Three farmers’ groups assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Camarines Sur II on Monday started to supply fresh agricultural products to the biggest hospital in the region, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City.

In an interview, Renato Bequillo, DAR-Camarines Sur II chief, said the BMC, which houses more than 3,000 patients and employees, will now directly source their food and dietary needs from the three agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the province the Panicuason Farmers Association, Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, and the May-Ogob Agrarian Reform Cooperative.

These ARBOs have more than 100 members.

Bequillo said the initiative was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aug. 14 between DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Rowena Niña Taduran and BMC medical director Dr. Ronnie Gregorio Gigantone III.

“The BMC directly orders to our farmers’ groups the daily food supply for their patients and the supply for their canteen for their employees. Our three ARBOS committed that they can give what the hospital needs. Most agricultural produce available are rice, vegetables, root crops, fruits, and other products that the BMC needs,” he said.

He said through the partnership, the farmers now have a sustainable income that enhances their livelihood productions, while the hospital has assured quality and healthy foods.

“I am very glad that there are groups like BMC that are after the welfare of our farmers,” he said.

Barquillo said the MOU was also aligned with the DAR’s six-point agenda to support farmers through government and private collaboration.

He said DAR Camarines Sur II will continue to monitor, support, and promote the project by looking for ways to expand the partnership, through the participation of more ARBOs. (PNA)