Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

DAR chief warns landowners against premature conversion

Publishing Date: Friday, July 23, 2010 (03:10 PM)

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes has warned landowners against effecting development activities while awaiting resolution of their applications for land use conversion, or face criminal charges for violating the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act.

Delos Reyes issued the warning after receiving reports about the propensity of some landowners to carry out premature conversion activities during a dialogue with farmer-beneficiaries picketing infront of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Quezon City.

He added that erring landowners may also face forfeiture of bond, a major prerequisite when filing an application for land use conversion. The bond supposedly serves as a deterrent against premature conversion, but it is oftentimes taken for granted by the applicants themselves.

"I will not hesitate to file criminal charges against any landowners found effecting premature conversion while their applications for the same are still pending before my office," Delos Reyes said to a big applause from the picketing farmer-beneficiaries.

Observers noted that land developers usually carry out such activities, which are often described as bullying tactics, as a way of forcing farmer-beneficiaries to give up their stakes at the disputed lands.

Farmer-beneficiaries assailed the EBE Capital Corp., headed by one Edgardo Espiritu, for allegedly bulldozing their farmlots planted with pineapples in Barangay Puting Kahoy, Silang, Cavite despite having no conversion order. A check at the DAR showed that the firm had secured only an exemption order that was issued on January 8, 2010.

Also brought to DAR's attention was the case of EM Ramos & Sons, Inc., headed by one Emerito Ramos, which had allegedly performed development activities based on an alleged conversion order the DAR refused to acknowledge.

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'Hacienda Luisita will be just an ordinary case' - New DAR chief --- Publishing Date: Monday, July 19, 2010 (07:54 AM)

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes assured Monday that the case of Hacienda Luisita, a vast sugarcane plantation owned by the family of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, would be treated like an ordinary case.

Delos Reyes made this clear in his speech shortly after he assumed office, following a simple turnover ceremony during Monday's flag-raising ceremony where former Secretary Nasser Pangandaman handed to him the DAR flag, the symbol of authority.

Delos Reyes even quoted President Aquino's marching order to him pertaining to his job: "Just do what is right!"

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has been tight-lipped on the case of Hacienda Luisita after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order in November 2004, enjoining the agency to observe the status pending resolution of the case.

The Cojuangcos appealed to the high court the decision of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC), revoking the stock distribution option (SDO), which gives farmer-beneficiaries shares of stock instead of farmlots, and ordering the immediate distribution of the 5,000-hectare property in Tarlac.

Delos Reyes also asked the support of the 14,000-strong DAR personnel nationwide to help him "do our job."

In return, he promised DAR employees that he would do his best to ensure that their mandate is carried out well within the prescribed period. The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension with reform (CARPer) Law will last up to 2014

"Many of you have spent the best years of your life in the DAR. I promise you that your interest will be taken care of come 2014," Delos Reyes said, without further elaborating.

"Laak coop is the nation's most progressive ARB organization" --- Publishing Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010 (07:54 AM)

The DAR Provincial Office of Compostela Valley is overjoyed by the good news that came from the central office in Manila that Laak Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAMPCO) of Laak, Compostela Valley won the prestigious Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization award over an equally successful ARB coop in Zamboanga del Norte.

The awarding ceremony was held at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Manila which was attended by DAR Regional Director Datu Yusoph Mama, Chief Agrarian Reform Officer for Regional Support Services Division Aurora Cañezal, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Eduardo Suaybaguio, Laak Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Eppie Panuncio,Development Facilitator Avelino Tocmo, LAMPCO Chairman Eduardo Rizaga, Gen. Manager Caridad Aribe.

"Aside from the plaque of recognition, we received a cash price of P40,000.00 and a free tour to the successful cooperatives in Ilocos Sur", Aribe said. "We are very grateful for the recognition that was given to us by the DAR and we will take this as a challenge to continue to become an inspiration to other ARB organizations", Aribe added.

According to Suaybaguio, LAMPCO was chosen to vie for the most progressive ARB organization award not only because it has maintained for the past three years since 2007 an organizational maturity rating of level five (5), which is the highest level that could be given to a cooperative but also because it has contributed a lot in the development of the municipality of Laak in general.

"The success of LAMPCO is a living proof that even in these trying times while CARP's existence is being put to test, they stood among the best in the nation as an evidence of CARP's accomplishment", Suaybaguio quipped.

