Sultan kudarat: A total of 180 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are now ready to turn their farms into thriving agribusiness ventures after completing the Enhanced Farm Business School (FBS) program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
According to Philippines News Agency, the program was implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Training Institute and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, along with local government units. The Enhanced FBS aims to shift farmers from subsistence farming to profitable business enterprises. The curriculum emphasizes farm business planning, operations, and marketing, guided by the Agro-Enterprise Development approach to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen market linkages, and ensure sustainability.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Abdullah Balindong highlighted that the program is a milestone in empowering ARBs to become competitive players in the modern agricultural economy. "With their newly acquired business knowledge and practical skills, the graduates are now equipped to manage their farms as profitable enterprises -- capable of meeting market demands, generating higher income and contributing to their communities' growth," Balindong stated in a news release on Friday.
The 180 graduates came from six Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations, with 30 graduates each: Naldan Creek Irrigators Association in Lambayong, Palavilla Barangay Irrigation Development Association, Inc. in Lutayan, Tuka Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association in Bagumbayan, Tagumpay Vegetable Growers Association in Esperanza, Buklod Bawasa Association in Senator Ninoy Aquino, and SV Farmers Association in Lebak. Graduation ceremonies were held in each municipality.
DAR-Sultan Kudarat emphasized that beyond increasing productivity, the Enhanced FBS encourages ARBs to think and act like entrepreneurs-organizing, innovating, and competing confidently in a dynamic agri-market environment. Through this initiative, the DAR continues to build stronger, market-oriented agrarian reform communities, empowering farmers to achieve economic independence and rural prosperity.
