

As CARP implementation enters a more mature phase, DARPO Cagayan-Batanes is positioning ARBOs not just as farmer groups, but as drivers of rural enterprise and local economic growth.

With sustained investments in support services, the agency aims to:

• Scale up successful ARBO enterprises
• Increase market competitiveness of agrarian products
• Further reduce poverty incidence in rural communities

For agrarian reform beneficiaries in Cagayan and Batanes, the shift is becoming evident: from subsistence farming toward more stable incomes, improved living conditions, and stronger community institutions—a trajectory that reflects the long-term promise of agrarian reform when paired with sustained government support.

Related article: The Impact of CARP on Poverty Reduction and Long-Term Growth

STEP GO-DIGITS program for Cagayan ARBOs

The STEP GO-DIGITS program is a digital transformation initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that aims to help agri-based groups and rural enterprises become part of the digital economy. It does this by providing technology tools, internet connectivity, e-commerce onboarding, and digital skills support so these organizations can improve how they operate, market their products, and reach customers online.

How It Started for Cagayan ARBOs

In December 2025, DTI expanded the STEP GO-DIGITS project to include Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in several regions, including Cagayan Valley (Region II). The government distributed Digitalization Business (DigiBiz) Kits to a group of ARBOs in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao. These kits include technology such as Starlink Standard Enterprise V4 satellite internet equipment with priority data plans to help overcome poor or inconsistent connectivity in rural areas.

In Cagayan province, four (4) ARBOs were initial recipients of the STEP GO-DIGITS Project of DTI Regional Office 02:

• MBG Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative

• Nararagan Valley MPC

• PATASDA ARB Cooperative

• Solana West Farmers Cooperative

This technological support is meant to resolve a major challenge identified by DTI: over two-thirds of rural enterprises supported by the agency suffer from slow or non-existent internet, which limits their ability to participate in online selling, digital marketing, and virtual learning.

What It Means for ARBOs in Cagayan

For the ARBOs that received support under STEP GO-DIGITS in Cagayan Valley, this intervention is more than just new gadgets:

• Internet connectivity becomes reliable enough to support business activities that require a stable connection.

• Digital tools and platforms enable ARBOs to list products online, accept electronic payments, and run digital marketing campaigns.

• Virtual learning and networking opportunities increase as members can attend online training, webinars, and e-commerce onboarding sessions without connectivity barriers.

Through these improvements, ARBOs—many of which are cooperatives, multi-purpose cooperatives, and agrarian groups in Cagayan—can compete more effectively in both local and wider markets.

Why This Matters

For rural agrarian organizations that traditionally rely on local markets and manual processes, STEP GO-DIGITS is a gateway to modern business practices. It equips ARBOs with the digital tools and connectivity necessary to:

• Sell beyond their immediate locality through online channels.

• Improve productivity and operations efficiency by using digital systems instead of paper-based or manual tracking.

• Build long-term sustainability by adapting to digital trends in commerce and customer interaction.

Through STEP GO-DIGITS, the DTI has helped Cagayan ARBOs get connected and digitally capable, addressing infrastructure challenges and giving them access to e-commerce tools that can take their products and services to broader markets.  

Photos: Catherine Gardoce and DAR-DTI CARP

Stronger Markets, Stronger Farmers: The PAHP–Sagip Saka Effect in Cagayan

The Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) and the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act 11321) have supported Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Cagayan — focusing on market access, income stabilization, organizational capacity, and legal procurement frameworks:

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📌 1. PAHP: Direct Market Linkages and Sales Opportunities

PAHP, implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program, connects ARBOs directly with institutional buyers (government agencies and partner institutions) for the supply of agricultural produce. Through PAHP:

• ARBOs are linked to formal institutional markets such as feeding programs (e.g., Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facilities supplying PDL feeding needs), allowing them to sell locally grown vegetables and other produce on agreed terms.

• These market agreements provide ARBOs with predictable buyers and stable sales opportunities, reducing the reliance on volatile informal markets and middlemen, which often depress farmgate prices.

• Across all regions where PAHP is implemented, such partnerships have generated structured sales agreements worth billions for agrarian reform beneficiary enterprises.

In practical terms, for ARBOs in Cagayan:

• Participating ARBOs can secure purchase contracts with government feeding programs and other local institutional partners.

• Regular procurement encourages consistent production planning and better logistics, which helps ARBOs improve collective capacity and negotiate better pricing.

