DAR augments Sarangani rural women’s capabilty, turns over processing center

 

MAASIM, Sarangani Province (November 4, 2022) - Members of Kablacan Women in Development of Sarangani (Kablacan WINDS) in the municipality of Maasim are anticipated to experience greater ease and comfort in their food processing business after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over the processing center on October 21.

The project would benefit 156 women members and some 60 women Agrarian Reform beneficiaries and households.

"We feel so blessed to be supported by DAR, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maasim and Barangay Kablacan LGU that this building was finally turned over to the organization. This serves as an important edifice to inspire us on women empowerment and strengthen our bond as women organization," Crisola P. Llego, Kablacan WINDS president said.

"With a more comfortable and sanitary workplace, we can work out our FDA accreditation. Our women will also be more inspired to work," Llego added.

The P700, 000 project is funded by the Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) of DAR and the LGU Maasim through the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office.

The barangay local government unit donated the 150 sq. meter lot where the 45 sq. meter processing center is built.

Kablacan WINDS is one of the DAR-assisted organizations that benefited from the business development service with support facility under the VLFED.

The project covers the construction of the processing center for their blended corn powder, salabat, and turmeric tea.

The organization is also a recipient of the Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Project’s (CLAAP) corn mill, hammer mill, hauling truck, incubator, and poultry projects.

John H. Gamad, the Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer for Program Beneficiaries Development (CARPO – PBD), commended the members for their support and active involvement in the organization.

He exhorted them to hold fast to what they have started and strive to manage well what they have as it helps them raise their income and uplift their quality of life.

Susan A. Baya, Maasim’s Municipal Agriculturist reiterated how their agency recognized Kablacan WINDS as one of the performing organizations.

“You have gained our trust and support; thus, we are hopeful that you will strive to sustain the projects given to you in order to contribute to our town’s aspiration stated in our tag line – Maasenso Maasim,” Baya said.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Cenon S. Original, CESO VI lauded the people and offices who have been instrumental in the success of the construction of the processing center.

The convergence of LGU Maasim, Barangay Kablacan LGU, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DAR and other line agencies have opened opportunities for the women group in empowering them to meet the needs of their family and lead a more meaningful life.

To convey their support, Barangay Councilors Elizabeth Panerio and Melward Ordonez, Ryan Llego of Municipal Engineer’s Office, MARPO Marites Muesco, SARPT Nasrhodaine Al_Moro Kalim, Lorna Acanto – VLFED point person for soft component, Engr. Robert Ardol Tiba VLFED point person for hard component, Microfinance Point person Marte Pabalay, CLAAP Point Person Kadaffe Palao, Point Person for Partnership Charlie Gran Dumalag, and DAR Sarangani Provincial Information Team – Agnes Torino, Catherine Linobo and Jerald June Abadejos attended the turnover ceremony. (Agnes Torino Rosete & photos by J. Abadejos /Department of Agrarian Reform Sarangani/for SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

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