05/03/2026
DAR-Apayao formally turns over several farm machinery equipment to ARBOs
The Department of Agrarian Reform-Apayao (DAR-Apayao) formally turned over the first batch of Climate-Responsive Farm Machinery and Equipment (FME) to six Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) at DARPO, San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao.
The activity was led by PARPO II Atty. Penelope B. De Ausen. The activity brought together ARBOs, DAR personnel and Technical Experts from the supplier. The intervention forms part of DARβs mainstream climate adaptation strategy under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP), a flagship support services initiative designed to strengthen the resilience and productivity of agrarian reform communities amid intensifying climate variability.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Apayaoβs local economy, with rice, corn, and vegetables as primary commodities. However, farmers in the province increasingly face production disruptions caused by prolonged droughts linked to El NiΓ±o episodes, extended rainy seasons, flooding from the Apayao River, and rising temperatures that exacerbate pest and disease.
The beneficiary ARBOs under the major crop-based block farming (MCBF) are:
β’Sibes Agrarian Reform Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Sibes AR MPC) and
β’Consuelo Apayao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers Association, Inc. (CAARBFA, Inc.)
Under the Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas (SLSDAA) component, the recipients are:
β’Balluyan Flora Farmers Association, Inc. (BFFAI)
β’Marcela SPIP Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc.
β’San Sebastian Farmers Association, Inc.
β’Vegetable Growers Association of Apayao, Inc.
The distributed equipment package includes 4WD tractors with rotary tiller and loading trailer, mini 4WD tractor, hand tractors, water pumps, heavy-duty backpack sprayers, and farm tools such as shovels.
In addition to the ceremonial turnover, DAR also facilitated the MOA signing that would formalize the accountability mechanisms and operational guidelines on the use of equipment, maintenance, and sustainability. A hands-on training activity was also conducted to ensure that ARBO officers and members are technically capacitated in machine operation and management.
In her message, PARPO II Atty. Penelope B. De Ausen, emphasized that the beneficiaries should diligently comply with their obligations to ensure the proper management of the Farm Machinery and Equipment (FMEs). βDawaten mi nga aramiden yo nga usto dagijay obligations yo tapno maiserbi iti usto dagitoy nga assistance para iti pagsayaatan yo amin nga beneficiaries". She also commended the six Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) who received FMEs and other farm supplies, βkayat na saw en ket napintas ti organizations yo nakita ti DAR that you are really qualified to have received this kind of support/assistance,βshe said.
βKayat tayo a ma-uplift iti biag dagiti farmers, naragsak iti riknami a makita a dagitoy FMEs ket makatulong iti panagdur-as iti biagyo a mannalon because DAR is always here for the farmers and ARBs,βshe added.
Meanwhile, Rodolfo Agcaoili, treasurer of Vegetable Growers Association of Apayao (VEGAA) emphasized their commitment to utilizing the assistance provided for the improvement and development of their association and expressed hope for continued interventions from the agency as they pursue further growth with DARβs guidance and support.
βDumani maitublak iti associationmin ngem gapu iti inspirasyon nga it-ited iti DAR kenyami nag-grow kami, we promise a detoy intedyo kadakami ket maaramat para kadagiti pagsayaatan iti associationmi ket namnamaenmi nga ado to pay nga interventions iti maited kadakami ta mangrugrugii kami nga ag-grow babaen iti tulong iti ahensya iti DAR,βhe said.
The CRFPSP operationalizes the principles of climate resilience that are embedded in the Climate Change Act through the transforming of policy into action at the community level. DAR seeks to enhance adaptive capacities through the integration of climate-smart technologies and capacity-building support, while protecting agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, the second batch of support services will be distributed to two (more) ARBOs in the second quarter of this year.
βπ»πΈ: Diocen D. Tolentino || Media Writer