The United Agrarian Reform Cooperative (UNARC) recorded the highest gross income in crop year 2025, earning ₱ 212,924 – a significant increase from its CY 2024 income of ₱ 20,185. Guin-olayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (GARC) follows closely behind UNARC, which posted a gross income of ₱ 208,905 and has maintained a top-ranking position for four consecutive years since joining the program.
Joining the ranks are two new PAGSIK ARBOs: Caridad I Agriculture Cooperative (CAC) and Hacienda Nasipunan Women’s Association (HNWA), which accumulated gross incomes of ₱ 119,280 and ₱ 99,930, respectively. These incomes were generated from garden areas ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square meters, with UNARC cultivating a 3,000 m² vegetable garden.
The Productivity Aid for Group of Smallholders to Improve their Crop (PAGSIK) is a component of the Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders (RSS) program of the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc., supported by its generous donors. PAGSIK, which began in 2022 as an alternative livelihood initiative, has since evolved into a profitable enterprise that provides income to 21 partner ARBOs’ members through dividends and additional work opportunities.
This year, despite the recurring typhoons, a significant drop in sugar prices, and infestations affecting sugarcane as their main crop, the agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) persevered. Their resilience proves that crop diversification and alternative livelihood sources are effective strategies to withstand the unpredictability of the times.
