DAR, CDA in Cagayan Valley link arms to strengthen farmers' groups

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the Cagayan Valley region together with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has collaborated to enhance the welfare of the farmer-members of agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in the area under the DAR’s Social Infrastructure Building program.

The collaborative activity focused on the renewal of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the 2 agencies, faster registration of ARBOs to CDA, compliance of ARBOs with CDA mandatory training, technical assistance and guidance in the completion of lacking requirements, and the conduct of training on the installation of books, bookkeeping, among others.

Representatives from the 2 agencies also discussed the status and updates of the 81 recorded ARBOs in the region, addressing their issues and concerns, and outlining a comprehensive solution to ensure their continued growth and effectiveness. The agreements reached will be included in the renewal of the MoA.

DAR Assistant Regional Director for Administration Estrelita V. Go emphasized the need for continuous cooperation and innovation of all the involved parties.

“The renewal of MoA for both agencies would further strengthen commitments for a more coordinated and effective approach in supporting the ARBOs,” she said.

Go also highlighted that Region 02 was recognized by the DAR Central Office as having the largest number of cooperatives registered with CDA,

CDA Assistant Regional Director and Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist Antonio M. Addun Jr. said that the recognition serves as an inspiration for CDA to continue its support of the DAR.

“The said accomplishment is a direct result of DAR-CDA efforts. It promotes cooperative development for essential pooling of resources, expertise, and support not only to enhance the effectiveness of programs but also to foster a more cohesive and resilient agricultural sector, contributing to the socio-economic growth of cooperatives,” he said