The coop has four (4) branches: Laak Poblacion, Brgys. Mangloy, Kilagding & Kidawa , four (4) satellites: Brgys. Aguinaldo, Langtud, Pagwas & Sawata and four (4) major operations: Consumer, Savings & Credit, Marketing & Services (milling, trucking/hauling, drying, farm tractor and shelling services).

LAMPCO was organized in 1986 by fifteen (15) agrarian reform beneficiaries with P750.00 as starting capital, currently it has total regular members of 1,676 and is worth P100 million in assets.

1st Habi at Gawa: A Fashion Show of ARC/ARB Products Successfully Staged in ATF 2010 --- Publishing Date: Monday, July 05, 2010 (12:28 PM)

The Combination of Tradition and craftsmanship using local products from various ARCs was successfully put together and featured on the fashion runway as the highlight of the second day of the 9th Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF) held on 26 June 2010 at Megatrade Hall B of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

"Habi at Gawa: A Fashion Show of ARCs/ARBs Products, was the first of its kind organized by 9th ATF Organizing Committee which brought forth and to audiences attention selected contemporary clothes made from textiles made from products from the rural areas such as abaca, abel, piña, hablon and Iloilo silk; as well as arts, crafts and food products from ARCs.

"The idea is to level-up the promotion and marketing of the products from the agrarian reform communities and those which are produce out of enterprises of agrarian reform beneficiaries," Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong said.

Filipiniana, Barong tagalog, indigenous, and metro vogue clothes together with arts and crafts, accessories, and food products from ARCs were modeled by selected DAR executives and field personnel. "The fashion show is explored as an innovative way to market our ARCs products aside from creating the interest of investors to extend assistance to our ARBs to sustain the operations of the enterprises producing the featured farm-based products," OIC Assistant Director Ma. Elena Cabañes, Chair of the ATF Management Committee, said.

"Beyond the objective of creating the market for the ARC Products," Assistant Secretary Dominador Andres, Member of the ATF Project Steering Committee said, "we certainly hope to have raised awareness of the general public on the wide range of quality products of the communities we are assisting."

Invited as among the guests-audience of the fashion show included the merchandisers and product managers of Kultura Filipina, the largest Filipino lifestyle store in the country and the foreign delegates from the Asian Cacao Board. DAR Officers and staff who participated in the show came from Regions I, II, IVA, IVB, V, VI, X, XI,XII,CARAGA and CAR. The fashion Show was organized by DAR's Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD), ARB Agribusiness and Enterprise Development Program (AREDP), Public Affairs Staff (PAS), and ATF's marketing group, Cut Unlimited, Inc.

New DAR Secretary appointed --- Publishing Date: Friday, July 02, 2010 (02:28 PM)

Atty. Virgilio R. De Los Reyes is the new DAR Secretary. He was appointed on June 30, 2010 following the inauguration of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Atty. De Los Reyes is no stranger to the Department. He served as the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Legal Affairs (PPLAO) during the administration of former Secretary Hernani A. Braganza in 2001 to 2003.

Before his recent appointment to DAR, he was Vice Dean of the College of Law, teaching Business Law in the MBA Program of the De La Salle University. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of GoVida Studios, Inc. and the principal of the De Los reyes Law Office. He obtained his Masters in International Relations from the Tuff university's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines.

A formal turn-over ceremony is scheduled on Monday, July 5, 2010 at the DAR Covered Court.

9th Agraryo Trade Fair a Success --- Publishing Date: Friday, June 28, 2010 (03:35 PM)

Overwhelmed by the success of the 9th Agraryo Trade Fair that opened on June 25 and run until Sunday, June 27, 2010, Secretary Nasser Pangandaman thanked the various exhibitors and donors who made the event possible. The Agraryo Trade Fair is an annual activity of the Department that promotes the entrepreneurial spirit of the agrarian reform beneficiaries and the agrarian reform communities to gain access in the mainstream market and network with other producers and buyers.

AKBAYAN Representative Riza Hontiveros, keynote speaker and guest of honor of the Traded Fair expressed her gratitude to the Department for inviting her to the event. She narrated the struggle for the passage of RA 9700 or the CARPER law in Congress. She also urged everyone to support the incoming administration of President Noynoy Aquino as it assumes the full implementation of CARPER.

