The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has equipped 180 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Sultan Kudarat to transform their farms into agribusiness enterprises after completing the Enhanced Farm Business School (FBS) program.

Implemented in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute–Department of Agriculture (ATI-DA), DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), and local government units, the Enhanced FBS program helps farmers shift from subsistence farming to profitable business ventures.

The curriculum focuses on business planning, operations, and marketing under the Agro-Enterprise Development approach, which promotes entrepreneurship, strengthens market linkages, and ensures sustainability.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Abdullah Balindong described the initiative as a milestone in empowering ARBs to become competitive players in the modern agricultural economy.

“With their newly acquired business knowledge and practical skills, the graduates are now equipped to manage their farms as profitable enterprises — capable of meeting market demands, generating higher income, and contributing to their communities’ growth,” Balindong said.

The 180 graduates came from six Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), with 30 graduates each:
Naldan Creek Irrigators Association (Lambayong), Palavilla Barangay Irrigation Development Association (Lutayan), Tuka Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (Bagumbayan), Tagumpay Vegetable Growers Association (Esperanza), Buklod Bawasa Association (Senator Ninoy Aquino), and SV Farmers Association (Lebak).

Graduation ceremonies were held in each municipality and led by Balindong, with representatives from LGUs, barangay officials, and Municipal Agriculture Offices in attendance.

DAR Sultan Kudarat emphasized that beyond improving productivity, the Enhanced FBS encourages ARBs to think and act like entrepreneurs — to organize, innovate, and compete in a dynamic agri-market environment.

Through the initiative, DAR continues to foster stronger, market-oriented agrarian reform communities that empower farmers toward economic independence and rural prosperity.