DON VICTORIANO, Misamis Occidental — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officially launched the Farm Business School (FBS) on March 12, 2025, at the Barangay Hall of Petianan, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental.
The initiative aims to enhance the entrepreneurial and marketing skills of local farmers. Thirty farmer-students from the Petianan Agrarian Beneficiaries Farmers Association Inc. (PAFBA) are set to undergo comprehensive training sessions designed to improve their farming practices and boost productivity.
Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Kareen Mae Espiga, representing the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) Division, emphasized the significance of the training. Espiga explained that the sessions will provide farmers with the necessary skills to enhance crop quality, increase income, and ultimately improve their standard of living.
Misamis Occidental Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Mohammad Abdul Jabbar M. Pandapatan encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity, highlighting that not all Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) were selected for the program.
“You are fortunate to be selected for the FBS, as not all ARBOs were offered this opportunity. I hope you make the most of this chance to become successful agri-entrepreneurs,” Pandapatan remarked.
Representing Municipal Mayor Hon. Bertoldo J. Murallon, Jr., Municipal Agriculturist Nylvyn T. Tugano assured PAFBA members of the local government unit’s (LGU) full support. Tugano also suggested expanding the FBS initiative to other barangays in the municipality to further support agricultural development.
PAFBA President Romeo Pulosan Sr. expressed his gratitude to DAR for introducing the program, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning for farmers.
“Lisod gyod mag-uma nga walay kahibalo… mag-uma lang nga mag-uma without knowing the art and science of farming. Maong dili gyud namo sayangon ang opportunidad nga makat-on kay nag-ulan ang panalangin sa kahibalo,” Pulosan said.
PARPO I Danilo Pilar reaffirmed DAR’s dedication to guiding farmer-students on their path toward agribusiness success.
The event concluded with the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DAR, the LGU of Don Victoriano, and PAFBA members, solidifying their collective commitment to the program’s successful implementation.
The FBS program will involve 17 training sessions designed to teach farmers about agribusiness, market responsiveness, and effective farm management techniques, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the agricultural sector.