The agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBOs) under the SIFI PAGSIK Program joined farm-to-market fairs in the past two months, namely Kadiwa ng Pangulo, CHMSU Farmers’ Market Day, and Robinsons Bacolod Farm-to-Market fair.
These fairs serve as a gateway to introduce and expose the ARBOs in institution-led events for farmers. The events are in consonant with the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc. – Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders Program (SIFI-RSS)’s objectives of linking markets for produce from the vegetable gardens of our PhilGAP ARBOs.
SIFI-RSS support is in the consolidation of products for the expo and logistics. The ARBOs sold PhilGAP and non-PhilGAP certified produce.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo was held at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on September 2026. This event is spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture and Department of Labor and Employment in Negros Occidental. It is a week-long market fair project of the government in big malls in the city, that gathers farmers and associations to showcase their produce.
Shortly after joining the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, the ARBOs continued their showcase at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University – Talisay (CHMSU)’s Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce and finished products (tea, condiments, etc.) to the liking of the faculty, staff, and students of the university, were sold out after several hours.
In the third quarter of 2026, a total of 3 Farmers’ Market events in CHMSU were joined by SIFI.
Photos from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Main Campus (Facebook Page)
ARBOs received exposure and market opportunities, and in turn, gave the university the access to fresh, safe, and responsibly sourced products at an affordable price.
SIFI ARBOs also joined the farm-to-market fair of Robinsons Bacolod on the second week of October. A total of 7 ARBOs were able to display and promote their products to a different community during this event.
The following are the ARBOs that joined the farm-to-market fairs:
- San Juan Torena Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Barangay Purisima Farmers and Farm Workers Association
- CAMANTERO Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Hacienda Cubcuban Farrm Workers Association
- San Jose Suli Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Guin-olayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Caridad 1 Agriculture Cooperative
- Victorias Organic Farm Association
- Rita Balud Agrarian Reform Cooperative
*With reports from SIFI-RSS Junior Agriculturist John Alfred Limos
