Little Baguio, Surallah, South Cotabato – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in South Cotabato has turned over a P1.8-million delivery truck to the Little Baguio Small Water Impounding and Diversified Farmers Association, Inc. (LBSWI-DFAI), providing a major boost to local Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

This initiative is part of DAR’s ongoing efforts to empower ARBs by strengthening their organizations’ agricultural operations and market access.

The new truck is expected to make the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization’s (ARBO) marketing capabilities more efficient and competitive in local markets, particularly in the trade of palay.

“This vehicle will significantly enhance the ARBO’s marketing operations by streamlining the transport of goods,” said Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Valerie Seiton. “It’s more than just a truck—it’s a tool for empowerment and progress,” she added.

The project highlights DAR’s commitment to providing shared resources that benefit entire farmer groups. By fostering collective ownership and responsibility, the department aims to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Receiving the truck on behalf of the group, LBSWI-DFAI President Randy Cabaya expressed heartfelt gratitude. “This delivery truck is a symbol of hope and progress,” he said.

“We pledge to maximize its potential to drive our association’s growth and enhance our agricultural operations. We are committed to ensuring that this project benefits every member and contributes to our shared success,” he added.

The ceremonial turnover highlighted the ongoing support for ARBs in the region, as well as their resilience in the face of numerous challenges. It also served as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the DAR, local government, and the farming community in advancing agricultural development.

Barangay Kagawad Randy Estil also emphasized the truck’s significance. “This is not just about transportation—it’s about enabling our farmers to thrive in today’s agricultural environment. This vehicle will help us move toward more sustainable and productive farming,” he said.

With continued support from DAR and the local government, the ARBs of Surallah are poised to build a more resilient and progressive farming community. (By: Medel Mercado with contributions from DAR South Cotabato)

DAR SoCot Nagkaloob ng P1.8 Milyong Truck sa mga ARB ng Surallah

Little Baguio, Surallah, South Cotabato – Nagkaloob ang Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) South Cotabato ng isang ₱1.8 milyong delivery truck sa Little Baguio Small Water Impounding and Diversified Farmers Association, Inc. (LBSWI-DFAI), na isang malaking tulong sa mga Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) sa lugar.

Bahagi ang inisyatibo sa patuloy na programa ng DAR para mapalakas ang kakayahan ng mga ARB at ng kanilang samahan, lalo na sa pagpapalago ng kanilang kabuhayan at pag-abot sa mas maraming pamilihan.

Inaasahang makatutulong ang bagong truck sa pagpapabuti ng pagbebenta ng palay at iba pang produkto ng Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) upang mas maging mabilis at episyente ang kanilang pagdadala ng produkto sa mga pamilihan.

Ayon kay Valerie Seiton, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II, “Malaki ang maitutulong ng truck na ito sa operasyon ng samahan. Hindi lang ito simpleng sasakyan—isa itong paraan para umunlad at umasenso ang ating mga magsasaka.”

Ipinakikita rin ng proyektong ito ang dedikasyon ng DAR na magbigay ng mga kagamitan na sama-samang mapapakinabangan ng mga magsasaka. Layunin ng ahensya na matiyak ang pangmatagalang benepisyo at tagumpay ng mga samahan.

Lubos ang pasasalamat ni Randy Cabaya, presidente ng LBSWI-DFAI, sa natanggap na truck. “Ang truck na ito ay simbolo ng pag-asa at pag-unlad para sa aming grupo,” ani niya.

“Nangangako kami na gagamitin ito nang maayos at buong puso para sa ikauunlad ng aming samahan. Sisiguraduhin naming lahat ng miyembro ay makikinabang sa proyektong ito,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa isinagawang turnover ceremony, muling ipinakita ang patuloy na suporta sa ARBs sa rehiyon, pati na rin ang kanilang katatagan sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Patunay rin ito ng pagkakaisa ng DAR, lokal na pamahalaan, at mga magsasaka sa pagsusulong ng agrikultura.

Binanggit din ni Barangay Kagawad Randy Estil ang kahalagahan ng truck. “Hindi lang ito basta transportasyon. Isa itong paraan para mas mapalakas ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at maging mas produktibo ang pagsasaka sa panahong ito,” aniya.

Sa tulong ng DAR at lokal na pamahalaan, patuloy na umaangat ang mga ARB sa Surallah patungo sa isang mas matatag at maunlad na komunidad ng mga magsasaka.