Even though specific sales figures for Cagayan are not always published regionally, the PAHP model has been replicated nationwide and supports ARBOs’ income and market participation in the province in similar fashion to other regions.

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📌 2. Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321): Legal Foundation for Direct Government Procurement

The Sagip Saka Act institutionalizes market access by requiring national and local government agencies to procure agricultural and fishery products directly from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk enterprises — including ARBOs — for use in feeding programs, relief operations, and other government needs.

Key mechanisms that support ARBOs under this law include:

a. Direct Government Procurement Without Competitive Bidding

• The law allows government agencies to purchase produce directly from accredited ARBOs, bypassing traditional public bidding processes — this lowers administrative barriers and creates reliable sales channels.

b. Institutional Market Expansion

• Beyond PAHP partners, Sagip Saka empowers all government buyers (e.g., schools, hospitals, social feeding and nutrition programs, disaster relief procurement) to source directly from ARBOs.

• Regional and local government units in Cagayan Valley can thus tap ARBOs for their procurement needs, broadening market reach beyond DAR-facilitated PAHP agreements.

c. Enterprise Development and Support

• The Act establishes the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program aimed at strengthening ARBO business skills, market readiness, production quality, and value-chain participation.

• It also provides for capacity building, access to financing assistance, and promotion of enterprise competitiveness — critical elements for sustaining ARBO participation in institutional markets.

In Cagayan, this means that ARBOs with accredited status under the Sagip Saka framework can:

• Supply directly to any government agency with needs for agricultural products (e.g., DSWD feeding programs, DepEd school feeding), without repeated competitive bid processes.

• Benefit from a broader institutional buyer base beyond PAHP, which alone focuses on specific partnerships to fight hunger and poverty.

• Strengthen their operational and marketing capabilities through enterprise development resources promoted under the Act.

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📌 3. Combined Contribution of PAHP & Sagip Saka for Cagayan ARBOs

While PAHP and Sagip Saka operate through different mechanisms, together they form a complementary support ecosystem that enhances ARBO performance in the following ways:

Market Access

• PAHP secures initial and structured institutional buyers for ARBO products, providing reliable demand that motivates production planning.

• Sagip Saka allows expanded, legally grounded procurement opportunities across public institutions, increasing sales avenues and reducing reliance on a single market channel.

Income Stability

• Contracts under PAHP help ARBOs generate recurring sales, which in aggregate have reached billions nationally, benefiting local agricultural enterprises, including those in Cagayan.

• Sagip Saka reinforces income security by embedding direct procurement obligations across government agencies, promoting routine and fair transactions for ARBO produce.

Organizational Strengthening

• Through PAHP contracts and implementation support, ARBOs learn to coordinate production, quality control, and delivery logistics.

• Under Sagip Saka, enterprise development frameworks provide training, business planning, and support systems that help ARBOs transition into formal agribusiness entities capable of meeting greater institutional demands.

Food Security and Local Food Systems

• PAHP ensures that locally produced food also serves targeted vulnerable populations (e.g., persons deprived of liberty, school and community feeding), anchoring ARBOs within local food systems and public nutrition programs.

• Sagip Saka’s direct procurement reinforces this by channeling more domestic supply into institutional consumption, strengthening linkages between production and consumption within the region.

Active ARBOs in Cagayan that have participated in PAHP (and by extension can benefit from Sagip Saka-enabled procurement) based on available reporting and government coordination activities:

✅ 1. DOH-DAR Marketing Agreements (PAHP) – Cagayan ARBOs

In Region 02 (Cagayan Valley), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Health (DOH) signed marketing agreements under PAHP with five ARBOs, enabling them to supply produce for institutional feeding/services. This event demonstrates active involvement of Cagayan ARBOs in formal PAHP market linkages.

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📌 2. ARBOs Supplying to Institutional Buyers (BJMP)

DAR reports indicate that agrarian reform beneficiaries from the region are supplying fresh agricultural goods directly to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities under PAHP marketing arrangements. While specific ARBO names were not listed in the media reports, this partnership confirms PAHP operational participation by Cagayan ARBOs as suppliers in institutional contracts.

