- Established in 1988 under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
- Manages over 8,000 hectares with 9,085 members
DEARBC: Empowering Del Monte Agrarian workers
The Del Monte Philippines, Inc. Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (DEARBC) was formed on 1 December 1988, following the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (R.A. 6657). Its members are regular employees of Del Monte Philippines, Inc. Through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, DEARBC acquired over 8,000 hectares of government land, with a 6% interest rate payable over 30 years. On 12 December 1988, President Corazon C. Aquino awarded the Certificate of Land Ownership to DEARBC.
DEARBC operates as a closed-type agrarian reform cooperative and was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in April 1991. The cooperative has 9,085 members and is affiliated with various organisations, including the Bukidnon Union of Cooperatives and the Cooperative Union of the Philippines.
Members benefit from shares in net surplus, discounted cable TV subscriptions, mortuary aid, housing assistance, and scholarships for dependents.
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DEARBC: Advancing community welfare and sustainability
DEARBC actively participates in local governance through councils such as the Municipal Cooperative Development Council and the Peace & Order Council. The cooperative’s Big Brother Program provides humanitarian assistance, including outreach and calamity aid, and invests in various cooperatives.
Environmental efforts include planting over 300 hectares of tree species like Mangium, Narra, and Mahogany on non-arable lands. DEARBC also supports cave-cleaning activities at Sumalsag Cave.
The cooperative addresses sectoral concerns by offering scholarships for high school and college students, conducting livelihood seminars for spouses and dependents, and hosting over 100 cable TV training sessions.
