The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced Tuesday that it officially launched the Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) Project on 17 February at Plaza Ibarra in Quezon City.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said this six-year, P8-billion project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, was aimed at improving the livelihood of upland farmers, particularly women, youth, and indigenous peoples.

Estrella highlighted the importance of the project in strengthening rural communities.

“Through the VISTA Project, we are increasing agricultural productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods for our farmers. This initiative reflects our commitment to reducing rural poverty, improving food security, and protecting the environment,” he said.

VISTA will strengthen value chains for key crops like coffee and cacao while ensuring environmental sustainability. It aims to increase farmers’ income, provide more job opportunities, and improve their resilience to climate change.

The project will cover 86 agrarian reform communities in two regions: the Cordillera Administrative Region (Benguet, Apayao, Ifugao, Abra, Mt. Province and Kalinga) and Region 12 (Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and South Cotabato). The project will provide farm machinery, equipment and essential infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities to support farmers.

DAR Undersecretary and VISTA Project Implementation Officer Jesry Palmares emphasized the project’s long-term impact. “VISTA is more than just an agricultural program — it empowers farmers by providing access to better technologies, financial resources and markets. This ensures that their hard work leads to real economic benefits,” he said.

IFAD country director Umit Mansiz expressed the organization’s commitment to the project. “IFAD is proud to partner with DAR to support Filipino farmers. VISTA represents our shared goal of inclusive and sustainable rural development,” he stated.

The project targets 70,000 beneficiaries, of which, 50 percent are women, 30 percent IPs, and 20percent are youth. To ensure the project’s success and sustainability, DAR will work closely with local government units and key agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.