In a strategic move to strengthen farm productivity in the province of Sarangani, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over two brand-new 4WD tractors with complete implements to agrarian reform beneficiaries in the town of Maasim. The equipment, with a total value of approximately ₱4.96 million, supports the farming operations of two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organisations (ARBOs) in the barangays of Kablacan and Kamanga.
One of the recipients, the Salbuyan Organic Farmers Association (SALOFA) in Barangay Kablacan, was awarded a 108-horsepower tractor. Meanwhile the Kamanga-Klaga Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Farmers Association (KKARBFA) in Barangay Kamanga received a 50-horsepower unit.
According to DAR officials — led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officers Oding Yusoph (PARPO II) and Mharlie Pasal (PARPO I) — the machinery is intended to reduce labour costs, optimise land preparation and cultivation, and ultimately increase income for the beneficiary farmers. “These tractors will cut labour expenses and raise productivity. As your cooperatives grow stronger, more projects will follow,” Pasal remarked.
SALOFA President Teofilo Sambilad and KKARBFA President Kharyn Amor Taduran expressed their gratitude to DAR and committed to effective use of the equipment in expanding operations and strengthening their organisations. Additionally, a representative from San Miguel Foods Corp. – Jevan O. Nemenzo – indicated interest in entering into future agricultural-market linkages with the ARBOs, signalling opportunities to further enhance the local agricultural value chain in Sarangani.
Organisations Background
- SALOFA (Salbuyan Organic Farmers Association) is based in Barangay Salbuyan, Maasim, Sarangani Province, and is comprised of some 37 farmers practising organic farming systems.
- KKARBFA (Kamanga-Klaga Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Farmers Association) is listed among the beneficiaries under DAR-Sarangani, located in Barangay Kamanga.
