Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

What's on the table of DAR Sorsogon for the 1st semester?

by: Lut Arbolente

Publishing Date: March 10, 2010 (02:11 PM)

The second MAROs (Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers) meeting for the first quarter of 2010 tackles the updates from the National Assessment and Planning vis-a-vis CY 2010 Operational Directives. Roseller R. Olayres, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II reported to the MAROs and Division Chiefs the 2010 target for first semester of DAR Sorsogon as presented by USEC Herrera in the National Assessment and Planning.

The mandated target share of Sorsogon to the 200,000 hectares National Funded Target is 4,413 hectares. It appears that Sorsogon has 2,206 hectares plus the backlog from the 2009 target to be worked out in the following five months. Truly an awkward scenario is foreseen in LTI (Land Tenure Improvement). "Suntok sa Buwan" was Felix Fruto, CARPO for Operation's comment on this because last year there was an order to stop the survey activity. "Per matrix, only 297 hectares of land has Approved Survey Plan," Fruto said. This mean, only that figure has the potential to be accomplished. Furthermore, the 14 MAROs commit to accomplish only more than 3,000 hectares for the whole year.

Meanwhile, PBD (Program Beneficiaries' Development) activities on Social Infrastructure and Local Capability Building (SILCAB), Sustainable Agribusiness and Rural Enterprise Development (SARED), and Access Facilitation and Access Enhancement Services (AFAES) will continue with its latest operational directives. As to the AJD (Agrarian Justice Delivery), the LAD (Land Acquisition and Distribution) related - ageing flashpoint cases as well as the cases involving bigger hectarage in the disposition and resolution of agrarian reform cases will be the priority in ALA (Agrarian Legal Assistance).

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The ARB Cooperatives in Sorsogon under RA 9520

by: Lut Arbolente

Publishing Date: March 10, 2010 (01:49 PM)

SORSOGON. DAR-BDCD conducts Orientation-Workshop on re-registration of ARB Cooperatives under ARCP2 for the officers of DAR-assisted cooperatives.

Due to the new implemented Republic Act 9520 known as Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, there is a need for all existing cooperatives to re-register under the new law to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), otherwise their registration will be cancelled and therefore they would have no more personality to enter into any contract.

Every cooperative should re-register before March 22, 2010 as stated in the guidelines of the new code. Thus, Nelson Espaldon, OIC CARPO for BDCD calls the ARB's Cooperatives to attend this timely workshop. There are 10 Cooperatives responded from 9 ARCs. The Sorsogon Provincial Cooperative Bank has also attended to invite the participants to avail their services.

Danilo Mendizabal, Cooperative Development Specialist is among the speakers. He discussed the Salient Features of RA 9520 because there are many changes in the set of laws such as: Officers has no more term limit but an elected officer of local government unit can no longer be an officer of a cooperative; only the Audit Committee and Election Committee could be elected, while the rest are all BOD appointed like Education Committee, Mediation-Conciliation Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees; and if the old law has only 6 principles which are (1) Voluntary and Open Membership (2) Democratic Member Control (3) Member Economic Participation (4) Autonomy and Independence (5) Education, Training and Information (6) Cooperation Among Cooperatives, now it has an additional principle which is (7) Concern for Community. Afterwards, Maria Luisa P. Mirasol, Provincial Cooperative Development Specialist of CDA Sorsogon discussed the procedural guidelines in the issuance of new certificate of registration under the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008.

"This orientation-workshop is very helpful to us because we are being updated about the new cooperative code, thus, we are informed the need to register our cooperative before it's too late," said by the chairperson of JUMUCO, an ARB's Cooperative in Gubat, Sorsogon.

"We are very thankful that the personnel of DAR always remember us that they give us this privilege to acquire such learning. Through this initiative, we are no longer ignorant about the new guidelines," said by the chairperson of SCDECO, an ARB's Cooperative in Casiguran, Sorsogon.

The lectures are followed by action planning. At the end of the day a sense of satisfaction reflected on the faces of Maribel J. Lubiano, Marcelina Duka, and Thomas Diesta (the BDCD Staff of DAR Sosogon under Roseller R. Olayres, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II) who facilitated this activity for seeing the participants' appreciation of what they did.

"We are doing this to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the cooperative movement; so that they could put into practice the seventh principle which is the concern for community, and hopefully, they will re-register their cooperative as soonest as possible," Floredeliza Corcuera said, the emcee of the activity, as a closing remarks.

