The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Soccsksargen region is gearing up to increase income, generate employment, and improve the climate resilience of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in fragile upland areas, through the Value Chain Innovations for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) project.
VISTA Project has a budget of ₱64 million per agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The project aims to strengthen inclusive value chains with conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. A value chain is a business model involving the process of bringing a product from conception, procuring raw materials, the process of manufacturing, to marketing and distribution activities. The process aims to increase the livelihood activities of the ARBs, including women, youth, and indigenous peoples.
Regional Director Marianne Lauban-Baunto said the local government units (LGUs) in this region are beginning to pledge their full support for the successful implementation of this project.
Just recently, the LGUs of Lake Sebu and Tupi committed their support after VISTA Project Coordinators and Focal Persons led by Assistant Regional Director H. Roldan A. Ali, and other DAR officials presented the project overview to the top executives of the said municipalities.
“In South Cotabato, there are three (3) identified ARC recipients for this project, namely: El Klowil and Ned Settlement in Lake Sebu, and TRUPALUCEBO and Brgy. Linan in Tupi. The El Klowil ARC involves the barangays of Talisay, Luhib, and Bacdulong, while TRUPALUCEBO covers the barangays of Tubeng, Cr. Rubber, Palian, Lunen, Cebuano, and Bololmala,” she said.
Other LGUs that had already pledged their support include the Antipas town in North Cotabato, with two ARCs befitting from the project; Malungon and Maasim in Saranggani with two ARCs; and Bagumbayan and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat, with two ARCs.
“The project investment support to our rural infrastructure, including market access and value chain improvement, will undoubtedly provide our local economy with more opportunities for growth and expansion,” Baunto said.
