DAR Antique hands techno kits to SASJ AR Coop

The Department of Agrarian Reform Antique has turned over 9 units of Coconut Cart “Karito” to Sta. Ana-San Joaquin Agrarian Reform Cooperative (SASJ AR Coop), a move towards an improved copra production system for the smallholder farmers in SASJ agrarian reform communities, October 11.

OIC-PARPO I Eileen Grace S. Zurita said that the Php 108,000 worth of techno kit is under the Linking Smallholders Farmers to Market with Microfinance (LinksFarMM) project of the department which will benefit a total of 601 smallholder farmers registered under the project.

“SASJ AR Coop is fortunate to be selected as the recipient of this project because we have witnessed how the organization is thriving through an increase in their agricultural productivity,” Zurita said.

Hon. Joseph A Mariano, Punong Barangay of Brgy. Sta. Ana said that the project is a huge help to his constituents and encouraged the members to take good care of the modernized coconut cart by establishing an operation and maintenance strategy.

DARRO VI representative, SuARPO Mary June B. Andres congratulates the ARBO recipient and the members for receiving the project.

“We acknowledge your coconut farming skill as your major source of income. One of our advocacies is to develop and mold our ARBs to be responsive and empowered members of their community,” Andres said.

In her acceptance message, ARBO Chairperson Helen P. Antonio expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the DAR for the techno kit and other support facilities given to them.

Copra is the major commodity in the SASJ agrarian reform communities covering 5 barangays namely Sta.Ana, San Joaquin, Aracay, Badiangan, and Perfecta.

The ceremony was graced by partner agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority, Municipal, and Barangay Local Government Units, and facilitated by the DARPO Antique - PBDD and DARMO Cluster I personnel.