DAR Provides Clean Water, Sanitation to Nueva Vizcaya Cooperative
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) - Nueva Vizcaya partnered with Greeners Multipurpose Cooperative (Greeners MPC) in Barangay Belance, Dupax del Norte, through the provision of an Php80,000.00 worth Community-Managed Potable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) project on February 2, 2024.
Led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Engr. Neil P. Lumauan, the DAR Provincial Office (DARPO) turned over the CPWASH facilities to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and cooperative members of Greeners MPC. The project is a part of the department's Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) Program, which aims to improve the living conditions of ARBs and support their agricultural ventures.
In 2019, DAR provided Greeners MPC with a food processing center through the Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project. This vital support helped them achieve a key requirement in food processing: securing Food and Drug Administration-License to Operate (FDA-LTO) approval for their products.
PARPO II Engr. Lumauan said that the project empowers the Greeners MPC to explore beyond ginger brew processing, expand their business ventures and generate greater income for all members.
"Achieving FDA approval necessitates a sanitized and safe production line, which requires access to clean and safe water. That's why the CPWASH project was implemented, ensuring the Greeners MPC has this vital resource. This fulfills a crucial prerequisite for FDA compliance and ultimately contributes to the long-term success of their food processing center," PARPO II Engr. Lumauan noted.
He further emphasized the importance of the participation of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in ensuring the project's sustainability and proper management.
The provided package includes an Iron Removal Filter and Rain-Water Collector, specifically chosen to aid the ARBOs’ product processing needs and assist the local government unit (LGU) in providing basic social services (BSS) to the community through the availability of potable water.
OIC-Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Ms. Chita B. Bungubung of Program Beneficaries Development Division (PBDD) also expressed her hope that this cost-effective technology project would serve as an inspiration for agrarian reform, commending the members of the ARBOs as key partners. She stressed their important role in managing these projects to provide long-term benefits to the community.
DAR officials commended the ARBOs for their partnership, and both ARBOs and LGU officials expressed their gratitude to DAR for providing beneficial technologies that will enhance the cooperative's business, improve community resources, and generate sustainable income for its members.
