Some 300 agrarian reform beneficiaries in three municipalities of Quirino Province have started stretching out their muscles in preparation for the physically demanding livelihood projects worth P1.2 million from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to help augment their income.

The DAR through the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting program of the government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Mayor Rosario Camma of Nagtipunan and Chairman Pedro Pandongit of the Quirino Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (QFMPCO) for the wood furniture-making project worth P200,000.00.

DAR Regional Director Atty. Marjorie Ayson said the QFMPCO has an existing Certificate of Tree Plantation Ownership and Tree Cutting Permit issued by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources covering 45 has. “This tree plantation, planted with Gemelina trees, would be the source of lumber for their furniture-making project,” Ayson said.

Another project that was forged between DAR, Mayor Renato Ylanan of Maddela and Chairman Jonel Cabungcal of Cofcaville Upland Farmers Association (CUFA) is the muscovado sugar production worth P679,000.00.

According to Ayson, the muscovado sugar business of CUFA is already in existence. “The P679,000.00 grant from DAR will be used to construct a processing center for the muscovado sugar business. At the same time, the center can also be used for product enhancement and other activities for the members of the farmer members of CUFA,” added Ayson.

Ayson said that the DAR also extended a P300,000.00 grant to the Del Pilar Women’s Club in the municipality of Cabarroguis for their Crunchy Corn Production business.

DAR together with Cabarroguis Municipal Mayor Avelino Agustin and Chairperson Julie Ann Isabelo of the Del Pilar Women’s Club, came to an agreement to use the grant to buy kitchen implements to be used in the production of crunchy corn.

“Crunchy Corn is cornik, a snack that is common to us here in Quirino. This is a very good business venture because corn is a major crop here. They can buy the corn straight from the source for a cheaper price. Or use the excess corn they harvest from their farms,” said Ayson.

The livelihood assistance grant will be implemented under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting program of the government. (pinkyroque)