30 Albay Farmers Ready to Become Entrepreneurs

LEGAZPI CITY – Thirty agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Polangui, Albay, are on their way to becoming "negosyanteng magsasaka" following their graduation from the Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Farm Business School (FBS).

The 30 ARBs who completed the 25-session FBS training program, which began in May of this year, are members of the Gamot, Luya, Dalogo Farmers Association (GALUDA FA). The FBS is designed to transform farmers into entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to run sustainable farm-based businesses.

Maria Eugenia M. Alteza, DAR Albay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer, commended the graduates for their perseverance throughout the course.

"I am extremely proud of your achievements. I encourage you to continue cultivating your passion for farming, take good care of your land, and strive for continuous improvement. The Department will always be here to support you through any challenges you may encounter," Alteza said in the local dialect.

Alteza also underscored the importance of the FBS in fostering collaboration between the DAR, the Local Government Units (LGUs), and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs). The program’s primary goal is to empower ARBs by enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and helping them manage their farms as successful businesses.

"We are committed to supporting our farmers not only in producing crops but also in growing their businesses," Alteza added. "Through the FBS, we aim to see them thrive as entrepreneurs."

The FBS provides comprehensive training in entrepreneurship and farm business management, aligning with the goals of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III to improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

Bob B. Razon, president of GALUDA FA, expressed his gratitude for the program, noting the transformative impact it has had on their outlook toward farming.

"We are incredibly thankful to DAR for their unwavering support. The FBS has shown us that farming is not just a way of life but a business opportunity. With the right knowledge and skills, we know we can succeed," Razon said.

GALUDA FA was officially registered