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Health Plus Outlet launched

by: Aileen Alaban-Villaseca

Publishing Date: March 8, 2010 (09:37 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform through its provincial office in Negros Oriental headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Stephen M. Leonidas, CESO V, in coordination with Katacgahan Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multi Purpose Coop (KARBEMCO) and Provincial Pharmaceutical Foundation (PPF) Health District Management Team launched Health Plus Outlet (HPO) last March 3, 2010 at KARBEMCO Training Hall Brgy. Katacgahan, Bais City.

HPO is a pharmaceutical outlet located in the Community that sells over-the-counter and limited prescription drugs that are essential and are in their generic formulation. These are certified good quality and affordable drugs that the members of the community get access too. It is owned by the People's organization that is registered by a government bureau or agency as a legitimate organization. This is housed in a Rural Health Center, a Barangay Health Station or a government-owned pharmacy. It is licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) as Botika ng Barangay.

With HPO present in the barangay, the community will now have available drugs without bothering to go to the city anytime it is needed.

The following attended the launching: PARO II Stephen M. Leonidas, CESO V; Dr. Edgardo P. Pialago, COH/CEO-Guihulngan; Hon. Thirdie Boufarrd representing Mayor Hector Villanueva of Bais City; Hon. Franco Bacang, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Tangculogan and KARBEMCO Manager Romulo Rumbo.

PARO Leonidas said that health plus is beneficial to the people and the success of whatever program in Government is dependent on the cooperation of the community.

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BCBMPC Launches "Pinoy Coop ATM"

by: Gil Miranda

Publishing Date: March 4, 2010 (3:23 PM)

The launching of its "Pinoy Coop ATM" on February 23, 2010 at main branch in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte is another milestone for BCBMPC in finding better ways to serve and address the needs of its ARB and non-ARB members.

Hon. Congressman Edilmero A. Amante, District II Representative and RD Faisar Ali Mambuay, DAR CARAGA Regional Director with PARO II Andre B. Atega of DAR-Agusan del Norte cut the ribbon of the Pinoy Coop ATM of BCBMPC with the assistance of Mayor Carlito C. Cumba, Municipality of Carmen and Mr. Leopoldo Cabiad, in behalf of RD Manuela E. Pelaes of CDA - Caraga Region.

"We are proud to announce that BCBMPC is now on the peak of its dreams being the only Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in CARAGA Region having an ATM project installed and operationalized", DAR Regional Director Faisar Mambuay said.

Meanwhile, PARO II Andre B. Atega congratulates BCBMPC for harvesting the yields on the impact of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Agusan del Norte. He reiterated the spirit of unity, one of the reasons why the coop still stands over a decade.

The recently installed Pinoy Coop ATM is a dream come true to the members of BCBMPC through the effort of Chairman Jimmy L. Beray in partnership with Mindanao Alliance Self-help Societies - Southern Philippines Education Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC).

For his part, Mr. Jimmy L. Beray sincerely commended DAR Agusan del Norte through their European-funded Agrarian Reform Support Project (ARSP), granted a loan 13 years ago used to start a business.

At least 4,790 members stand to benefit from BCBMPC Pinoy Coop ATM comprising of five (5) branches located in Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Buenavista and satellite office at Langihan, Butuan City.

The Pinoy Coop ATM has link 24 hours, 7 days a week to any Megalink and BancNet ATM Machines. BCBMPC members can now withdraw their loans using any ATM worldwide.

The BCBMPC is one of the cooperatives assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform of Agusan del Norte in 1994 with 110 lowly-paid crab hunters and fishpond workers started from humble beginnings and now operated a bank-like-operation.

Now, the cooperative has grown to P79,043,404.14 Million total assets and seen to further expand its coverage to include Surigao del Norte soon.

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DAR's new OIC PARO II made courtesy call to Gov. Isidro Zayco of Negros Occidental

by: Gloria C. Cañonero

Publishing Date: February 26, 2010 (9:20 AM)

Bacolod City. Newly designated OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer of DAR Negros Occidental, Felix L. Servidad made his courtesy call to Hon. Governor Isidro Zayco at Provincial Capitol Office. PARO Servidad officially introduced himself to the good governor after his assumption of office last January 25, 2010. Also with PARO Servidad is the CARPO for Beneficiaries Development Coordination Division(BDCD) Ronald Gareza, who is in charge of the support services programs/projects for agrarian reform beneficiaries and DAR's PIO Gloria C. Cañonero.