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📌 3. Wider ARBO Landscape in Cagayan (DAR-CARP Monitoring List)

A 2024 monitoring and evaluation conducted by DAR and DTI in Cagayan identified a cohort of ARBOs/agrarian cooperatives active in marketing, production, and business development efforts. Not all may currently have confirmed PAHP or Sagip Saka contracts, but these are some eligible and present ARBOs in the province that could be participating in institutional procurement channels:

• MBG Farmer Irrigators Credit Cooperative (Rizal, Cagayan)

• Cabayabasan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Lal-lo, Cagayan)

• Pata Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Claveria, Cagayan)

• Payagan Farmers Cooperative (Ballesteros, Cagayan)

• Sambaland ARB Cooperative (Sanchez Mira, Cagayan)

• Caagaman Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Aparri, Cagayan)

• San Mariano Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Lal-lo, Cagayan)

• Cambass Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Gonzaga, Cagayan)

• Maguing Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Gonzaga, Cagayan)

• Lasvinag Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Gattaran, Cagayan)

• Sta. Cruz Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Pamplona, Cagayan)

• Patasda ARB Cooperative (Allacapan, Cagayan)

• Evergreen Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Baggao, Cagayan)

• Concepcion Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Amulung, Cagayan)

• Salamin Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Tuao, Cagayan)

• Northern Sto. Niño Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Sto. Niño, Cagayan)

• Nabbotuan Farmers MPC (Solana, Cagayan)

• Solana West Farmers Cooperative (Solana, Cagayan)

• Villarey ARB Cooperative (Piat, Cagayan)

• Mabuhay Agri-Crop MPC (Piat, Cagayan)

This list reflects active ARBOs engaged with DAR support structures and represents the pool from which PAHP/Sagip Saka contracts typically emerge in the province. 

📌 About Sagip Saka Contracts

While specific Sagip Saka procurement awards tied to individual ARBOs in Cagayan are not widely published online, ARBOs with active PAHP institutional relationships (such as DOH and BJMP supply agreements) are positioned to benefit from Sagip Saka’s direct government procurement mechanisms. Sagip Saka — enacted as Republic Act No. 11321 — facilitates direct purchases from accredited farmer organizations like ARBOs for government feeding, relief, and nutrition programs, expanding market opportunities beyond PAHP alone. (General law description; not region-specific). 

Together, PAHP and the Sagip Saka Act provide Cagayan’s ARBOs with a two-pronged advantage: (1) practical, program-driven institutional buyers through PAHP and (2) an expanded, legally supported market environment that enables ongoing, diversified government procurement. This synergy strengthens ARBOs’ economic resilience, market legitimacy, and long-term prospects as viable agribusiness entities rather than marginal produce sellers.

DAR Deploys Mobile Solar-Powered Water Pumps to ARBOs in Cagayan province to Boost Farm Productivity

CAGAYAN, Philippines — In a strategic effort to modernize agricultural operations and support sustainable farming, the Department ofAgrarian Reform (DAR) – Provincial Office of Cagayan (DARPO Cagayan) has rolled out mobile solar-powered water pump systems to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) across Cagayan Province, specifically: Villarey Agrarian ReformBeneficiary (ARB) Cooperative in Piat; Western Zone Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Solana; and Evergreen Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Baggao, all in the province of Cagayan.

The initiative aims to address persistent irrigation challenges and reduce dependency on costly fuel-powered pumps, while increasing crop yields among smallholder farmers.

During a regional agrarian support activity in Tuguegarao City, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III highlighted that the distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps was part of a broader assistance package provided to thousands of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region. The equipment was handed over alongside other farm machinery and inputs to ARBOs from provinces including Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

“This support helps our farmers reduce production costs, particularly by minimizing reliance on gasoline or diesel-driven pumps, and boosts agricultural productivity through a constant and eco-friendly water supply,” Estrella said.

Solar-Powered Water Pumps: A Practical Solution for Rural Farming Challenges. The mobile solar-powered water pumps harness renewable energy to draw and deliver water to farmlands without the need for grid electricity or fuel. This enables year-round irrigation even in remote areas with limited infrastructure, ensuring that crops receive a reliable water supply during both planting and dry periods. Farmers can use these systems for rice paddies, high-value crops, and vegetable gardens, which can significantly increase cropping frequency and overall production.

Local ARBO leaders expressed optimism about the mobile solar pump systems, noting that the reduced operating costs and ease of deployment would allow their communities to better manage water needs without the financial strain of fuel expenditures.

