Bacolod: A total of 31 agrarian reform beneficiaries' organizations (ARBOs) in Negros Occidental received certificates of registration (CORs) from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) during a joint caravan with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at Acacia Hotel Convention Center here Thursday. The awarding of the CORs converts the ARBOs into new cooperatives, which is part of the support and commitment of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III in providing opportunities for ARBs to become farmer-entrepreneurs.
According to Philippines News Agency, Undersecretary for Support Services Office Josef Angelo Martires emphasized the importance of trust and unity among cooperative members and assured the ARBs of support from the DAR, CDA, and partner agencies. He noted that this development marks the beginning of a new journey with more responsibilities and opportunities for the cooperatives.
DAR-Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna highlighted the availability of support services for the ARBOs, including farm machinery, equipment, and farm-to-market roads. She stressed the significance of strengthening ARB organizations and maintaining faith in the government as key to their success, adhering to the DAR-NIR mantra that no ARBs should be left behind in terms of support services.
The recipients of the CORs in northern Negros include Hacienda Pascual, Cabutongan, Hiyang-hiyang Malasaga, San Jose 2 Suli, Camantero 1, Hacienda Sagrada Familia, Small Upland Lauron, Rita Balud, Sol, Malasaging Pinapugasan, Prosperidad, Minapasuk, Mina-utok, Hinab-ongan, Mamive, and Sta. Isabel agrarian reform cooperatives.
In southern Negros, the registered cooperatives are Barangay Pandan Farmers and Farmworkers, Purok Narra, Bagong Silang Tuguis Farmers, United Tinongan, Prosperidad Farmers Beneficiaries, Hacienda Esperanza Communal, Kapit Bisig Kapit Buhay Farmers, Tabugon Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Farmers, Oringao Lowland Upland, Barangay Cabcab Integrated Farmers, Busay Farmers, Hacienda Garben, Barangay Cansalongon, Canlamay, and Balik-Balik agrarian reform cooperatives.
