Key moments during the renewal of the Marketing Agreement between BARB MPC and BJMP–Bataan, facilitated by DAR under the PAHP program, to help ARBs secure a reliable market for their produce while ensuring a steady supply of fresh, locally grown food for PDLs. Photo Courtesy of Department of Agrarian Reform
Orani, Bataan — In a continued effort to fight hunger and open more market opportunities for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), the Balanga Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BARB MPC) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)–Bataan renewed their Marketing Agreement at the Bataan District Jail–Male Dormitory here.
The project is under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP), which aims to directly connect ARBs to institutional markets while ensuring a steady supply of fresh, locally produced food for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Photo Courtesy of Department of Agrarian Reform
The renewal was signed by BJMP-Bataan, led by Jail Superintendent JSUPT Ferdinand Malabo, and BARB MPC Chairman Leonardo David III, in the presence of DAR Bataan officials and program focal persons.
Under the agreement, BARB MPC will supply vegetables, eggs, and value-added products such as veggie noodles to jail facilities across the province, including the Bataan District Jail (male and female dormitories), Balanga City Jail, Dinalupihan Municipal Jail, and Mariveles Municipal Jail.
The initiative supports Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III’s directive to strengthen livelihood opportunities for ARBs by linking them to stable and sustainable markets.
For BJMP, the partnership ensures continuous access to nutritious food for PDLs. For farmer-members of BARB MPC, it means having a reliable buyer, steady income, and greater livelihood
Through this partnership, DAR continues to help ARBs expand their markets, increase their income, and build more sustainable livelihoods (Medel Mercado with inputs from DAR-Bataan)