AN AGRARIAN Reform Beneficiary Organization (Arbo) is receiving P500,000 worth of infrastructure support from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to strengthen the Arbo’s production and marketing of its signature spicy vinegar -- sinamak.
The provision of P500,000 is stipulated in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed on Saturday, April 12, by DAR and Kauswagan Integrated Farmers Services Association (Kifsa), a DAR-assisted Arbo in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The P500,000 infrastructure support will be released through the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project to upgrade the processing center of Kifsa.
“This funding will enhance production capacity, improve product quality and help expand Kifsa market reach,” Zamboanga Sibugay Agrarian Reform Program Officer Rolando Libetario Jr. said in a statement.
Libetario emphasized DAR’s commitment to empowering ARBs beyond land distribution by providing continuous enterprise development support.
“We are dedicated to helping ARBs build sustainable livelihoods through projects like this,” Libetario added.
Aside from infrastructure, DAR will also provide training on product quality enhancement, participation in trade fairs, and other business development activities to strengthen Kifsa's presence in the local market.
Mabuhay Mayor Edreluisa Caloñge has reaffirmed the municipal government’s support, stating, “the legislative and executive agenda of LGU (local government unit) Mabuhay is to uplift our people, with livelihood programs being one of our top priorities.”
She expressed gratitude for the collaboration, and pledged continued support as long as the ARBO remains committed to the initiative.
DTI-Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Director Ma. Rovie Manzanares, Kifsa Chairperson Olivia Omamalin, and Kauswagan Village Chief Leonardo Omamalin expressed their gratitude and pledged full support for the initiative.
Libetario said they remain committed to uplifting ARBs and their families through enterprise-driven programs, ensuring sustainable agrarian reform and economic growth. (SunStar Zamboanga)