Albay farmers receive livelihood assistance from DAR

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has launched a new initiative to provide livelihood opportunities for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Albay through its Village-Level Farm Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project.

This project was formalized through a memorandum of agreement with the Tinapian Farmers Fishermen Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TFFMPC) in the municipality of Manito, which included the turnover of essential meat processing equipment. This marks a significant step toward rural enterprise development.

Maria Eugenia Alteza, the provincial agrarian reform program officer, emphasized that the project’s goal is to help ARBs move beyond traditional farming by equipping them with the necessary tools and resources for value-added production.

“We recognize the dedication of TFFMPC and their local leaders, which is why they were selected for this project. With the right support, they can expand their enterprise and create more livelihood opportunities for their members,” Alteza said.

Under the VLFED Project, Tinapian MPC received a subsidy of P500,000, which enabled them to acquire essential equipment such as a chariot for hauling raw materials, an automatic voltage regulator, a hanging weighing scale, an electric meat grinder, a meat slicer, a worktable, a generator, and necessary construction and electrical materials to upgrade their processing center.

Additionally, another P180,000 was allocated for training the beneficiaries in meat processing and providing other technical assistance.

Beyond providing equipment, the DAR is committed to assisting the ARB organizations in marketing their processed products to ensure sustainable growth.

Alteza emphasized that entering the meat processing industry enables farmers to add value to their livestock, which creates new income streams and strengthens their financial stability.

“By allowing ARBs to process their own products, we help them earn higher profits and secure a sustainable market presence,” she added.

Building on its previous successes as a beneficiary of the Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas Project, the MPC is now taking significant steps to expand its income-generating activities. The income generated from this project will benefit the cooperative and its members.

Tinapian MPC President Lolito Bayna Jr. expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by DAR and other partners. He committed to using the resources responsibly.

“We will make this assistance productive. The land granted by the government will be nurtured, and we will work together to ensure that it benefits not only our members but the entire community,” he stated. (With reports from DAR Region 5/PIA Albay)