A fashion show dubbed "Habi at Gawa" featuring the best ARB/ARC clothing products was also staged on June 26, 2010. Thirty three (33) Officials of the Department from the Central, Regional and Provincial Offices gamely donned and paraded their barongs and other attires made from local fabrics and clothing products of the ARCs.

The ATF also witnessed the awarding of the 2010 Most Outstanding ARBs, Most Progressive ARCs and ARB Organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The DAR has chosen the awardees after careful scrutiny of their productivity and sustainability of the various support interventions provided to them.

DAR's 9th Agraryo Trade Fair opens today --- Publishing Date: Friday, June 25, 2010 (06:35 AM)

The 9th Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) opens today (Friday) at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2 and will run until Sunday, June 27, 2010 with the theme: "Umuunlad na Kabuhayan, Masaganang Sakahan Tugon sa Globalisasyon at Nagbabagong Klima".

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said that the ATF aims to promote the entrepreneurial spirit of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and ARB organizations to gain foothold in the mainstream market and create networks for buyers to get best-quality products at wholesale prices.

"This year's theme is also to recognize the various support service interventions of the department to the ARBs as they battle the ill effects of Climate Change and the globalization where they are most vulnerable," he added.

AKBAYAN Representative Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel will keynote the event, which coincides with the 22nd celebration of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) anniversary.

Products for exhibition ranges from fresh to processed meat and poultry products, additives, beverages, jams and delicacies, candles and novelty items. Some native products are also sold including handicrafts, accessories, furniture's and even natural and organic products.

The ATF also highlights the 2010 Most Outstanding ARBs, Most Progressive ARCs and ARB Organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The DAR has chosen the awardees after careful scrutiny of their productivity and sustainability of the various support interventions provided to them.

DAR's Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) is the main organizer of the ATF together with the ARB Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development Program (AREDP) and the Philippine Fruit and Vegetables Industries, Inc.

The BARBD has lined-up enjoyable and learning activities such as cooking demonstrations, fashion show of ARB/ARC clothing products, dairy product preparation and seminars on the impact of Climate Change to the Agrarian Reform, LANDBANK financing programs, and impact on ARB food products of Halal Certification.

DAR distribute lands in Agusan del Norte --- Publishing Date: Friday, June 25, 2010 (05:53 AM)

Butuan City - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed around 159 hectares of agricultural lands to 109 farmers from far-flung villages in two municipalities of Agusan del Norte.

Region 13 Director Faisal Mambuay, who led the distribution of the certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs), said the department is mandated to distribute lands among the landless farmers in response to the government's poverty reduction program.

"As owners of the land, farmers will be freed from the burden of paying rentals for the use of the land, as well as freedom from fear of getting ejected as tenants," Mambuay said.

Mambuay added that farmers' chance to succeed is higher when they own their lands because they will be giving all their best to improve their farms.

The titled agricultural lands are located in the villages of Bangayan and San Isidro , both of Kitacharao town, with 74 has.; and from the villages of Beltran and Maraiging, both of Jabonga town, with 85 has.

Mambuay also said processing and documentation of CLOAs for other farmer-beneficiaries is still going-on at various areas in the region to increase their compliance to the DAR's 200,000-hectare land distribution target nationwide.

The province of Agusan del Norte has already distributed a total of 25,692.0467 hectares over the working scope of 37,397 hectares, involving 14,266 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, leaving a balance of 11,705 hectares to be distributed to an estimated 6,487 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in the next five years.

ADB cites DAR 8 projects implementation --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 (11:43 AM)

TACLOBAN CITY-Representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) lauded the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)'s implementation of its programs and projects in Region 8, in cooperation with the local government of Balangiga, which has been included in the second phase of the DAR's Agrarian Reform Community Project (ARCP 2).

According to Regional Director Elmo Bañares, DAR has sourced funding from the ADB under a loan package for the implementation of various projects in 149 agrarian reform communities in 18 provinces nationwide to improve the standard of living of farmer-beneficiaries in these areas.

The ADB mission team was here recently to review the implementation process of projects under ARCP 2.

Agustina Musa, the head of the ADB mission praised DAR's initiative to effectively carry out the various projects particularly its agricultural enterprise component.

The ADB mission was also impressed with the community-driven development approach adopted by the Balangiga local government in its program and projects implementation.

During their visit there, Musa and the other ADB officials proceeded to the Balangiga agrarian reform community for the field inspection of the site where a proposed 1.6-kilometer farm-to-market road will be constructed.

