DAR Empowers Kasibu Farmers with New Processing Center

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Nueva Vizcaya awarded a processing facility worth P400,000 to the Kasibu Farmers Development Cooperative (KAFDECO) in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya on February 1, 2024.

The processing center stands as a testament to the Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project. The program actively fosters rural development by establishing viable and profitable enterprises, like the new facility, and facilitating access to mainstream markets for smallholder farmers and community members.

According to OIC-Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Chita B. Bungubung, the project initiated in June 2023 and completed on December 8, 2023, will directly benefit a total of 684 dedicated Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

"This processing center is more than just a building; it is a symbol of empowerment and opportunity for the Kasibu Farmers Development Cooperative. Through their hard work and dedication, combined with the support of DAR programs like VLFED, they are paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for themselves and the entire community,” CARPO Bungubung added.

The project particularly targets the cooperative's chili oil production, while also providing the infrastructure and resources to expand into processing other local raw materials such as squash and tomato. This diversification will open up new market opportunities and further strengthen the cooperative's economic position.

Honorable Mayor Romeo C. Tayaban lauded DAR for their unwavering support towards farmers, particularly those in Kasibu. He commended their dedication to rural development initiatives, highlighting the positive impact they have on their communities.

KAFDECO Chairperson Jomar E. Calibuso also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DAR, especially mentioning DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, Regional Director (RD) Primo C. Lara, and Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Engr. Neil P. Lumauan, for their instrumental roles in securing the new processing facility for KAFDECO, and to all other employees who contributed to the success and completion of the project.

Mr. Calibuso further emphasized their commitment to the department, assuring them that KAFDECO will diligently take care of the facility and utilize it effectively to empower their farmers by improving and developing their products, ultimately benefiting the entire Kasibu community.