LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Two Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Benguet renewed their marketing agreements with government institutions on June 10, strengthening market access for farmers and supporting efforts to promote food security and sustainable livelihoods in the province.
The agreement was formalized during a Kumustahan Session and Renewal of Marketing Agreement organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Benguet through the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Program.
The renewed partnership involves the Bokod Sulfur Spring Multipurpose Cooperative (BSSMC) and Taba-ao Cuba Multipurpose Cooperative (TACUMPC), together with the Benguet Provincial Jail (BPJ), with the Philippine National Police Benguet Police Provincial Office (PNP BPPO), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Benguet serving as witnesses.
OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Lailani A. Cortez said the collaboration aims to create lasting benefits for agrarian reform beneficiaries and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) while contributing to inclusive and sustainable community development.
“This partnership is anchored on service, compassion, and shared responsibility,” Cortez said, expressing hope for its continued implementation and expansion.
Provincial Jail Administrator JCINSP Jaime Batuyog Jr. also expressed support for increasing the procurement of agricultural products from partner ARBOs, underscoring the importance of collective action in improving livelihoods and fostering stability within communities.
Meanwhile, PMAJ Edwin Sergio of the PNP BPPO’s Police Community Affairs and Development Division (PCADD) thanked DARPO Benguet and the partner ARBOs, describing farmers as the “living source” of food for communities and institutions. He encouraged members to sustain honest livelihood activities, emphasizing that gains earned through hard work and integrity are more meaningful than those obtained through dishonest means.
The agreement was signed by PARPO II Cortez, BPJ Warden Peter Tip-ac, represented by Joseph M. Pul-oc, and the chairpersons of BSSMC and TACUMPC, Nicanor P. Sison, represented by Gil B. Amdos, and Prudencio L. Lacasandile, respectively.
Under the agreement, DARPO Benguet will serve as the coordinating and monitoring body between the ARBOs and institutional buyers. The ARBOs committed to supplying quality agricultural products at reasonable prices while complying with existing procurement policies.
In turn, the BPJ, BJMP, and PNP committed to continue procuring products from partner ARBOs in support of government efforts to strengthen local agricultural enterprises, enhance food security, and help alleviate poverty among farmers and PDLs.
Representing Governor Melchor Diclas, Leo Calabias congratulated the ARBOs for forging partnerships with institutional buyers and reiterated the provincial government’s support for the initiative. He also encouraged the organizations to maximize available assistance programs for civil society organizations, including loan facilities that could help expand their operations.
