DAR turns over P3.4-M nursery, greenhouse projects in North Cotabato

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over P3.4 million worth of modern nursery and greenhouse facilities to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Barangay Bongolanon, Magpet, North Cotabato, to boost high-value and climate-resilient farming.

DAR said the project aims to strengthen farm productivity, crop diversification, and sustainable livelihoods in the community.

Implemented under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP), the initiative equips the Bongolanon ARBs Cooperative with climate-smart infrastructure, allowing farmers to grow high-value crops year-round despite changing weather conditions.

The project was made possible through partnerships with the Local Government Unit of Magpet, which provided counterpart support for riprapping works. The Kisandal Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) also extended P10,000 in financial assistance, underscoring the role of collaboration in strengthening agrarian reform communities.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Evangeline Bueno said the assistance package includes a fully equipped nursery with a sprinkler irrigation system; two monitor-type greenhouses for hydroponic lettuce production; two tropical-type greenhouses for honeydew melon production using drip irrigation; and a dedicated greenhouse for hydroponic strawberry production.

Farmers also received planting media and essential inputs needed from planting to harvesting for one cropping cycle.

“These facilities will enable the first-ever production of strawberries, lettuce, and honeydew melon in Barangay Bongolanon—an important milestone that signals a shift toward crop diversification and higher-value farming. By producing their own seedlings and high-demand crops, ARBs can lower production costs, improve yields, and open doors to new markets,” Bueno said.

She also highlighted the project’s potential to support local tourism, noting that Barangay Bongolanon is home to the popular Tausuvan Falls.

“With Bongolanon being a key tourism destination, these interventions can contribute not only to stronger farm enterprises but also to a thriving community that welcomes visitors,” she added.

Beyond increasing farm productivity, the nursery and greenhouse facilities are expected to strengthen ARB organizations by ensuring a steady supply of quality planting materials and encouraging collective enterprise development in Magpet.

To cap the activity, DAR shared the holiday spirit by distributing 160 “Handog to ARBs” Christmas packages. Each beneficiary received a noche buena set containing spaghetti, macaroni salad, and ham, adding warmth and joy to family celebrations.