DAR Agusan del Sur launches Farm Business School in Esperanza town

By Kristine H. Pedralvez

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launched the Farm Business School (FBS) last August 12, 2015 held at the Executive Function Hall of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The launching was attended by Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang, CESO III who said that FBS was a pilot project in Nueva Ecija and was replicated because the result had shown an improved production and income of the farmers.

In Esperanza, Agusan del Sur is the first municipality that initiated FBS in Caraga region and the beneficiary is the Crossing Luna Beawan Esperanza Vegetables Production Multi-purpose Cooperative (CROBEVMPC) which is a member of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization. The said event was also attended by Paysal B. Tumog, Al Hajj, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II, Leoncio Bautista, PARPO I, Esperanza Municipal Mayor Deo P. Manpatilan, Jr., Jose Zaldy Manug, Municipal Agriculturist, Ricardo Abao of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Representative, Jamaica Arenal, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Representative, Wenceslao Tianero, Jr., Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Representative, Ramon Deloraso, CROBEVMPC Chairperson and other members  of the line agencies and the cooperative.

RD Ragandang emphasized that FBS is not a program of DAR alone. The partners in the implementation of FBS are ATI, DTI, Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, LGU of Esperanza and CROBE VMPC. She also added that the partner agencies will lead farmers to progress their knowledge and skills in managing their farms and improve their linkages to markets.

Upon delivering the rationale of the activity, PARPO Bautista said that before, people go to school to acquire knowledge but now, school goes to the community bringing the right knowledge that is essential for peoples’ success.  FBS is a school delivered right in the convenience of the 30 selected farmers who are members of CROBE VMPC. They will be taught a total of 25 modules scheduled every Friday with assigned resource speakers from the partner agencies.

We are so thankful of this rare opportunity. This will be another project worthy of recognition and gratitude, said Mayor Manpa-tilan in his message. We will give our full support for the success of this project, he added.

In response to the messages of support, Chairperson Deloraso hoped that with the various government agencies they will be assisted on how to improve the farmers’ lives. “Salamat kaayo. Hinaot nga pinaagi aning proyekto, dako ang matabang kanamo sa pagpanguma ug  mulahutay ta niining FBS,” Chairperson Deloraso stated.

The last part of the launching was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement which is entered and executed by and among the aforementioned partner agencies. The first session of FBS started right after the launching.

In coordination with the partner agencies, FBS is initiated to assist the participants in establishing direct customers or marketing outlets and potential farm enterprises to venture.  (advt)