"This project is expected to improve production and increase income of around 1,348 farming households in the area including those of the 296 ARBs here," explained Bañares.

Earlier this year, SC Global Coco Products Inc. signed a marketing contract with ARB organizations namely the Omaganhan Farmers' Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc.; the Zaragosa Agrarian Reform Cooperative and the Boroc-Ipil Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative for banana and other high-value products of the cooperatives

For its part, the Early-7 Marketing entered into a marketing agreement with the Sto. Niño Visares Multi-Purpose Cooperative for the production and sale of dried cassava chips by the latter.

Musa and the ADB mission team were impressed with the active participation of non-government organizations (NGOs) and private firms in providing technical support and a ready market for the agrarian reform beneficiaries ARBs 's products.

Although Musa was satisfied with the overall performance of ARCP 2 in Region 8, she suggested that the project sector organizations be organized into a consortium to further strengthen their role and enhance their commitments.

The ADB officials underlined the sustainability of the projects even beyond the five-year implementation period of the ARCP 2 which will end in 2014.

"They believe that sustainability could be attained with the community-driven approach being used in partnership with the private sector organizations," Bañares said.

DAR conserves CARAGA's natural resources --- Publishing Date: Friday, June 18, 2010 (09:53 AM)

CARAGA region is known for its very rich natural resources. However, its environment has been adversely affected by the great increase in population. Climate change has also contributed to the decline in land productivity thereby posing challenges to the poverty reduction program of the government.

In response to the challenges, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has embarked on strategic projects that would spur productivity and at the same time protect the natural resources.

Agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said that DAR already constructed a total of P788-M worth of 63 irrigation projects to its 9,520 hectares of ricelands. "These infrastructure projects has provided significant contribution to mitigate the effects of "El Niño" phenomenon, and is a big help in ensuring food security," he added.

Pangandaman further added that DAR has already distributed 219,777 hectares to 116,882 farmers in the region. Aside from distribution of lands to the farmers, the DAR-CARAGA had also facilitated the conversion of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADCs) with the total of 285,552 has., into Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADTs) to ensure the security of tenure of the indigenous people in the region.

"Small farmers deal better with microclimates as they do farming even if they are under financial straits; making up for lack of capital through hardwork," Pangandaman explained.

"Once these farmers own their lands, they participated more on the department's community-building activity," the Secretary added.

The DAR-CARAGA is considering upland and coastal resources management trainings, establishment on learning sites and on-farm researches and capacity building activities that could help significantly in conservation and preservation of natural resources in region.

The DAR has already introduced the practice of organic farming to the farmers and collaborated in other government agencies in the rehabilitation of Mt. Mayapay, and tree planting in various areas.

DAR promotes rice duck farming system

Publishing Date: Thursday, June 17, 2010 (04:26 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in close partnership with the Department of Agriculture, aims to replicate in Tumaba ARC in Agusan Del Sur, a rice-duck farming system that has proven successful in Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. The system is effective in eliminating insects and weeds when farmers raise ducks and rice simultaneously.

"Given the continuous increase of population coupled with steadily shrinking farm size in the country, we have introduced organic farming systems in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) where agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) become more innovative," said Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman.

Pangandaman explained that rice production almost always requires the use of agro-chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides often in heavy doses. These chemicals are harmful to the environment as they get into the water bodies and can be deposited in the bodies of animals and human beings in toxic proportions.

The Tumaba ARC serves as the pilot testing area where about two hundred ARBs are now trying the system. According to studies, the raising of ducks and rice aids in the control of weeds and insects thus eliminates the use of pesticides.

At the same time, the integration of rice cultivation and duck farming enables poor farmers to obtain not only rice but also subsidiary products (duck meat and eggs) from the same piece of land.

The system works once 20-day-old ducklings are released on newly planted rice plots. Ducks are allowed to stay for a couple of hours then, after a few days, they can stay from mornings to evenings.

Ducks aid in the control of weed, weed seeds and harmful insects through ingestion. Proper measures are taken to protect the ducks from predators or prevent movement outside the designated area.

Duck manure serves as fertilizer as it provides all essential nutrients to the rice crops. Cow dung is also applied to further enrich the soil. After four months, the ducks are removed from the plots either to be sold or raised conventionally.

