The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has handed over two state-of-the-art solar-powered greenhouses to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Benguet, Philippines. These greenhouses, equipped with hydroponics technology and a coffee/cacao nursery, are worth a total of P3 million. The Topdac Multipurpose Cooperative in Atok and the Pappa Farmers Agriculture Cooperative in Sablan are the proud recipients of these facilities. This initiative aims to support sustainable agriculture, enhance food production, and provide beneficiaries with access to modern farming technologies, potentially increasing their yield and income. The solar-powered greenhouses feature a highly efficient hydroponics system with 480 vertical pipes and 1,296 horizontal pipes, projected to yield an average of 888 kilograms per month, generating an estimated monthly income of P40,000, or approximately P480,000 for 12 cycles annually. Beneficiary organizations and DAR Benguet have signed a memorandum of agreement for the management and maintenance of these facilities. DAR-Benguet OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Lailani Cortez emphasized the importance of effective utilization, stating that it will play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and strengthening the economic development of the community. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and commitment to sustaining and properly using the greenhouses, with Gabriel Tad-o of the Topdac MPC stating, 'We thank you because we are among the beneficiaries of this project. We will do our best to sustain this and for it to become successful and fruitful.' Sablan Mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr. also thanked DAR for their continuous support and urged the beneficiaries to adopt and integrate good practices into their own homes.
