THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Friday, July 18, launched its Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Products Marketing Center in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to promote local crafted products of ARCs and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (Arbos).
The ARC Products Marketing Center, branded as “PaninDAR de Sibugay” is located at the DAR Provincial Office lobby in Ipil Heights, Ipil.
The center features around 25 food and non-food products from 16 Arbos across Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, and Isabela City, Basilan — a showcase of the creativity, craftsmanship, and livelihood of local farmers and producers.
The initiative aims to bring Arbo products closer to the public and link them to potential institutional markets.
Rolando Libetario, Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer, emphasized the project as a livelihood opportunity for ARBOs, aligned with DAR’s commitment to rural development.
“After land acquisition and distribution, DAR extends its support through livelihood assistance and enterprise development—giving our farmer-beneficiaries the tools to enhance their economic lives,” Libetario said.
During the launching ceremony, Romulus Perez, OIC-Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer for Program Beneficiaries Development Division, expressed his gratitude to the partner agencies, stakeholders, and everyone who supported the endeavor.
Perez encouraged the public to patronize local Arbo products, highlighting DAR’s continuous assistance—from Arbo formation, capacity-building trainings, and now, product marketing.
“This is one of DAR’s ways of helping our Arbos sustain their operations and grow through market linkage and exposure,” Perez said.
Commending the initiative, DAR Regional Director Ramon Madroñal, Jr. noted that PaninDAR de Sibugay is the first of its kind in Zamboanga Peninsula.
“The main goal is transforming the ARBs to Arbos so they can access the government’s support services. More will be given to you, to realize our ultimate goal of transforming you into entrepreneurs and improving your economic lives, and empowering you to become self-sustaining, self-reliant,” Madroñal said.
In response, Arbo representatives expressed their heartfelt gratitude to DAR for its unwavering support—recognizing their products, providing market opportunities, and giving them the platform to promote their livelihood ventures.
The launching ceremony was highlighted by a blessing officiated by Father Ryan Balatero, marking the formal opening of the PaninDAR de Sibugay as a venue for local enterprise promotion and community empowerment. (SunStar Zamboanga)
