The campus of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) in Talisay City came alive on May 14 and 15 as farmers and students converged for a two-day Farmer’s Market. Organized in partnership with the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc. (SIFI)’s Responsible Sourcing from Small Holders (RSS) Program, the event was more than just a marketplace—it was a celebration of safe, sustainable agriculture and the hardworking Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) behind it.
These are the PhilGAP-certified vegetable garden ARBOs that joined the Farmer’s Market Day:
- United Agrarian Reform Cooperative (UNARC), E.B. Magalona
- Rita Baldo Agrarian Reform Cooperative (RBARC), Manapla
- Guin-olayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (GARC), Manapla
- Caridad I Agricultural Cooperative (CAC), Cadiz City
- Victorias Organic Farmers Association (VOFA), Victorias City
On the first day, five PhilGAP-certified ARBOs proudly displayed their harvests. Stalls brimmed with fresh corn, eggplant, and other produce, drawing curious students and faculty members who were eager to support local farmers. Conversations flowed easily across tables, as buyers learned about the journey of their food from field to plate, under the thorough process of PhilGAP farming practices standards. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the energy of community and the promise of healthier, certified products.
The second day catered to the continuing and newly participating ARBOs, it revealed the challenges of timing and production. Many groups had no harvest-ready crops, leaving only two PhilGAP-certified ARBOs able to sell. Yet, even with fewer participants, the market retained its spirit. Students lined up to purchase innovative products like RBARC’s lemongrass powder, proof that even small harvests can spark big interest.
Sales figures added another layer to the narrative. UNARC emerged as the highest grosser, earning ₱16,500, while VOFA followed with ₱7,000. These numbers reflected not just financial success but the trust and support of the community. Each peso spent was a vote of confidence in the farmers’ dedication to safe and sustainable practices.
Beyond the transactions, the Farmer’s Market highlighted the importance of PhilGAP certification. It reassured consumers of food safety, while reminding farmers of the need for consistent production planning to meet market opportunities. For CHMSU and the SIFI-RSS Program, the event was a step toward empowering rural communities—bridging the gap between farmers and consumers, and reinforcing the value of local agriculture in everyday life.
In the end, the market was more than a venue for selling produce. It was a gathering of stories: of farmers striving for excellence, of students discovering the value of certified food, and of a community coming together to support sustainability.
*Report from Alfred Limos, SIFI RSS Agriculturist