Part of a Larger Push for Agricultural Modernization. The rollout in Cagayan Valley complements other renewable irrigation initiatives across the Philippines. While the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has been implementing large-scale solar-powered irrigation projects — such as the Solar Pump Irrigation System in various parts of Cagayan and Isabela — DAR’s focus has been on providing smaller, mobile solar water pumping systems tailored to the needs of ARBOs and individual farming communities. Such interventions support the national agenda to strengthen food security, improve rural livelihoods, and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices. By leveraging solar energy, the programs help mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and environmental constraints associated with traditional irrigation methods.

Looking Ahead. DAR has indicated plans to expand support for solar-powered agricultural equipment to additional ARBOs across other agrarian reform communities. Farmers and local officials welcomed these efforts, emphasizing that access to reliable irrigation is crucial for improving productivity, enhancing agricultural income, and fostering community resilience against weather variability.

Dairy Box Tuguegarao Advances Local Dairy Industry Through Multi-Agency Support

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The operation of Dairy Box Tuguegarao continues to strengthen market access for locally produced dairy products through the collaborative efforts of the Integrated Farmers Cooperative, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tuguegarao City.

Dairy Box (located at Zone 6, Maharlika highway, Namabbalan Norte, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan) serves as a dedicated outlet for carabao milk and value-added dairy products produced by farmer-beneficiaries and cooperative members. Products available include fresh carabao milk, pastillas de leche and other milk-based commodities, which provide consumers with nutritious, locally sourced alternatives while generating sustainable income for producers.

The Integrated Farmers Cooperative manages the day-to-day operations and product sourcing, ensuring that benefits directly reach farming communities. DAR supports the initiative as part of its agrarian reform community development efforts, while DA provides technical assistance to enhance dairy production.

DTI contributes through enterprise development, packaging, and market linkage support; DOST provides technical guidance on food processing, quality assurance, and product innovation; and the LGU supports the initiative through local promotion and enabling policy environment.

The multi-agency partnership underscores the government’s commitment to food security, rural enterprise development, and inclusive economic growth. Through continued collaboration, Dairy Box Tuguegarao is positioned as a strategic platform for empowering farmers, strengthening cooperatives, and promoting proudly Filipino agricultural products.

Residents of Tuguegarao City and nearby communities are encouraged to patronize locally produced dairy products through Dairy Box Tuguegarao, a dedicated outlet featuring fresh and value-added milk products made by local farmer-producers and cooperative members.

Dairy Box serves as a community-based marketing platform for high-quality dairy commodities, offering consumers access to fresh carabao milk, pastillas de leche, and other milk-based products. These products are processed using locally sourced milk, ensuring freshness while promoting the use of Philippine-made agricultural commodities.

Carabao milk, one of the outlet’s flagship products, is known for its naturally creamy texture and high nutritional value, particularly in calcium and protein content. Meanwhile, processed products such as pastillas and kesong puti provide consumers with convenient, affordable, and culturally rooted food options suitable for households, students, and professionals.

Beyond product promotion, Dairy Box plays a significant role in supporting livelihood generation and enterprise development among small-scale dairy farmers. By providing a reliable market outlet, it helps improve producers’ income and encourages the growth of community-based agri-enterprises in the province.

The initiative reflects the continuing efforts of stakeholders to promote food security, local economic development, and consumer awareness on the benefits of supporting Filipino-made products. It also strengthens the link between producers and consumers, ensuring that the value of agricultural production is shared more equitably across the supply chain.

The public is invited to visit Dairy Box Tuguegarao and support local dairy products that are nutritious, affordable, and proudly made in Cagayan.

Cooperatives: Open Doors, but Only for Those Who Belong

Voluntary and Open Ownership in Cooperatives is one of the core principles that guide how cooperatives are formed and managed. It ensures that cooperatives remain inclusive, democratic, and community-oriented, subject to some exemptions expressed by law.

 Voluntary and Open Membership vs. Common Bond of Interest in Cooperatives

These two ideas both relate to cooperative membership, but they emphasize different aspects:

 1. Voluntary and Open Membership (Cooperative Principle)

This is one of the 7 Cooperative Principles from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).

Meaning:

*Voluntary – People choose to join or leave the cooperative freely, without force or pressure.

*Open – Membership is open to all persons who are able to use the cooperative’s services and are willing to accept membership responsibilities.

*No discrimination – Race, gender, religion, political belief, or economic status should not be a barrier to joining.

