DAR, CDA bring government services closer to farmer groups in Region X

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Wednesday said it conducted the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBO) Caravan in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region X, bringing essential government services closer to farmer organizations.

The caravan enabled agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and ARBOs to directly access government programs, technical assistance, and institutional support aimed at improving farm productivity, strengthening organizations, and building sustainable livelihoods.

“This activity unites our partner agencies and, most importantly, our ARBs and ARBOs, to deliver services more efficiently and support their long-term growth,” DAR Regional Director Zoraida O. Macadindang said.

Macadindang emphasized that the initiative underscores DAR’s commitment to coordinated service delivery by linking ARBOs with agencies supporting agricultural production, enterprise development, social protection, digital access, and financial services.

Participating agencies included the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), PhilHealth, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the CDA.

Through service booths, ARBO members received on-the-spot assistance, information, and guidance on various government programs. The caravan also prepared ARBOs for registration with the CDA, a key step toward improving access to financing, capacity-building initiatives, and market opportunities.

DAR and CDA reaffirmed their commitment to provide continuous capacity-building and mandatory cooperative training to help ARB organizations manage operations effectively and sustain long-term growth.

Representing the CDA, Cris Lu Q. Salem highlighted the benefits of CDA registration, including strengthened cooperative management, disciplined savings, and organizational sustainability.

The DAR–CDA ARBO Caravan gathered ARBO representatives from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Jammal G. Pangandaman also joined the activity, with ARB leaders recognizing his consistent support for agrarian reform beneficiaries.