Governor Zayco informed the new PARO of the situation involving CARP implementation in the province, which sometimes results to mass actions/protest of other farmworkers who are still trying to be beneficiaries. Likewise, he also noted that despite of some incidents that had happened, he reiterated the call for support services needed by agrarian reform beneficiaries. PARO Servidad also informed the governor that being new in this province he is still in the process of familiarization as Negros Occidental is a big province for CARP implementation. However, he promised to look for the necessary and appropriate support services for Negros Occidental which is a main producer of sugarcane. CARPO Gareza also informed Gov. Zayco about the implementation of ARCP2 in the different communities in Negros Occidental where were identified and recommended as areas for ARCP2. The project provides a package a package of support services to recipient LGUs. It is funded by the Asian Development Bank. Among the support services given are Rural infra like FMR, bridges, irrigation systems, potable water systems, post harvest facilities and multi-purpose centers. 2.Community Driven Development like the ARC Development Plans, strong farmer organization, capacity building and good governance programs; 3.Agriculture and Enterprise Development, new technologies, natural farming systems, agri-enterprises, market development and credit access.

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DAR-LGU conducted orientation/writeshop for ARCP2

by: Gloria C. Cañonero

Publishing Date: February 26, 2010 (9:20 AM)

DAR Negros Occ. together with Local Government Units who are recipients of Agrarian Reform Community Project 2 (ARCP2) jointly participated in the recently conducted 'Orientation cum Writeshop on Feasibility Study for Rural Infrastructure Projects for ARCP2' at Northwest, Bacolod City. LGUs were represented by their Municipal/City Engineers and Planning Officers from the Cities of Bago, Victorias, Silay and Talisay, and the Municipalities of Calatrava, Valladolid, Pontevedra, Candoni.

Discussed during the writeshop were the framework and components of ARCP2, Rural Infra (RI) sub-components, Process flow in the rural infra implementation, general/specific eligibility criteria, prioritization/ranking of RI projects, Equity sharing, process and documentary requirements of approval of RI projects with NSAC. Also included are the format for Financial Statement for Rural Road projects, Detailed Engineering (DE) and Program of Work (POW) for Rural Road projects. Thorough discussion, open forum, and commitment settings came during the 3rd day. Feasibility studies to be submitted includes the following set up, 1. Project Profile; 2. Background ("ARC or Project); 3. Marketing Aspects (includes Gen source of Transportation, traffic patterns); 4.Technical Aspects; 5. Financial Analysis; 6. Economic Analysis; 7. Operational Feasibility; 8. project Safeguards & Social Assessment (includes Environmental Safeguards, IP concerns, Involuntary Resettlement and social acceptability). Commitments and final projects identifications esp the costing were all subject for final discussion with the local chief executive and the Sangguniang members as well as the identified community itself of the identified recipients as jointly funded by Asian Development Bank.

LGUs were represented by Engr. Herbert Yales and MPDO Cesar Barcinella with Rafael Rodero from Pontevedra; Engr. Cleofas Galicia and MPDO Ernesto Ponsica from Calatrava; PDA Ma. Angela Soliva and CGADH Eduardo de la Cruz from Victorias; Engr. Adelo Seva and CPDC Edwin de Nicolas of Bago City; Engr. Sonny Almonia and CPDC Marcelo Sausi from Talisay City; Angr. Joseph Manayon and MPDC Narciso Bedaure from Valladolid; Engr. Eddie Boy Pahilanga and CPDC OIC Grace Cabrera and Stat. II Eulogio Emlo joined by SP Michael Pahilanga. RD Alexis M. Arsenal and Dr. Gideon Yongque, Jr. PARO I, leads DAR ARCP 2 composed by Alfred magabo, Engr. Ramon Padrinavo, Engr. Hernan Jason, Engr. Antonio Ronel Triño, Ma. Azucena Arroyo and Nelita Azucena, DAR Negros Occ. BDCD Staff represented by Milagros Flores, Engr. Arnulfo Figueroa and BDCD staff with DAR PIO Glo Cañonero.