*Key Idea - Everyone qualified is welcome - no one is excluded unfairly.

2. Common Bond of Interest or “Associational Principle”

While cooperatives are open to all, they are not open to everyone in general. Why? Because members must share a common interest or purpose. 

Meaning:

*Members must have a shared bond or objective — like being farmers, employees of the same company, residents of a community, fishermen, vendors, etc.

*This bond helps build trust, unity, and mutual responsibility.

*The cooperative is formed by people with similar needs or economic activities.

*Key Idea- Membership is open - but only to those who share the cooperative’s purpose or field of activity.

Cooperatives are open, but not for just anybody. They are open to all individuals who share the cooperative’s common purpose and agree to its responsibilities.

Simple Example:

*A teachers' cooperative: Voluntary and Open; Any teacher can join; they cannot be excluded for personal reasons like religion or gender.

Common Bond: Only teachers (or employees in the education sector) can be members — not doctors or farmers.

Cooperatives practice voluntary and open membership to welcome all eligible individuals without discrimination — but they also require a common bond of interest to ensure members share the same goals and needs.

Why Not Everyone Can Be Part of a Cooperative

Many people believe that cooperatives are open to everyone — that anyone who wants to join should be allowed in. And while this sounds good, it isn’t entirely true. Cooperatives are built on the principle of voluntary and open membership, but this openness comes with an important condition: members must share a common bond of interest.

A cooperative is not just a business; it is a community of people who face the same challenges and work together for the same goals. Farmers form a cooperative because they understand the hardship of planting, harvesting, and selling crops. Teachers form a cooperative because they share the same salary schedules, loan needs, and workplace conditions. Fisherfolk, drivers, vendors — each group has its own cooperative because they have something in common that binds them together.

So yes, membership is open — but only to those who belong to that shared purpose.

Imagine a farmers’ cooperative suddenly accepting people who do not farm — a store owner, a government employee, or a business investor who has never planted rice or held a plow. These people may have good intentions, but they do not share the same struggles, risks, or needs. They do not understand the life of a farmer. If too many join, the cooperative might start serving interests that are no longer about farmers. Slowly, the cooperative loses its identity.

This is why the law, Republic Act No. 9520 (AN ACT AMENDING THE COOPERATIVE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES TO BE KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE COOPERATIVE CODE OF 2008”), clearly states that cooperatives must be formed by people with a common bond of interest. It could be based on where they live, what they do for a living, or where they work. This bond is not meant to exclude or discriminate. It is meant to protect the cooperative and make sure it remains relevant to the people it serves.

Because when people understand each other — when they have the same needs, the same dreams — trust is easier to build. Decisions are easier to make. Problems are easier to solve. And the cooperative becomes stronger.

So, when we say cooperatives are open to all, what we really mean is: they are open to all who are part of the group they were created to serve, and who are willing to carry the responsibilities that come with being a member.

The Ties That Bind: What Connects Members of a Cooperative

A cooperative is not just a group of people doing business together. It is a community of individuals who share something deeper — a common bond of interest. This bond is what holds the cooperative together. It creates unity, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility. Without it, a cooperative is just another organization.

In many cooperatives, this bond starts with place, as for example. People who live in the same barangay or town form a cooperative because they face the same community problems — high prices in local stores, lack of access to basic goods, or the need for clean water, credit, or livelihood support. They know each other. They see each other every day. Their lives are connected by their community. That is a residential bond.

In other cases, the bond is work or livelihood. Farmers come together because they all struggle with buying fertilizers, selling crops at fair prices, or accessing capital. Fishermen, drivers, vendors, and teachers do the same. They create cooperatives not because they are friends, but because they share the same daily challenges and opportunities. This is known as an occupational or associational bond.

There are also cooperatives formed within offices or institutions. Employees working for the same school, hospital, factory, or government agency often build a cooperative so they can save money, apply for loans, and support one another during emergencies. They trust each other because they work under the same employer, follow the same policies, and depend on the same salaries. This is called an institutional bond.

Some cooperatives are born from a shared identity or advocacy. These include cooperatives of women, youth, elderly citizens, or indigenous communities. Their bond is not just economic — it is social. They come together because they understand one another’s struggles and stand together for the same cause.

No matter what form it takes, this common bond is what makes a cooperative unique. It gives members a sense of belonging. It ensures that decisions are made not for personal gain, but for the good of all. The cooperative becomes a reflection of the members’ shared life — their work, their community, their dreams.

