Negros oriental: A tripartite agency agreement has paved the way for Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Negros Oriental to supply their vegetables to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), an official said on Friday. Bernard Limbaga, provincial head of the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agricultural Technology Office (DA-PATCO), shared details of the agreement, highlighting the collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the DA for production and marketing interventions for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

According to Philippines News Agency, Limbaga explained that the DA's role is to provide technical assistance to the agrarian reform beneficiaries, ensuring the growth of quality vegetables with higher yield. The DA will also distribute seeds and fertilizers to support this initiative. Krystle Jade Bato, spokesperson of the DTI Negros Oriental, stated that farmer agrarian reform beneficiary associations from Canlaon City, Mabinay, Valencia, and Guihulngan City have recently formalized marketing agreements with the BJMP to supply their produce.

Bato emphasized the goal of connecting farmers to institutional buyers or sustainable markets and mentioned that the DTI will facilitate the marketing of these vegetables to the BJMP and other intended outlets. The DAR continues to empower ARBs by strengthening ARBOs through technical assistance, training, and improved access to credit, all aimed at boosting farm productivity and sustainability.

Additionally, the agency supports ARBOs by providing caravans, compliance training, and farm inputs to enhance organizational capacity and agricultural output.