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DAR-NATCCO launches MICOOP in Bukidnon

By Editha R. Salvador

Publishing Date: February 26, 2010 (08:53 AM)

The Microfinance Innovations in Cooperatives (MICOOP) is a model activity initiated by the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) to enable relatively weak agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) cooperatives to provide bank-like financial services through the build-operate-adopt-transfer (BOAT) scheme. NATCCO has pilot tested the said scheme since CY 2007 under the AGRISOL Program, a rural finance partnership endeavor between DAR through the Second Agrarian Reform Community Development Project (ARCDP 2) and Land Bank of the Philippines.

The first batch of 5 ARC cooperatives covered by the scheme have been successfully transformed into MICOOP models. Thus, DAR through the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) and NATCCO forged a partnership in September 2008 for the implementation of ARC MICOOP Modeling Project (AMMP). With funding support from ARCDP 2, the second batch of another 5 ARC cooperatives were able to establish their respective MICOOP offices.

In view of the impressive performance of the 10 pilot MICOOP models, and in line with the operational directives for mainstreaming and sustainability of ARCDP 2 MICOOP initiatives within DAR, the DAR-LBP Credit Assistance Program National Program Management Committee, in its meeting on 28 May 2009, approved the 3-year implementation of the Microfinance Innovations in Cooperatives in Agrarian Reform Areas (MICOOP@ARAS). The program covers the continuing capacity building of the existing 10 ARC MICOOP models and the expansion of the program to another 10 provinces in order to reach a greater number of ARBs.

In Region 10, Bukidnon is the lone province so far identified as beneficiary of the program with the Springside Irrigators and Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (SIFAMCO) as the MICOOP model. The SIFAMCO office opened its services to the public after its launching on 08 February 2010 in North Poblacion ARC, Municipality of Maramag. SIFAMCO was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 1998 with initial 32 members. As MICOOP model, SIFAMCO now offers microfinancing and agricultural loan services not only to its present 88 farmer-members but to other qualified farmers, as well.

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DAR, NGO prepare Palawan ARC residents to construct community-based water, sanitation and hygiene facilities

by: Fedeleo L. De Guzman

Publishing Date: February 19, 2010 (02:43 PM)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN -- the Department Of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) have joined forces to conduct a nine-day hands-on construction and training on identified water and sanitation technologies under the auspices of Community-based Potable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project for Agrarian Reform Communities (CPWASH for ARCs) which has commenced for full implementation in Barangay Panitian, Quezon, Palawan.

The activity which was scheduled February 17-25, 2010 will be attended by selected DAR regional and provincial personnel, Quezon Municipal Planning Development Officer (MPDO) and Municipal Engineer, Panitian Barangay Captain or its Barangay Council-Chairperson on Health Committee, Panitian Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman, Vice-Chairman and its Education Committee Chairperson and an assembly of mason, wielder and laborers from the area.

As per activity proposal, the training will serve as venue to farmers' cooperative operating in the area, local government unit and DAR as project partners to work together to acquire knowledge and skills in constructing the water and sanitation facilities and to prepare them for an enterprise management and replication of the project to other areas in the not-too-distant future.

The activity which under the banner of CPWASH Project is set to address the lack of knowledge, awareness and appreciation of low-cost sanitation technologies among community residents as well as policy makers which in turn will encourage them to increase investments in sanitation and the development of enabling policies towards this end.

According to Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Conrado S. Guevarra, the implementation of the CPWASH Project in Bgy. Panitian is part the delivery of basic social services for the residents within the ARCs as the DAR, its line agencies and partner entities are gearing towards a more intensified and a more responsive Program Beneficiaries Development under the CARPER.

He further said that the installation of water and hygiene facilities such as water systems and sanitary latrines is aimed at giving farmer-beneficiaries and ARC residents' access to the sanitation amenities that typically if not present are underprovided in rural areas.

The CPWASH Project that is mutually pushed by DAR and PCWS presents low-cost appropriate alternatives to create positive changes. It addresses the need to make sanitation affordable to low-income households. Expanding the range of water supply and sanitation systems presented to communities and households provide them with more options and information.

PCWS, based on their website www.itnphil.org.ph, used to be known as International Training Network (ITN) when it started in 1990 as a project of the Netherlands-based Institute of Infrastructure, Hydraulics and Engineering (IHE). It registered as a nongovernmental organization in 1998 as Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation-The ITN Foundation and started supporting itself through its professional fees.