The system showed a 20% increase in its total yield on rice alone. Insect infestation as well as weed population is decreased. It has also improved the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sulfur of the soil. These nutrients were enriched naturally. The additional income of farmers from the ducks makes the system even more promising.

"Rice-duck farming system is another option for farmers to go back to the basics and go for organic farming instead of using highly priced chemical pesticides. It is also our way in fighting environmental degradation in the countryside," Pangandaman added.

Secretary bids farewell to OSEC staff --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 (11:07 AM)

In an informal meeting with OSEC staff yesterday, Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman bid farewell to the personnel of the Office of the Secretary (OSEC) and thanked them for assisting him throughout the years of his leadership in the Department.

The Secretary waxed emotional when he reminisced his stay in the Department for almost 8 years. He first joined DAR in 2002 as Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs. He served four (4) Secretaries before becoming OIC Secretary in 2005.

While fraught with various challenges and difficulties, he noted that his leadership has "survived" largely because of the help of Central and Field Officials and staff who unselfishly devoted their knowledge and skills in making DAR work.

The Secretary stated that he will leave the Department with a clear conscience, having forgiven those who have caused him "headaches." He also forwarded his apologies to those whom he had, in one way or another been in conflict with during the course of his work in the Department.

In closing, the Secretary called on the incoming leadership to sustain and protect the gains of the program saying "CARP is a continuing program enshrined in the Constitution." It is for this reason that he has vigorously lobbied for its extension during his watch.

DAR installs farmer-beneficiaries --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (02:37 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform provincial office in Quezon Province successfully installed last week nine farmer-beneficiaries inside the controversial Matias Properties in Barangay Butunguiad, San Francisco, Quezon.

The installation occurred at high noon after two hours of intense negotiation between Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Samuel Solomero and his party, on the one hand, and the group belonging to Velia Matias, head-owner of Matias Properties on the other. The DAR, right after the installation, followed the court's order to survey the property to determine its size.

DAR negotiated that the nine farmer-beneficiaries be installed first while issues concerning the property will be tackled amicably and peacefully in DAR's adjudication board (DARAB).

During the survey and installation, police and military men were deployed in the area to provide security to the newly installed farmer-beneficiaries, many of whom shed tears of joy following the fulfillment of their long cherished dream of owning a piece of land.

"Our major concern is their [farmer-beneficiaries] safety. We want to ensure that they will not be harmed and harassed by anybody once we [DAR officials] leave the area," Solomero said.

The farmers were first reinstated within the Matias Properties last February 11, 2010 to maintain possession and cultivation of the said properties, but due to the alleged presence of the property owners' armed men, the nine farmer-leaseholders opted to stay away.

"We were constantly being harassed by Matias' armed men. We decided to just flee rather than run the risk of losing our lives," said Veronica Batayola, a farmer-beneficiary who has been lease-holding the land since the time of her parents.

Through the years the DAR has peacefully installed farmers in various parts of the country. "The farmers have the right to occupy the land. I believe we did not act beyond our mandate," Solomero said.

DAR Officials join NGOs in commemorating 22nd CARP Anniversary ; Death of Ka Rene Penas remembered --- Publishing Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010 (02:15 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform Officials headed by Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman joined the Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) to commemorate the 22nd Anniversary of CARP in a Boodle Fight Lunch on Thursday, June 10, 2010 in the DAR Central Office.

A Program was also held starting with a Mass led by Fr. Wilson Alvarez, SJ in front of the DAR Central Office at 9:00 a.m. The mass highlighted the commemoration of Rene Penas, a recognized CARPER campaigner (who died last June 5, 2009) and other agrarian reform martyrs.

The Secretary expressed his thanks and appreciation to PAKISAMA and AR Now! for its staunch support to the passage of the CARPER Law. He also cited the critical constructive collaboration extended by the Non-Government Organizations and the other civil society organizations in pushing vital legislative measures that redound to the benefit of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. He also urged them to continue their support to the Department for the full implementation of CARPER in the coming years.

DARRO-X distributes land titles to Sumilao Farmers --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2010 (05:37 PM)

The DAR Regional Office X headed by Regional Director Felix Aguhob spearheaded the distribution of the Certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to PANAW-MPC at San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon.

