Biz school launched for tribal folks

MANILA, Philippines — A farm business school (FBS) has been launched to hone the entrepreneurial and management skills of farmers belonging to tribal groups in Sarangani, the Department of Agrarian Reform said over the weekend.

At least 60 B’laan farmer-beneficiaries registered for the FBS program in Barangay Amsipit, Maasim town, according to provincial agrarian reform officer Felix Frias.

The B’laans are among the dominant tribal groups in Sarangani, where most of their ancestral domains are located.

Tribe leader Toni Saliman urged his fellow farmers to avail themselves of the program.

“The education acquired in the FBS will make farmers competitive and prepare them for business opportunities,” Saliman said in a speech during the launch.

The program aims to teach farmers to practice and regard their livelihood as an enterprise and make farm operations profitable and market-driven.

Municipal agriculturist Susan Baya said the FBS would boost the farmers’ confidence in transforming their farm into a business enterprise.

Romeo Rellin, officer–in-charge of the  municipal agrarian reform office, said the FBS would prepare the beneficiaries in facing future challenges.