PCWS now undertakes researches, trainings and consultancies on water, sanitation and hygiene programs. It also provides technical assistance to interested local governments, communities and other NGOs. Engineers of PCWS work with communities in developing low cost water supply and sanitation technology options, thereby enhancing local initiatives leading to benefits in health and livelihood.

Facilitators of the training and hands-on construction are CPWASH Project Engineer and a foreman both from PWCS. Joining them as facilitators are personnel from the Beneficiaries Development and Coordination Division (BDCD) of DAR-Palawan.

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Road construction for Badiangan farmers starts

by: Ma. Yvonne E. Senobin

Publishing Date: February 11, 2010 (12:52 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently held a preconstruction conference in Bgy. Bitaoyan, Badiangan, Iloilo, a mark that the construction of the road project called "Junction National Road (JNR) - Catubig - Bitaoyan - Astorga - Budiaue Circumferential Road" is being constructed. It was attended by stakeholders of the project.

The project is one of the Foreign Assisted Projects implemented by DAR under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III with funding source both from Japan Government through the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA), and from the Philippine Government. The 8.263 km farm-to-market road project has a total cost of around 22M and is expected to be finished October of this year.

According to ARISP National Project Manager, Celerina G. Afable, said activity will ensure that everything will be properly implemented including the systems. She likewise informed the people of CLABBIS Agrarian Reform Community (ARC), the site of the project, that additional projects under ARISP are ready for implementation, the irrigation, the potable water supply, and the warehouse.

The dynamic Mayor of Badiangan, Suzette A. Mamon, was very thankful and was hoping that the project can be continued and can be sustained. She even suggested that a resolution or an ordinance be passed at the barangay level with respect to project maintenance.

Initially, the ARISProject in Badiangan covers 7 barangays comprising the CLABBIS ARC: Catubig, Linayuan, Astorga, Budiaue, Bitaoyan, Iniligan and Sianon, while its implementation is made possible through the partnership of DAR with DPWH, NIA and the Local Government of Badiangan under the leadership of Mayor Mamon.

DAR Regional Director, Alexis M. Arsenal, likewise enjoined the people of CLABBIS to take good care of the project while Gideon A. Umadhay, Jr., OIC-Iloilo Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II, reminded the people that it was because of them that the project came to materialize and DAR is only the facilitator. Further, he wished that the Municipality of Badiangan will make a "banner year" for ARISP implementation.

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DAR - Iloilo optimistic to attain work targets for CY 2010

by: Ma. Yvonne E. Senobin

Publishing Date: February 10, 2010 (04:43 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Iloilo Provincial Office is optimistic that it can attain its work targets for CY 2010 as the necessary directives were already issued by DAR Secretary, Nasser C. Pangandaman, after the passage of Republic Act 9700, commonly known as CARPER or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reform last August 2009 and is now taking off towards full implementation.

As mandated, DAR is tasked to acquire and redistribute lands to the landless; provide basic support services for the development of the quality of life of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) that ranges from capability building and trainings, infrastructures, marketing, and credit facilities; and to provide legal assistance through agrarian justice delivery to those beneficiaries affected by the implementation of the program.

DAR - Iloilo, according to OIC - Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) II, Gideon A. Umadhay, Jr. is hopeful, as he enjoined all DAR- Iloilo personnel for their cooperation, that it can distribute the 9,000 hectares target for this year while bringing more ARBs in the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) to attain a better quality of life for their families.

It can be recalled that DAR-Iloilo has its new chief, PARO Umadhay, after the turn-over ceremony last week from Mr. Eberardo N. Erispe who is now assigned in DAR - Guimaras taking the place of former PARO Teresita Depeñoso who is now assigned in Surigao del Norte. PARO Umadhay was formerly the head of DAR - Negros prior to his assignment in Iloilo.

Likewise in the same occasion, Regional Director Alexis M. Arsenal, directed all the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs) that they are not allowed to take a leave and go out of the country when they cannot yet accomplish their respective work targets for the year, while Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Felicidad C. Bañares urged everybody to give a "bit of their heart," meaning to be committed in their work as they implement CARPER.

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DAR swaps PAROs for Cebu and Negros Oriental

by: Aileen Alaban-Villaseca (DARPO-Negros Oriental)

Publishing Date: February 02, 2010 (01:24 PM)

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Stephen M. Leonidas will assume office as the new provincial agrarian reform officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform-Negros Oriental after the turn-over ceremony to be held at Plaza Maria Luisa, Dumaguete City, today, February 2, 2010.

