Pinili: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is taking significant steps to transform farmers into entrepreneurs through its enhanced farm business school (FBS), which utilizes mixed participatory adult learning methodologies. This innovative approach aims to make the learning experience more engaging for selected beneficiaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program, which commenced on Monday, has enrolled at least 30 farmers from the Upon Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pinili, Ilocos Norte. The course, running from April to August, is designed to enhance the participants' skills and unlock their potential in agri-business. Chief agrarian reform officer Rommel Aquino explained that the initiative, with a budget of PHP200,000, will cover various expenses, including training venue, kits, food, transportation, and field day costs.

The enhanced FBS aims to transform agrarian reform beneficiaries into farmer-entrepreneurs and strengthen their organizations as conduits of support services. Aquino noted that this approach has demonstrated effectiveness with previous batches of participants. As part of the program's sustainability efforts, participants are expected to conduct buy-in sessions with DAR and local government units after completing the project.

Participants will engage in seven learning events, consisting of at least 12 sessions, and will prepare agro-enterprise development outputs through post-training field applications. These applications will include at least one test group marketing of their focus crop. The FBS, an annual activity by DAR, seeks to empower rural communities through education.

Assistant regional director Vic Ines emphasized the transformative impact of the FBS, highlighting its role in helping farmers think and act like entrepreneurs. He noted that this initiative is part of broader efforts to improve farmers' lives, contributing to nation-building and supporting the President's food sufficiency program.