Misamis Occidental — In a bid to strengthen agricultural productivity and sustainability, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Misamis Occidental has teamed up with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) – Panaon to enhance the capabilities of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in the province.
The partnership, which is anchored on training programs and the provision of technological support, aims to build the capacity of ARBO members and promote long-term development in agrarian communities. Talks are currently ongoing to finalize a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which will lay the groundwork for implementing these initiatives.
Officials from both institutions recently convened to discuss the details of the collaboration, which is expected to focus on the integration of science and technology in agricultural practices, knowledge sharing, and the application of innovative approaches to boost farm productivity.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Mohammad Abdul Jabbar Pandapatan expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to uplift farmers. He said the partnership reinforces DAR’s commitment to empowering ARBOs through knowledge and innovation, paving the way for their growth and self-sufficiency.
Dr. Leny Q. Añasco, Acting Campus Director of USTP-Panaon, underscored the university’s commitment to linking academic research with real-world applications in agriculture. She emphasized that USTP-Panaon is keen on supporting DAR’s efforts by providing ARBOs with the tools and expertise needed to adapt and thrive in an evolving agricultural environment.
The collaboration marks a significant step in advancing the welfare of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Misamis Occidental, aligning education and development efforts to build resilient, sustainable farming communities.