San juan city: The Binatog Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Banna, Ilocos Norte was among the four Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) conferred the national recognition on Friday during the Gawad Agraryo 2025 held in San Juan City, attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The Binatog ARC was established in 1993 covering the rural villages of Binacag, Nagpatayan, and Bomitog.
Backed by the Philippine Rural Development Project and the Agrarian Reform Fund, the Binatog ARC has become a model of cooperative-led rural development, increasing their rice yields of 5.5 metric tons per hectare, which is 10 percent higher than the regional average.
Aside from rice, the Binatog ARC is also a major player in coffee production and has diversified their income sources into consumer store, credit and savings, agri-inputs trading, palay trading, butchering and meat processing, hog, goat, and cow raising, as well as farm equipment rentals. The move has resulted in a 67-percent income increase through market linkages in Ilocos Norte and nearby provinces and regions.
'We are so thankful for these government support programs and projects which transformed the lives of members and our community,' Amelia Bautista, project manager of Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said.
Banna Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla commended the Binatog ARC and its partner cooperatives for their dedication in uplifting the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries and bringing pride and honor to the municipality.
A Presidential Communications Office statement said the most progressive ARCs were recognized for providing reliable services to their members, promoting sustainable development, and uplifting their communities. Each of the awardees received a plaque, medal, and projects worth PHP70,000.
Launched in 2008, the Gawad Agraryo was established to honor farmers and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to advancing national progress and rural development.
