Department of Agrarian Reform promotes Aklan products through “ARBO Mercado on Wheels” (Contributed photo)
MANILA – To help the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) promote and sell their products, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Aklan conducted the “ARBO Mercado on Wheels” as it joined the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Market Day which displayed various products on sale produced by members of different ARB organizations (ARBOs) at the capitol grounds of Estancia in Kalibo, Aklan.
DAR-Western Visayas Director Sheila Enciso said with the success, the Aklan provincial office plans to conduct the “ARBO Mercado on Wheels” every 15th and end of the month to showcase the various products of the local farmers and the ARBs, which include native bags and baskets made from abaca, coconut products, vegetables and fruits.
"ARBO Mercado on Wheels offers low-priced agricultural products and caters to the basic needs of the consumers. The program also aims to bring safe, nutritious, and affordable agricultural products more accessible and closer to the communities," she said.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ma. Teresa Valencia said the Provincial Agriculturist and the local government of Aklan have partnered with the ARBs to implement "ARBO Mercado on Wheels" to empower the farmers and help them sell their own produce.
Valencia said the goods are cheaper because consumers can buy the products directly from the farmers themselves.
“Thank you to the local government of Aklan and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist for embracing our ARBO Mercado on Wheels initiative and integrating it into the regular Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Market Day. The DAR Aklan is truly honored and humbled. Let us continue patronizing our farmers’ products,” Valencia said.
Valencia said marketing is a critical component in the value chain and providing opportunities to the marginalized farmers will not only boost their income but will help them increase their efficiency and improve their productivity. (PNA)