That is why cooperatives are strong: because they are built not on money alone, but on trust, shared experiences, and a common purpose.

Not everyone can or should join — and that’s not to keep people out, but to keep the cooperative true to its purpose. 

DARPO-Cagayan Evaluates 90 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations under IT-eASy (ITEMA) Assessment

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Cagayan has successfully completed the Information Technology-enabled Maturity Assessment System (IT-eASy, formerly ITEMA) for 90 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) across the province, marking a milestone in assessing organizational maturity, sustainability, and capacity for enterprise growth.

The IT-eASy (ITEMA) is a digitalized monitoring and evaluation tool developed by DAR to determine the readiness and maturity level of ARBOs in managing agribusiness enterprises. It measures five key areas-Governance, Organizational Management, Resource Management, Enterprise Development, and Financial Performance - to classify cooperatives into five maturity levels, from Level 1 (Emerging) to Level 5 (Sustaining).

16 ARBOs Achieve Maturity Level 5

Out of the 90 ARBOs assessed in Cagayan, 16 organizations reached the highest Maturity Level 5, signifying strong institutional stability, operational excellence, and sustainable enterprise performance.

Leading the list is the Nararagan Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Ballesteros), which topped the province with a score of 73 points. Other high-performing ARBOs include:

*Villarey ARB Cooperative (Piat) – 70.3

*Concepcion Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Amulung) – 70.1

*Payagan Farmers Cooperative (Ballesteros) – 70

*Sunrise Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Gattaran) – 67.5

*Maguing Farmers MPC (Gonzaga) – 66.3

*Calayan Samahang Nayon MPC (Gonzaga) – 66.2

*Cabayabasan Farmers Credit Cooperative (Lal-lo) – 65.5

  and several others that showed exceptional enterprise management.

22 ARBOs at Level 4, 34 at Level 3

Meanwhile, 22 ARBOs were classified under Maturity Level 4, demonstrating consistent growth but still requiring further development in governance and enterprise scaling. 34 ARBOs landed at Level 3, indicating progressing organizations that are in the consolidation phase of enterprise management.

 Emerging ARBOs: Levels 1 and 2

A total of 18 ARBOs fell under Levels 1 and 2, representing emerging and developing organizations that need strengthened capacity building, financial literacy, and market linkage interventions. DARPO-Cagayan will provide focused technical assistance and organizational strengthening programs to help these cooperatives improve their performance and sustainability.

Strengthening Agrarian Reform Enterprise Development

DARPO-Cagayan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Val M. Cristobal emphasized that the ITEMA results are vital in planning future interventions for ARBOs under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP).

“The IT-eASy assessment allows us to identify where our ARBOs stand in terms of governance, operations, and business viability. It helps us design the right support packages—whether capacity building, market linkages, or enterprise financing,” PARPO II Cristobal said.

The DAR’s ITEMA initiative supports the national goal of empowering agrarian reform beneficiaries toward self-reliant, business-oriented, and resilient cooperatives capable of sustaining rural livelihoods and contributing to local economic development.

 

Cagayan Agrarian Reform Employees (CARE) Cooperative Supports ARBOs through Rice Buying Initiative

Many farmers in Cagayan are struggling as farmgate prices of palay continue to drop, leaving them with little profit (mostly loss) despite long months of hard work under the sun. After enduring floods, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather, the recent decline in rice prices has made it harder for them to recover their investments and sustain their families. For many agrarian reform beneficiaries, every sack of rice sold now earns only a fraction of what it once did. Amid this challenge, the DARPO-Cagayan employees cooperative’s effort to buy directly from ARBOs offers hope—ensuring that farmers are paid fair prices and that their harvests reach consumers who value their labor and dedication.

Hence, the DARPO-Cagayan employees cooperative is strengthening its partnership with agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) by buying from ARBOs and selling rice to member-employees directly sourced from local ARBOs.

Through this initiative, the cooperative ensures a steady supply of affordable quality rice for its members (and DAR regional office 02 employees) while providing ARBOs with a reliable market for their produce. This mutually beneficial effort supports the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) and the Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321), which encourages direct institutional procurement from farmers and cooperatives.

The initiative highlights how DAR’s own employees can actively contribute to rural development by supporting the livelihoods of agrarian reform beneficiaries and promoting inclusive local economic growth.

