THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Western Visayas has cascaded to agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (Arbos) from various provinces in the region the use of the Arbo Merkado Facebook page, an online marketing strategy of the agency.

The regional agency, through a virtual training recently, representatives from various Arbos and identified project focal persons from different DAR provincial offices, conducted an orientation that aims to apprise and equip the participants with appropriate knowledge and skills in order to maximize the use of the platform.

DAR-Western Visayas Director Sheila Enciso, in a statement, said in order to attain the real objective of the project, Arbos must embrace the project by learning its "how tos" for them to properly and effectively market their products through the use of social media.

"In order for us to convince the consumers, we must first know what we are selling and why we are offering it to the public and for us to do that, we must be directly and actively involved in all the stages," she said.

For her part, Assistant Regional Director for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program Lucrecia Taberna said the DAR has identified focal persons who will serve as the implementing and monitoring arms to ensure systematic and smooth implementation of the project.

"We want this project to be a vehicle of our Arbos in introducing their products, even to the global market and encourage more buyers," she said, adding that "we are very cautious in implementing the Arbo Merkado because we want to make this remarkable and to ensure its sustainability."

DAR-Negros Occidental II Agrarian Reform Program Technologist Chester Keith Cabreros discussed the details and the process flow of Arbo Merkado.

Also, he highlighted the major roles of Arbos and DAR focal persons.

"Our Arbos play a very important role, and I am willing to assist them until they fully master and familiarize the use of this online innovation," Cabreros said, adding that "the success of this program lies on the tips of their fingers."

Since its launching, Arbo Merkado has already gained praises and pledges from various legislators during the budget hearing by the Committee on Appropriations.