PARO Grace B. Fua will turn-over the post of PARO Stephen Leonidas, as she will also assume her post as new PARO of Cebu Province. The turn-over ceremony in Cebu took place last January 28, 2010. The PAROs swapped positions in line with the Department's policy to re-shuffle PAROs/Directors by virtue of Special Order No. 9, series of 2010.

PARO Stephen M. Leonidas served as PARO for Negros Oriental from 2003-2006. He was transferred to DAR-Bacolod in May 2006 and in Cebu last February 8, 2008.

In Cebu City, PARO Fua said that "this is a new challenge for her, though it may not be the same as Negros Oriental". Meanwhile, PARO Leonidas said that he finds transferring to Negros more challenging considering that under the CARPER, we will be covering the big landholdings with resistance where majority of the area are planted with sugar.

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New DAR Officials for Bohol

by: Ma. Lydia D. Bantugan (DARPO-Bohol)

Publishing Date: February 01, 2010 (01:39 PM)

Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) issued Special Order No. 09, Series of 2010 dated January 08, 2010 for the re-assignment of DAR officials nationwide.

Atty. Johnson A. Sinco, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II (PARO II) of this province for almost 11 years is now the Acting Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) at DAR Regional Office, Cebu City. His post as PARO II is replaced by Antonio del Socorro, a graduate of Doctor in Public Administration, Chief of the Support Services Division in DAR Region 7 and designated as the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I (PARO I) of DARPO Bohol last September. He is also a professor of the Cebu Normal University (CNU) on weekends.

On the other hand, Eddie E. Manginsay, MPA is the current Chief of the Beneficiaries Development and Coordination Division (BDCD) here and at the same time designated as the PARO I of DAR Bohol.

The formal turn-over ceremony will be conducted after the return of Atty. Sinco who is attending the DAR National Assessment of all ARDAs in Manila on January 10-14 while Del Socorro and Manginsay were attending the Regional Assessment for 2009 Accomplishment and 2010 Target Setting in Cebu City last January 13-14, 2010.

DAR Region 7 is headed by Director Rodolfo T. Inson.

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Bañares is new DAR-8 RD

by: Jose Alsmith L. Soria (DARRO-8)

Publishing Date: February 01, 2010 (10:55 AM)

TACLOBAN CITY - The former Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region-8 is back after nearly two decades, this time as Regional Director.

Elmo A. Bañares, now 62, assumed office on January 18 this year based on Special Order No. 9, series of 2010 issued by agrarian reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman early this month replacing Regional Director John Maruhom.

A native of Iloilo City, Bañares' was the Regional Director in CARAGA region prior to his assignment here. In 1993 he was also appointed as assistant regional director for operations in this region.

On his first assignment here almost 20 years ago, employees remember him as an honest to goodness government official who won't tolerate any malpractice in the organization.

Bañares is a holder of the degree in Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) and a level-III Career Executive Service Officer (CESO III).

Meanwhile, in the same Special Order, after serving as Regional Director in Eastern Visayas for 11 months Maruhom is transferred to Davao City.

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The ARB Cooperatives in Sorsogon under RA 9520

by: Lut Arbolente (DARPO-Sorsogon)

Publishing Date: February 01, 2010 (10:36 AM)

DAR-BDCD conducts Orientation-Workshop on re-registration of ARB Cooperatives under ARCP2 for the officers of DAR-assisted cooperatives.

Every cooperative should re-register before March 22, 2010 as stated in the guidelines of the new code. Thus, Nelson Espaldon, OIC CARPO for BDCD calls the ARB's Cooperatives to attend this timely workshop. There are 10 Cooperatives which responded from 9 ARCs. The Sorsogon Provincial Cooperative Bank has also extended an invitation to the participants to avail of their services.

Danilo Mendizabal, Cooperative Development Specialist is among the speakers. He discussed the Salient Features of RA 9520 because there are many changes in the set of laws such as: Officers has no more term limit but an elected officer of local government unit can no longer be an officer of a cooperative; only the Audit Committee and Election Committee could be elected, while the rest are all BOD appointed like Education Committee, Mediation-Conciliation Committee, Ethics Committee, and other committees; and if the old law has only 6 principles which are (1) Voluntary and Open Membership (2) Democratic member Control (3) Member Economic Participation (4) Autonomy and Independence (5) Education, Training and Information (6) Cooperation Among Cooperatives, now it has an additional principle which is (7) Concern for Community. Afterwards, Maria Luisa P. Mirasol, Provincial Cooperative Development Specialist of CDA Sorsogon discussed the procedural guidelines in the issuance of new certificate of registration under the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008.