Stronger Than the Storm: Cagayan’s ARBOs Rebuild Through DAR’s Climate-Resilient Support

Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa) is a tropical that attained super typhoon status on September 21, 2025, according to reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country’s meteorological agency. Ragasa was the world’s strongest tropical cyclone of 2025. The storm had maximum sustained winds of about 134 miles (215 km) per hour, had peak wind gusts of more than 180 miles (295 km) per hour, and reached a minimum central pressure of approximately 910 hectopascals on September 22, 2025.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), upon receipt of reports on the devastation resulting from the onslaught of Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa) in Cagayan province, has promptly extended nearly ₱1.4 million worth of additional livelihood assistance to disaster-affected agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Cagayan under its Climate Resilient FarmProductivity Support (CRFPS) program, aimed at helping ARBs and ARBOs restore operations and strengthen their farm inputs enterprises for more sustainable and climate-resilient livelihoods.

The DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program, through its Sustainable Livelihood Support (SLS) component, aims to help agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations recover and rebuild after disasters. By providing farm inputs, tools, and machinery, the program enables ARBOs to restore productivity, lower production costs, and strengthen resilience against the impacts of typhoons and floods. The SLS initiative reflects DAR’s commitment to empowering farmers and revitalizing agrarian communities through sustainable and climate-adaptive livelihood support.

After the onslaught of Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa), thousands of farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across Cagayan province suffered severe damage to their crops and livelihoods. The powerful typhoon brought strong winds and torrential rains, destroying rice, corn, and vegetable farms. According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), agricultural losses in the Cagayan Valley region totaled approximately ₱ 597 million. In Cagayan alone, over 11,000 hectares of rice lands were affected, alongside significant losses in corn and high-value crops.

In response, the government quickly mobilized relief and rehabilitation assistance for affected farmers and farming communities. The Department of Agriculture, through its regional field office, distributed rice and corn seeds, assorted vegetable seeds, and fertilizers to help farmers replant and recover. The DA also rolled out its loan programs, which offers zero-interest loans to help farmers rebuild their livelihoods. Insured farmers, including many ARBs, are also being compensated through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) for crop losses incurred during the typhoon.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of financial aid and farm inputs to affected farmers in the municipalities of Gonzaga and Sta. Ana (including Calayan, being the most affected), where thousands of families each received ₱10,000 in cash assistance from the Department of SocialWelfare and Development (DSWD). Family food packs, shelter materials, and relief goods were also delivered to sustain affected households while they recover from the disaster.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) continues to coordinate with the DA and local governments to ensure that ARBs are prioritized in rehabilitation efforts. Through loan programs like E-ARISE-ARBs and AFFORD ARB, DAR aims to restore farm productivity, provide access to credit, and rebuild damaged agrarian reform communities. The agency is also assisting insured ARBs in processing their PCIC indemnification claims and linking cooperatives to post-disaster livelihood support.

Despite the widespread destruction, the DAR and other government agencies' rapid relief operations and early recovery programs reflect a strong commitment to helping Cagayan’s farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries recover their livelihoods and rebuild stronger, more resilient farming communities in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Nando.

Sagip Saka Act: Empowering Farmers Through Direct Government Support

The Sagip Saka Act or Republic Act No. 11321, signed into law in April 2019, is a landmark legislation that strengthens the agriculture sector by promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural and fisheries development. It aims to empower Filipino farmers and fisherfolk by linking them directly with government and institutional markets, thereby increasing their income and improving their quality of life.

Key Provisions of the Sagip Saka Act

The law institutionalizes the “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program” (FFEDP)—a comprehensive approach to strengthen the capacity of farmers and fisherfolk enterprises through:

• Market access – Encouraging government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to directly purchase agricultural products from duly accredited farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) without public bidding under certain conditions, as allowed by procurement rules.

• Capacity building – Providing training, mentoring, and technical support to enhance productivity, product quality, and enterprise management.

• Financial and credit assistance – Facilitating access to credit, crop insurance, and government grants for farm inputs and postharvest facilities.

• Infrastructure support – Improving farm-to-market roads, irrigation, and processing centers to reduce production costs and postharvest losses.

How It Benefits Farmers

The Sagip Saka Act addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by Filipino farmers—market instability and low farmgate prices. By promoting direct procurement and removing middlemen, the law ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their produce.