The event was attened by Regional Officials of DARRO-X, Mr. Randy Dominguez of San Miguel Food Inc., Atty. Jan Eugenio of Balaod Mindanao and Bishop Honesto Pacana who celebrated a mass along with Kisolon Parish Priest Fr. Danilo Paciente.

Two years ago, the Sumilao farmers were brought to national attention when they staged a walk from Mindanao to Manila to protest the sale and conversion of the 144 hectares Quisumbing Estate to San Miguel Food Inc. A compromise agreement between the parties later paved the way for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

DAR's 2010 National Mid-Year Performance Review --- Publishing Date: Monday, June 8, 2010 (03:00 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform is set to conduct its National Mid-Year Performance Review on June 22-24, 2010 in Quezon City. This first semester performance review is an opportunity for DAR to assess its accomplishments in terms of program targets and the sector's compliance to the Secretary's directives in the past six months. It is also a venue to resolve the problems, issues and concerns in the implementation of the CARPER law and reformulate plans and programs and recalibrate targets pursuant to the recent legislative mandate.

Moreover, this gathering will take into consideration the necessary preparations for the transition to the new administration.

This activity will be participated in by all DAR Executive and Management Committee members, sectoral representatives at DARCO, regional Directors, ARDOs, ARDAs, PARO IIs, RARADs and the Regional CARPO Planning.

DAR's 2010 On the Spot Mural Painting winners, crowned --- Publishing Date: Monday, June 8, 2010 (02:57 PM)

A group of five artists from Davao romped away with the top prize of P150,000 after besting 10 others in the just-concluded 2nd DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform) Mural Painting Contest over the weekend at the DAR central office in Diliman, Quezon City.

The contest sets the tone of the 22nd anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) celebration this June.

Bracing the aridity of the summer heat, eleven groups from eleven regions interpreted, with their traditions as the backdrop, the theme dubbed as "Buhay sa Bukid ay Masaya kung May Sipag at Pag-aaruga".

The works will be owned by DAR and will be used for its various advocacy and promotion materials.

"Their focus was exceptional and their ingenuity was truly tested. I salute all of them but most especially I congratulate the winners who remained composed amidst pressure and stress because of the weather," Barry Jose, chairman of the board of judges said.

With Boysen as the major sponsor, providing the paint needed, imaginative minds connived to produce colorful works to convey the message of hard work and patience in tilling a farmer's dream of having an improved life.

"Our winning defined the discipline we kept during the competition. The image we created encapsulated the complex yet rewarding life in the countryside. We thank DAR for giving us the chance to showcase our talents, now we are content to give honor to our region," Bernie Ladaran Jr., a student-participant from Davao said during the awarding.

The participants manifested the depth of their creativity as they painted the vibrant colors of farmers' happy smiles and fulfilled faces and represented the different cultures in the regions they came from.

"This experience taught us the value of unity, patience and hard work. We met new friends and was able to improve our painting skills," Allen Aldrin Deroma, a participant from Laguna said.

The 2nd placer was a group of students from Laoag City who bagged the P100,000 prize and made a promise that they would use the money for their schooling.

The 3rd placer came from Laguna. The participants were chosen after the regional office of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon Province) held a mural painting contest in the area to choose the best of the best.

No IT Service Fees for CARP-Related Transactions --- Publishing Date: Friday, May 28, 2010 (05:39 PM)

Good news for CARP implementers. Administrator Benedicto B. Ulep of the Land Registration Authority (LRA) has recently announced in LRA Circular No. 07-2010 issued on May 17, 2010 that no IT service fees will be collected for CARP related transactions since "CARP transactions are still being processed manually in all Registries of Deeds until the PHILARIS design or system for the computerized processing / registration thereof is deployed."

This announcement was made in response to various requests for clarification regarding LRA Circular No. 22-2009 entitled, "Collection of IT Service Fees Pursuant to the Implementing Guidelines on Electronic Registration of Land Titles and Deeds."

The Department of Agrarian Reform Central Offices has notified all Regional Directors (RDs) and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers (PAROs) in the field offices regarding this development.

May 31, 2010 is deadline for encoding of ARB Profiles --- Publishing Date: Friday, May 28, 2010 (05:19 PM)

Undersecretary Renato F. Herrera, Undersecretary for Field Operations has set May 31, 2010 as the deadline for all provincial offices to complete the encoding of ARB profiles received from Berkman International Inc. and certified by the provincial offices as acceptable.

