Abu dhabi: Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Pinili, Ilocos Norte are poised to enhance their earnings and achieve a more stable livelihood through a PHP2 million peanut processing center, inaugurated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in collaboration with the Pinili local government and the Buanga Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ARC).

According to Philippines News Agency, the facility, handed over to the farmer-members of the Dalayap Agrarian Reform Community, was funded under DAR's Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program. "This processing center is more than infrastructure - it is a pathway to economic growth for our ARBs," DAR Regional Director Maria Ana Francisco stated in a news release Tuesday. "With the right facilities in place, farmers can move beyond raw production, reach bigger markets, and secure better livelihoods for their families."

The modern processing facility is set to directly benefit 142 farmer-members by enabling efficient production of peanut products, including peanut butter, adobo peanuts, and sugar-coated peanuts. The center is expected to improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand market access, allowing farmers the opportunity to earn higher and more consistent incomes.

The department noted that the project was realized through a public-private partnership, with PHP1.5 million contributed by the Pinili local government unit, PHP400,000 from DAR, and PHP100,000 from Buanga ARC. Francisco highlighted that the collaboration underscores how government and community initiatives can directly enhance farmers' livelihoods.

The VLFED Program, as stated by DAR, continues to assist ARBs and ARCs nationwide in building sustainable, community-based enterprises that add value to farm produce, generate higher incomes, and strengthen rural economies.