DAR Seals P8.5M ARCCESS Project for ARBOS in Cebu, Siquijor

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Region VII (DAR)7 recently sealed a partnership with the Foundation of Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (FREEDOM), Inc., through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with a contract totaling P8.5 million under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program.

DAR 7 Regional Information Officer Rosanna S. Visitacion said the P8.5 million ARCCESS programs were also divided to finance the mini -projects it organizes, such as the Agri-Extension Services (AES) which covers eight sub-projects to benefit eight Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Cebu.

Visitacion said another P1.8 million was also shared to finance another three sub projects in Siquijor, and a P 1.7 million for Business Development Services (BDS) covering 3 sub projects also in Siquijor.

Visitacion said the MOA signatories were DAR7 Regional Director Stephen M. Leonidas and Executive Director Epimaco M. Galero, Jr, of the FREEDOM Inc..

Witnessed the MOA signing were Assistant Regional Directors Dr. Antonio A. del Socorro, and Eddie C. Agac-ac, CESO V, and members of the Bids and Awards Committee, Visitacion said.

DAR 7 Regional Director Stephen Leonidas has clarified that DAR has provided support services that will help ARBOs to become viable entrepreneurs.

Visitacion also pointed out the BDS is the capability building and technical assistance component that will help ARBs enterprises in their farm management and business operations.

According to Visitacion, the national government offered these bulk of money to DAR to enable it to provide enough aid to all groups that need DAR services.