PALO, LEYTE - Malnutrition does not only affect one part of the community but its entirety. Therefore, community participation is integral in addressing malnutrition using a multisectoral approach.

On March 8 to 9, Provincial Nutrition Focal Point of Samar Irene F. Dagami met with DAR CARPO Thelma Alfaro and DAR Officers Salfe Macalde and James Paul Albiya to strategize in the involvement of the ARBOs in the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK-DSP) that is to be implemented in 11 municipalities in Samar.

One of the glaring challenges faced by the program is the distance of the organizations who will be potential suppliers to the LGUs and the ability of the ARBOs to provide volumes in the advent of bad weather and increasing inflation rate in the prevailing market.

The Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) are DOLE-certified producers from the community ranging from rice farmers, vegetable growers, to fisherfolks. The goal of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is to capacitate local producers and provide supporting services to their livelihoods so that they can become self-sustainable.

Among those visited and orientated about the program were San Andres Farmers Agrarian Reform Association (SAFARA) represented by Ms. Elena Cabutin from Catbalogan City, members of the Cantongtong Agrarian Rice Farmers’ Association in Jiabong Samar represented by Mr. Efren Caballa, Ms. Rosalie Gabling, and their Brgy. Captain; three ARBOs from Calbiga namely Panayuran Upland Farmers' Association led by Mr. Allan Gacuma, Barobaybay Farmers' Association represented by Ms. Mariza Bacdal, Calbiga Vegetable Growers Association attended by Mr. Juan Y. Pacuan and Ms. Auring; and lastly, Pagsulhugon-Dalid Farmer Irrigator's Association, Inc. represented by four of its members including Ms. Rosemarie Palomino.

During the meeting, the ARBOs were given a short overview of the program and their important role in the supply chain. The visits were done in close coordination with the DAR provincial and municipal officers. DAR municipal officers from Calbiga, Ms. Amie Sablad; Jiabong, Ms. Monet Bato; and Pinabacdao, Mr. Sherwin Nacional mediated and assisted in the coordination and meeting proceedings. They also provided insights and suggestions to inquiries made by the ARBO members, especially regarding the mechanism of pricing of goods and payment methods.

The opportunity to be part of the program can certify a source of livelihood to the ARBOs which is also part in the capacitating strategy of DAR and the Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). #PNFP-IFD