ARB Trade Fair Kicks Off International Rural Women’s Day at DAR

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and members of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) are conducting a four-day AgraryoTrade Fair from October 17 to 20, 2023 at the DAR Central Office Grounds to celebrate the International Rural Women’s Day and Rural Women’s Month.

The Fair showcases fresh and processed food and non-food products including food additives, furniture and handicrafts, natural and organic products, as well as services of ARBs and ARBOs from all regions, and serves as a platform for wider exposure of these products to potential customers and buyers. It also provides opportunities for ARBs and ARBOs to establish networks for entrepreneurial partnerships with other ARBs, ARBOs and private sector enterprises.

Ronald M. Gareza, Director IV of the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) said the products on display include food and non-food products of ARBOs produced by women officers and members who were given livelihood trainings by the DAR in cooperation with the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to enable them to engage in profitable livelihood activities as well as increase their farm incomes.

“The said efforts of women leaders and members in their respective agrarian communities concretize the DAR’s commitment to the GAD goals of generating public awareness of gender related issues particularly the importance of women empowerment towards more inclusive local and national development,” he said.

“We are hoping that the Agraryo Trade Fair will strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit among ARBs especially the women, as well as generate positive public perception of ARB products," he added.

The DAR actively supports gender and development (GAD) goals and ensures that gender-related initiatives are mainstreamed in the plans and programs of the Department for all ARBs and ARB organizations nationwide.

The opening ceremonies of the Agraryo Trade Fair was held on Oct 17, 2023 at the DAR Central Office in Quezon City with Ms. Margie Santos representing Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Ms Joy Barcoma, Miss World Philippines 2021, and