Lamitan City, Basilan — A new chapter in Basilan’s agricultural development was written on November 27, 2024, with the formal launch of the Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBECO) as the province’s first Coconut-Based Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA). This milestone underscores a bold initiative to empower coconut farmers, fostering a dedicated hub for innovation, skill development, and value-added production.
The inauguration ceremony, held at LARBECO’s headquarters, gathered local stakeholders and government officials, each expressing optimism for the site’s potential to revolutionize Basilan’s coconut industry. Among the notable attendees were Datumanong Pendi, PCA Regional Manager; Ms. Nellie Grace Aquino, Lamitan City Agriculture Representative; Ibrahim Utto, LARBECO Chairman; and Edilberto Martinez, LARBECO Manager.
Representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII), led by Ms. Hannadi S. Guiamad-Pompong, OIC-Assistant Center Director, also played a pivotal role in the event. Accompanying her were Ms. Shirley L. Beldia, Senior Agriculturist and LSA Focal Person; Ms. Simona P. Dela Cruz, Training Specialist III; Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, Training Specialist II; Engr. Jun Rey L. Samillano, Agriculturist II; Ms. Mercedita G. Aglibot, Development Management Officer I; and Ms. Jey Ann N. Magana, Administrative Officer IV.
A Vision for Transformation
In her keynote address, Ms. Guiamad-Pompong hailed the initiative as a transformative leap for Basilan’s coconut industry. “This learning site is not just about training; it’s about unlocking the potential of coconut farming to drive economic growth and empower our farmers. It is a space where knowledge meets innovation,” she said.
She emphasized LARBECO’s responsibility to evolve beyond its role as a training center, urging collaboration with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) implementing agencies and other stakeholders. “By working together, we can create innovative coconut-based products for local and global markets,” she added, while reaffirming ATI’s commitment to continued farmer training and sustainable agricultural development in the region.
Empowering Coconut Farmers
The LSA designation marks a turning point for LARBECO, as it becomes a beacon for best practices in coconut farming, processing, and value addition. With Basilan’s fertile soil and abundant coconut resources, the learning site aims to equip farmers with modern agricultural techniques, explore diversified products, and open doors to lucrative markets.
Key messages from the event’s speakers reiterated the importance of innovation and community engagement. LARBECO Chairman Ibrahim Utto shared his aspirations for the cooperative, highlighting its pivotal role in improving the livelihoods of agrarian reform beneficiaries. PCA Regional Manager Datumanong Pendi underscored the synergy between government support and farmer-driven initiatives as critical for long-term success.
Collaboration and Commitment
The establishment of this Coconut-Based LSA demonstrates a collective commitment to advancing the region’s agricultural sector. It offers a platform for farmers to share experiences, learn new techniques, and develop innovative practices that will strengthen Basilan’s position in the coconut industry.
For Lamitan City and Basilan as a whole, the launch signifies more than just a new facility—it represents hope, progress, and a future where coconut farming is both sustainable and profitable.
As Ms. Guiamad-Pompong concluded her address: “This is only the beginning. Together, we can harness Basilan’s rich resources, innovate, and bring prosperity to our farmers and communities.”
With this launch, LARBECO and its partners have planted the seeds for a thriving agricultural future in Basilan. All eyes will now be on this pioneering initiative as it charts the course for the region’s coconut industry.