STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan has launched the Philippines’ first CARP Tindahan in Barangay Bantog, Asingan.
Pangasinan was chosen as the pilot area, setting the model for the entire country. The Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative hosts the store, featuring its famous carabao-based products like siomai, longganisa, frozen bulalo, and dairy treats.
DTI Ilocos regional director Merlie Membrere described the CARP Tindahan as a landmark project under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which aims to bring agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARB) products directly to the market.
“More than a marketplace, it serves as a platform linking farmers and ARB organizations to wider markets and more sustainable livelihoods,” Membrere said.
DTI Ilocos officer-in-charge assistant regional director Natalia Dalaten added that the project proves the strong collaboration among national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and private partners in supporting agrarian reform communities.
“The CARP Tindahan provides fair market access, helping farmer-beneficiaries and micro-entrepreneurs build confidence in their products and increase household income,” Dalaten said.
Asingan Mayor Carlos Lopez Jr. pledged continued local government support to ensure high-quality production of carabao milk and meat.
The store currently sells products from across the Ilocos Region. DTI will gather goods from other provinces, while local producers deliver directly to keep prices affordable.
Membrere noted that the store might eventually stock goods from other regions to offer more choices.
She emphasized that the physical store supports at least 70 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBO) regionwide.
Zen Nambatac of the cooperative said the initiative is an opportunity for the community. For over 20 years, they sold products only at town fairs.
“This initiative is very meaningful because it not only focuses on the Bantog Samahang Nayon products but on all ARBO,” Nambatac said. “Now we have a permanent platform to reach more consumers.”
The CARP Tindahan empowers communities and strengthens local economies by placing farmers at the center of development.
