ELEVEN Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) from Zamboanga Sibugay now have easier access to different programs and services from partner agencies of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
This came after the 11 ARBOs have successfully transitioned into officially registered cooperatives under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), according to DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
The transition was realized through the ARBO Cooperatives Registration Caravan cum Learning Session, a pioneering initiative jointly organized by DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula and CDA held from July Tuesday, July 29, until Wednesday, July 30, in Zamboanga City.
"When you're CDA registered, you have easier access to different programs and services from partner agencies," lawyer Ramon Madro al Jr., DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said in a statement.
The key partner agencies of DAR include the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and CDA supported the registration caravan. These agencies shared the array of programs available to ARBOs, especially now that they are CDA-registered.
"Becoming registered cooperatives strengthens the ARBOs' ability to receive such services and engage more deeply with development opportunities," Madro al said.
He said DAR's work do not just finish in land distribution, but it also provided different support services to ensure improvement in the lives of each Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).
He said the newly registered cooperatives are primarily agrarian in nature and are now better positioned to manage enterprises, receive services, and access wider privileges and benefits under the cooperative structure.
The 11 ARBOs that are now registered as cooperatives are the following: Masao Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Mafarco); Silingan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Sifarco); Tomiton Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Tomfarco); Nazareth Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Nafarco); Binangonan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Bifarco); Cawilan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Cafarco); Proper Dawa-Dawa Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PDafarco); Barangay Sto. Ni o Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Basfarco); Barangay Kawayan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Bakfarco); Silupa Estate Agri-based Resort Enthusiasts and Zealous Entrepreneurs Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Seabreezearco); and Mabuhay Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Marco).
During the two-day activity, the CDA has provided a comprehensive learning session on the cooperative concept, structure, and legal requirements to the participating ARBOs.
Madro al said the CDA presented its key programs and services tailored for newly registered cooperatives, ensuring that participants understood their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities under the cooperative framework.
The two-day activity culminated in the ceremonial awarding of the Certificate of Registration (COR) and Certificate of Compliance, symbolizing the ARBOs' official transition into fully recognized cooperatives, jointly presented by CDA and DAR officials. (SunStar Zamboanga)