More than 30 farmers from Barangay Guinaang have enrolled in a new kind of classroom, one that does not just grow crops, but cultivates entrepreneurs.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)–Apayao formally launched its Farm Business School (FBS) on April 3, with an orientation and enrollment activity held at the Guina-ang Community Development Association (GUICOMDA). The program targets Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who are ready to move beyond subsistence and into market-ready agribusiness.
“Managing land is one thing,” said DAR-Apayao’s Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Atty. Penelope B. De Ausen, “but building a business out of it—that is where sustainability comes in.”
GUICOMDA, previously known as Urnos Ti Guinaang ARBs Association, is part of the Rimalipad Agrarian Reform Community and was selected as one of the FBS pilot groups in the province.
The orientation was led by ARPT Mara Christa A. Garcia, FBS focal and Development Facilitator for Conner, with assistance from ARPO I Lourdeline M. Aganos and Administrative Staff Chairene C. Cabusi. Participants were profiled and enrolled during the session.
Ms. Mercedes B. Mangulian, Cooperative Development Specialist I from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, welcomed the project and its potential to bridge knowledge and real-world application.
“Use what you’ve gained from previous trainings like Good Agricultural Practices. This is your chance to scale it up,” she told the ARBs. She also encouraged registration under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), noting that proper records unlock access to more government support.
The FBS rollout in Apayao comes as part of DAR’s strategy to address climate-related disruptions and market volatility. The curriculum spans 25 sessions over a year, focusing on planning, marketing, and enterprise building tailored for smallholder farmers.
Graduates who pursue production under the program will receive further coaching and be clustered for collective marketing. Opportunities for linkage with agencies such as DSWD and BJMP under the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) also await, along with potential entry into the Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program for value-added processing. By Loremia Pareja
