Lambunao, Iloilo — A meaningful convergence initiative among national and local government agencies was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a Meat Processing Center under the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program on March 25, 2025. The project will be implemented by the Ulian Tampucao Agrarian Reform Cooperative (UTARC) in Lambunao, Iloilo.

The convergence program brings together the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Municipal and Barangay Local Government Units (LGUs) of Lambunao, in collaboration with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Iloilo. It aims to strengthen the cooperative’s operation by integrating an additional income-generating project focused on processed meat production and adding value to its existing swine fattening project initially provided under DAR’s Sustainable Livelihood Support Program.

The MOA signing was graced by Atty. Arturo C. Cangrejo of the PCDO, Joy Anne S. Erazo of DTI, Dedith T. Chavez of DOLE, Vice Mayor Arvin Losaria representing the Municipal LGU, Punong Barangay Ma. Rochel Lequisia of Tampucao, and OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Land Tenure Improvement and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Program (ARBDSP) of DAR Region VI, Anthony P. Arostique together with OIC-CARPO Antonio Z. Mocero and staff from Enterprise Development and Economic Support (EDES) Section of DAR-Iloilo.

In his message of support, OIC-ARD Arostique highlighted the significance of strategic planning, capacity-building, and unity to ensure the success and sustainability of the project. “There is a need for the cooperative, together with our partner agencies, to conduct strategic planning and undergo appropriate technical interventions that will help enhance and sustain the operations of UTARC. It is important that we sit down, discuss, and carefully map out how to further improve and grow the cooperative. I challenge the members of UTARC led by chairperson Engr. Jose Rene Lerado to unite, strengthen their organization, and strive towards self-reliance—without depending solely on government assistance. Always remember that DAR, along with our convergence partners, will continue to support and guide your organization towards inclusive and sustainable development,” he added.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of government convergence in ensuring sustainable livelihood for agrarian reform beneficiaries. Each agency pledged technical, financial, and institutional support to help realize the full potential of the enterprise. Moreover, UTARC is expected to become a model of how collective action and agency collaboration can pave the way for long-term rural development.

Under the VLFED project, the DAR seeks to provide the identified cooperative with opportunities to diversify and increase their income by engaging in value-adding activities thereby creating employment and stimulating local economic growth in the community. (By: DAR Iloilo OIC-SARPO/EDES Section Chief Precy C. Cabio)