📅

Three (3) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ (ARB) organizations in Iloilo Province have received a
total of ₱4 million worth of livelihood grants under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program
(DILP), recently.
The grant projects, provided through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Local Government Units (LGUs) concerned, were officially turned over in a ceremony highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting agrarian communities and their organizations aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting cooperative enterprises.

The recipients of the projects were the San Julian Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SJMPC) in Badiangan, Iloilo who received ₱1 million worth for egg-layering project, Panay Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PARECO) in Passi City receiving ₱1.5 million for farm inputs and herbicide products, and likewise, CAGFAS Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Anilao, Iloilo with ₱1.5 million for agricultural store.
The egg layering project of the SJMPC intends to supply fresh eggs to partner institutional buyers and additional inputs for their existing bakery and catering business while the farm inputs and agricultural store of the PARECO and CAGFAS Agrarian Reform Cooperatives,
respectively aims to offers farm supplies and consumer goods at affordable prices to help farmers reduce their agricultural farm expenses and eventually maximize their profits. Moreover, it will also generate income for cooperatives and expand their services to their
members particularly the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries.

During the turnover at Anilao, Iloilo, OIC-CARPO of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Antonio Z. Mocero, Jr. congratulated the ARBOs and encouraged them to sustain and improve their project to strengthen their cooperative and benefit its members.
Also in a statement from Benigno Cabadon Jr., Labor Employment Officer III of DOLE, the operation of the agricultural supply store for CAGFAS Agrarian Reform Cooperative will provide opportunities for cooperative members to increase their income and provide more services to its constituents.
Meanwhile, Hon. Mayor Suzette A. Mamon of Badiangan, Iloilo emphasized the importance of convergence program of various government agencies and further expressed gratitude for the partnerships that led to special projects and linkages that helps improve the economic well- being of the ARBOs and its farmer members.
The initiative highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to empower agrarian reform beneficiaries, ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic growth in various ARCs in Iloilo Province.
The DILP/ Kabuhayan Program of the Department of Labor and Employment aims to alleviate poverty and provide stable jobs in the country. It focuses on providing financial assistance to the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers of the community. Through this initiative, eligible Filipinos can benefit maximum assistance amounting to ₱ 20,000 for individual beneficiaries and ₱ 1 million for group livelihood projects.