LEON B. POSTIGO, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — A new chapter in community-based enterprise development is underway as the Tiniguiban Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (TFARCO) celebrated the groundbreaking of its future Bamboo Handicrafts Processing Center in Barangay Tiniguiban.
The milestone event was led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in collaboration with key national government agencies, underscoring a whole-of-government approach to advancing inclusive and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
The ceremony included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DAR, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the local government unit of Leon B. Postigo. The initiative fulfills a commitment made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his previous State of the Nation Address (SONA) to support agriculture and local enterprise.
TESDA Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Engr. Alan T. Bacatan affirmed the agency’s full support for the project. As part of its commitment, TESDA will implement a Training-Cum-Production program in Masonry and Carpentry, engaging local trainees directly in the construction of the facility. This dual-purpose strategy ensures both the development of critical infrastructure and the enhancement of employable skills among community members.
“This is more than just building a facility—it’s about building futures,” said Bacatan, highlighting TESDA’s mission to transform lives through technical education under the leadership of Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez and Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III.
Once completed, the bamboo processing center is expected to boost the quality and competitiveness of local bamboo products, helping farmers and artisans access broader markets. It will also serve as a hub for continuous learning and upskilling, contributing to long-term economic growth in the area.
The project aligns with the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative, which champions grassroots empowerment and the revitalization of local industries through collaborative governance and targeted support.
With the rise of the new facility, TFARCO and the people of Leon B. Postigo look forward to a future rooted in sustainability, resilience, and shared progress.