"This orientation-workshop is very helpful to us because we are being updated about the new cooperative code, thus, we are informed of the need to register our cooperative before it's too late," said by the chairperson of JUMUCO, an ARB's Cooperative in Gubat, Sorsogon.

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DAR Bohol tops again

by: Merly D. Bantugan (DARPO-Bohol)

Publishing Date: February 01, 2010 (10:10 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Province of Bohol once again surpassed its mandated target on land acquisition and distribution, delivery of agrarian justice and support to agrarian farmers.

"Congratulations for the Boholano workforce", this was the statement of Director Rodolfo T. Inson of Region 7 during the 2009 DAR Regional Assessment and 2010 Planning Workshop held at the Applied Nutrition Center in Banilad, Cebu City last January 13-14.

On Land Tenure and Improvement (LTI), DAR Bohol is tasked to deliver 698 hectares to 578 farmer beneficiaries but Dr. Ronald Pumatong, Acting Chief of the Operations Division informed that 713.8047 hectares were distributed to 804 agrarian farmers or a total of 102%. On Leasehold Operation, 110% was accomplished covering 100.3206 hectares to 168 agrarian farmers.

Engr. Aljer Domapias, Chief of the Land Survey Unit of DARPO Bohol also bared that under the direct administration survey of new lands, 101% was accomplished covering 239.0568 hectares from the 236 hectares target.

On the delivery of agrarian justice, Atty. Mary Lynn Añora, Acting Chief of the Legal Assistance Division here said that more than 100% was accomplished in terms of the adjudication of agrarian cases, legal assistance, conciliation/counseling and resolution of agrarian cases.

Under the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD), the division tasked to oversee the support services for the agrarian farmers headed by Eddie E. Manginsay, Acting Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I and concurrent Chief of the BDCD said that his division surpassed its target in terms of a Sustained Management on Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Profitable Enterprise to its organizations; Access to Micro-finance; Social Infrastructure and Local Capability Building; Capacity Development and Training of the ARBs and its organizations; Sustainable Agri-business and Rural Enterprise Development; Access Facilitation and Services, among others.

Moreover, Dr. Antonio A. del Socorro, the new Acting PARO II said that DARPO Bohol also did not fall short when it comes to the other components beneficial to its workforce and the public like managing the bureaucracy in terms of human resource development and training, managing the public through the linkage with partner agencies and local government units and its advocacy programs.

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DAR-ARISP & NIA Turn-over the CIS project to the farmer's association in Casiguran

by: Lut Arbolente (DARPO-Sorsogon)

Publishing Date: January 20, 2010 (02:17 PM)

FINALLY, the Communal Irrigation System project of DAR-Sorsogon under the ARISP (Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project) II was completed and it was turned-over by DAR and NIA to the Tigbao-Banawang Irrigator's Association in Casiguran ARC Cluster B.

"We did a series of meetings and consultations, identifying what structures you need, then, we implemented it. This time, we are turning this over to you. Now, the responsibility no longer belongs to DAR and NIA but yours. Meaning, you are already the one to supply water in the riceland," said by Leto P. Bernal, Irrigator's Development Section chief of NIA Sorsogon to the association during the turn-over ceremony held at Tigbao, Casiguran.

Rodrigo Estremera, MARO of Casiguran said that the objective of this project is to increase the farmer's rice production to the point that from their income they will be able to give their children the right education.

Salvador Hife, president of the association expressed his appreciation and gratitude to DAR-ARISP2 and the NIA for this very beneficial project. He said that the association had agreed to allot 75 kilos of palay per hectare every harvest to fund the CIS' maintenance, in contrast to the belief of other farmers that this is a payment, thus, they don't want to give a share. Hife clarified to them that this is not a payment but for the maintenance since the responsibility of taking care of it is already in their hands.

This CIS is serving a total of 89 hectares of riceland covering Brgy. Tigbao and Brgy. Banawang. The source of water comes from Talinga River where a dam was constructed also through ARISP2 in Brgy. Tigbao. The project started in 2004 and completed last year (2008) and 112 farmers are benefiting from this.

