DAR Biliran launches ‘ARBO Shelf’ to boost farmers’ product sales

NAVAL, Biliran — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Biliran Provincial Office has launched the “ARBO Shelf,” a new initiative that provides agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) with a dedicated space to showcase and sell their products.

Maryvic Cempron, chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of DAR Biliran, said the initiative aims to increase sales and improve market visibility for ARBO products. She described the program as the first of its kind in Eastern Visayas.

Located near the entrance of the DAR Biliran office, the ARBO Shelf features a variety of locally made products, including coco vinegar, banana chips, sapin-sapin, romblon bags, and plain and spiced vinegars. The display has drawn interest from clients and visitors transacting business at the office.

The products come from agrarian reform communities that received technical assistance from the Department of Science and Technology and product development support from the Department of Trade and Industry as part of their livelihood projects.

“This is one way of helping our ARBOs promote and market their products,” Cempron said.

She said the ARBO Shelf generated more than P5,000 in sales on its first day of operation.

Cempron added that ARBO products from Biliran Province have generated more than P2.7 million in sales through orders, trade fairs and linkages with institutional buyers.

For this year, DAR Biliran is targeting to exceed P3 million in sales through various channels, including online selling platforms that the office plans to launch later this year.

Cempron said expanding market access is part of the agency’s effort to provide support services that help agrarian reform beneficiaries improve their quality of life through increased production and higher income.