It also promotes value chain integration, encouraging farmers to become not just producers but also entrepreneurs. Through enterprise development, cooperatives can process and package their products, adding value and creating local jobs.

Benefits to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs)

For agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) organized into ARBOs, the Sagip Saka Act is particularly transformative. It complements the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) programs by:

• Providing ready markets for ARBO-produced goods through partnerships with schools, hospitals, prisons, and other government institutions.

• Strengthening ARBOs’ business capacity, enabling them to participate in government procurement under the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) and similar programs.

• Encouraging collaboration between DAR, DA, DTI, and LGUs to provide postharvest and marketing support.

• Enhancing livelihood sustainability, ensuring that ARBs who received land under CARP also have the means to make their farms profitable.

Impact on Rural Communities

The law fosters a farm-to-institution model that stimulates local economies and ensures food security. Government agencies now serve as reliable buyers of local produce, creating a steady income stream for farmers and ARBOs. This not only uplifts individual livelihoods but also revitalizes rural communities by generating employment and promoting self-reliance.

Conclusion

The Sagip Saka Act stands as a bridge between government support and grassroots empowerment. By connecting agrarian reform beneficiaries and small farmers directly to institutional markets, it transforms agriculture into a more profitable and dignified livelihood.

Ultimately, the law reinforces the vision of inclusive rural development, where no farmer is left behind and every harvest contributes to the nation’s food security and prosperity.

Why Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) should join ARBOs

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) see the value of joining and actively participating in an
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO). 

Why Every ARB Should Join an ARBO?

As an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary, you already hold one of the greatest assets a farmer can have: land ownership. But owning land is only the beginning. To make it truly productive and sustainable, you need strength in numbers—and this is where an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) comes in.

1. Stronger Together

On your own, it is difficult to compete with large traders, access affordable farm inputs, or negotiate for fair prices. But as an ARBO member, you join forces with other farmers. Together, you have collective bargaining power—whether for selling your produce or buying seeds, fertilizer, and equipment at lower costs.

2. Access to Support Services

The government, through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and partner agencies, often delivers support—such as farm machinery, post-harvest facilities, training, and credit assistance—through ARBOs. Many programs and grants are not given to individuals but are channeled through organized groups. Without membership, you risk being left out of these opportunities.

3. Easier Access to Capital and Markets

Banks and financing institutions prefer lending to organized farmers. ARBO membership increases your eligibility for loans and insurance. At the same time, buyers—including supermarkets, processors, and exporters—often deal directly with ARBOs because they can provide consistent quality and volume that individual farmers cannot.

4. Learning and Growth

Through your ARBO, you gain access to training, mentoring, and farm business schools that upgrade your skills not only as a farmer but as an entrepreneur. You learn modern practices, financial literacy, and leadership—all crucial for your family’s future.

5. Resilience and Security

When challenges like typhoons, pests, or low prices strike, ARBOs provide a safety net. Members help one another, and collective resources can be mobilized for recovery. Alone, risks are heavier; together, they are lighter.

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The legal basis for an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) to join an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) is rooted in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), primarily under Republic Act 6657 (CARP Law) and its amendment, R.A. 9700, which promote ARB cooperatives and associations for collective empowerment, productivity, and access to resources.

Key supporting bases include:

RA 6657 & RA 9700 – mandate ARB organizations to manage lands and improve livelihoods.

DAR Administrative Orders – set membership rules, requiring a majority of members to be ARBs.

CDA Registration – gives ARBOs legal personality under the Cooperative Code.

Joint DAR–CDA Issuances – clarify requirements and procedures for establishing ARBOs.

ARBO By-laws – ensure compliance with legal and internal governance rules.

Agrarian Reform Credit Program (APCP) – recognizes ARBOs as key channels for credit and support services.

In short, ARB membership in an ARBO is backed by law, DAR and CDA regulations, and organizational by-laws, ensuring that collective action translates into stronger support, resources, and empowerment for beneficiaries.

The Bottom Line

An ARBO is not just another organization—it is your gateway to empowerment, productivity, and prosperity.

By joining and participating, you:

• Make your land more productive

• Secure better incomes

• Access government and private support

• Strengthen your bargaining power

• Build a better future for your family and community

👉 Don’t remain on the sidelines. Be part of your ARBO —because land ownership is only the beginning; collective action is the key to lasting success.