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Moalboal farmers receive land titles

by: Rosanna Gay S. Visitacion (DARPO-Cebu)

Publishing Date: January 20, 2010 (02:05 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Cebu Province distributed 15 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to 14 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) covering 12.3053 hectares award to children covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) located in Moalboal, Cebu.

The CLOA distribution was led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) II Stephen M. Leonidas, CESO V, Moalboal Mayor Yvonne Cabarron and Vice Mayor Nelson Abenido last December 15, 2009 held at the Municipal Hall, Poblacion, Moalboal, Cebu.

Mayor Cabarron congratulated the beneficiaries and thanked the DAR for facilitating the titling of these land. She showed appreciation to Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) Liza Toroy who is actively implementating CARP in her town. She was pleased the DAR presented the Agrarian Reform Community Development Plan (ARCDP) and assured support to MARO Toroy in the implementation of the DAR programs in her town.

PARO Leonidas expressed gratefulness to Mayor Cabarron's support in the implementation of CARP in Moalboal town. He thanked the Local Government Chief Executive commendation given to MARO Toroy in recognition of her achievement in the municipality.

PARO Leonidas requested that the ARCDP, a 5 year development plan which incorporates DAR projects and priorities will be endorsed and adopted by the Sangguiniang Bayan and that this will be incorporated in the Municipal Development Plan . He informed the body that with the 150 B funds on the approved five -year extension of CARP, 40 % goes to the CARP component on delivery of support services. He is looking forward that not only the land distribution program will be achieved in Moalboal ,but also with the approval of ARCDP, more projects will be delivered in support services delivery in close coordination and support of the LGU. The ARCDP's main thrust is to increase the income and improve the quality of life of our farmers.

Among others who attended the occasion were the Moalboal municipal councilors Inocentes Cabarron, Conrado Tejero and Marcelino Deneiga, MARO Doris Velos (Ronda), MARO Erlinda Alegado (Badian), and OIC MARO Jaynes James Abarrientos (Dumanjug) and DAR municipal personnel.

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DAR distributes land titles in Sibonga

by: Rosanna Gay S. Visitacion (DARPO-Cebu)

Publishing Date: January 20, 2010 (12:02 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Cebu Province distributed 41 collective and individual Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to 70 agrarian reform beneficiaries covering 79.5806 hectares of voluntary land transfer (VLT) scheme and award to children covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) located in barangays Basak, Bae, Cagay , Manatad, Tubod, Sayaw, Guimbakoan and Papan, Sibonga , Cebu

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) II Stephen M. Leonidas, CESO V, OIC PARO I Paulino R. Tudlasan, Jr. and guest retired Department of Agriculture information Officer Luisa Codilla, representing Sibonga Municipal Councilor Tomas Codilla, Chairman of the Agriculture led the land distribution last December 18, 2009 held at Poblacion, Sibonga, Cebu.

PARO Leonidas encouraged the beneficiaries to use the land and value it by making the land productive. "Presently, with the five-year extension of CARP it is our desire to continue to serve the farmers "said PARO Leonidas "We realize it would be a challenge to be part of the their land productivity and improvement of the farmer's lives. Bear in mind that DAR and other coordinating agencies in the implementation of the CARPER law exist because of the farmers" he added. He also urged the beneficiaries, that right after the land distribution ceremony they would go to the Assessor's office for the assessment of their land and to religiously pay their taxes, as this is one of their responsibilities as new landowners of the land.

Among others who attended the simple land distribution ceremony were DAR Cebu Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) Section Chief MARO Lourdes Archua, Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) Marietta Arriesgado (Sibonga), MARO Leticia Decena (Mandaue City and Cordova), MARO Jessica Carvajal, MARO Hermocelia Labra (Carcar) and DAR municipal personnel Sevillano del Mar, Marietta Alcantara, and Mary Jane Rama.

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DAR Neg. Or. Congratulates PARO Fua

by: Aileen Alaban-Villaseca

Publishing Date: January 20, 2010 (11:55 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform-Negros Oriental employees congratulate Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Grace B. Fua for having been conferred with Career Executive Service (CES) Eligibility last December 9, 2009 by the Career Executive Service Board.

Also, PARO Fua took her Oath of Office as full fledged PARO II before DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman in Manila last Dec. 18, 2009.

Her appointment was recently released by the Office of the President in recognition of her dedicated service and vast experience in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.