Assessment of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Project (2nd Cycle) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Abstract

Generally, the study aimed to evaluate the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Project (2nd Cycle) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Specifically, it aimed to (1) Describe the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) profile; (2) Identify the activities conducted during the project implementation; (3) Ascertain the status of Common Service Facilities (CSFs) provided, and the benefits obtained by the ARBO in the project; and (4) Identify areas for improvement and recommend ways to improve them. This study was conducted in Sitio Sapang Kubo Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SSKPMPC) in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. Data were collected covering two seasons, during wet and dry periods of crop year 2014-2015. The Sitio Sapang Kubo PMPC is a CDA registered cooperative located at Barangay Tagpos within the MaTaLiMa ARC in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. The coop was registered on January 26, 1999. The Cooperative Registration Number (CRN): 0107030189 and Registration/Confirmation Number of PGA-3435. It has new certificate of registration under RA 9520 in 2010. The trainings conducted were on Collection of Soil Samples, Integrated Nutrient Management and Tractor Operation, Management and Trouble Shooting. Coaching was done on vermi-composting by the CLSU AES team. The trainings conducted were briefly discussed. CSF status in SSKPMPC, a total of four hand tractors, two reapers and two threshers were delivered in April 2013. All of these CSF were functional with four member operators, two in hand tractors and two in threshers. Reapers were only use once because long palay stalks harvested by these CSF is not applicable for threshing. The ARBO received one unit four-wheel tractor awarded by DAR with complete implements and trailer in September 2015. The reapers were used only once, since the palay has long stalk when harvested by reaper and is not applicable for the threshers given by DAR. Recommendation includes the increase in productivity and income through capacity building by continuous learning and sharing of new and appropriate rice production technologies between and among coop members. The rice and vegetables techno guides must be reviewed and discussed during monthly meetings. Crop and animal diversification, coop members and their families can engage in other short duration crops, raise animals like goat, native chicken and native pigs. Enhancement of Common Service Facilities (CSF) Operations by construction of CSF shed with fence and designated security personnel. The coop must prepare a CSF business plan and assign a CSF project coordinator with clear terms of reference. Incentives can be given to the CSF coordinator or manager in the future. The coop must start farm mechanization to reduce production cost. The coop must open their eyes, mind and heart to new technologies like combine to make rice production competitive and fast track farm activities. Agribusiness/Enterprise Development by conducting a regular business planning, monitoring and assessment. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification process can be started with the help of NGAs and LGU of Sta. Rosa to become globally competitive. The coop can expand their input trading and maybe palay trading in the future. All products and services must be competitive locally and globally in terms of volume, quality and quantity. Cooperative Development by improving the coop strategy to continuously increase Capital Build-Up (CBU). Target payment must be agreed and explain to the members the reasons and use of the CBU. Coop calendar of activities in visual form posted in the coop bulletin board. Make a simple coop bulletin board of information.