The latest Data Entry System Monitoring Report indicated almost 80% accomplishment in the encoding of ARB profiles despite numerous deadlines set by the DARCO Project Implementing Team.

DAR sets 9th Agraryo Trade Fair --- Publishing Date: Friday, May 28, 2010 (04:12 PM)

To celebrate the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), the Department of Agrarian Reform will hold the 9th Agraryo Trade Fair at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2 from June 25-27.

With the theme "Umuunlad na Kabuhayan, Masaganang Sakahan Tugon sa Globalisasyon at Nagbabagong Klima," the trade fair will bring together enterprising Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and cooperatives producing and manufacturing the best and finest farm and non-farm based products from all over the country which include fresh fruits and vegetables, processed and organic food, fashion accessories, arts and crafts, furniture, and home furnishings.

"The Agraryo Trade Fair, a celebration of the extension of the CARP by Congress last year, will showcase the quality produce of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries to highlight the program's success," says Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman.

He said the theme is premised on DAR's enterprise development interventions to the ARBs in the context of the need to respond to the challenges of globalization of the world market and the climate change where farmers are most vulnerable.

Special events such as cooking demonstrations and product competitions, social projects launching, photo exhibits of CARP Implementing Agencies' programs, business matching/counseling and seminars on product development and market trends will likewise be available to the trade fair participants and visitors.

"This will be an opportunity to network with manufacturers and avail of the best quality products at wholesale prices," Pangandaman enthused.

Enacted by Congress in 1988 as the centerpiece program of the Aquino administration, CARP is a social justice program to ensure equal access to wealth and basic services such as land, food, education and employment. In June 2009, CARP was extended for another five (5) years as a result of the enactment of RA 9700 - An Act Strengthening the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), Extending the Acquisition and Distribution of All Agricultural Lands, Instituting Necessary Reforms, Amending for the Purpose Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 6657, Otherwise Known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988, As Amended, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

In the past 22 years, the DAR has distributed over 4 million hectares of agricultural lands to more than 2.3 million farmers and has formed some 2,000 agrarian reform communities (ARCs), the center of CARP's investments and economic interventions.

The annual ATF is part of the assistance extended by the Department to the ARBs under its Sustainable Area-based Rural Enterprise Development (SARED) component of the support services delivery of CARP. Other support extended to ARBs includes access facilitation to credit and microfinance, infrastructure, basic social services such as health services and potable water, and livelihood opportunities.

"With the interventions provided by DAR, independent impact studies on the CARP showed the rise in the income and productivity of farmers especially in ARCs. From mere recipients of government aid, a progressive new breed of owner-cultivators has emerged: empowered, reliable, and resourceful. The ATF is an example of concrete support of DAR to help farmers expand their income and productivity opportunities." Pangandaman concludes.

The ATF is supervised by the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) together with the ARB Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development Program (AREDP), Philippine Fruit and Vegetable Industries, Inc. (Philfruits), and the Support Service Office (SSO) of DAR. The CUT Unlimited, Inc. is also tapped to manage the event.

For details, call 687-3292, 467-3631 or email cut@pldtdsl.net, agraryo@gmail.com.

44 vacant positions granted exemption --- Publishing Date: Friday, May 28, 2010 (02:49 PM)

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Law Department has granted the request of DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman covering the filling up of 44 vacant Chief Agrarian Reform Officer (CARPO), Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) and Attorney V positions that are deemed essential to the proper functioning of the department.

The exemption was granted provided that it shall not in any manner influence the conduct of the May 10, 2010 Automated National and Local Elections. The COMELEC has specifically ruled that the exemption shall not involve promotion or the giving of any increase of salary or remuneration or privilege during the forty five (45) day period before the elections and that this authorization shall be prospective in application and without prejudice to the applicable Civil Service Law, rules and regulations on personnel action / movements.

The Secretary expressed his gratitude to the COMELEC, saying the filling up of vacant positions will boost the efforts of the Department in implementing the CARPER.

Conference on Assest Reform and Climate Change held --- Publishing Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010 (04:54 PM)

Leaders from the Government, Donor Countries, Academe, Civil Society Organizations and the private sector gathered yesterday in the UP-Ayala Land Techno Hub, Diliman, Quezon City for the National Conference on Asset Reform and Climate Change.

Held in partnership with the Project Development Institute, the Department of Agrarian Reform organized the conference in line with its thrust on mitigating the impact of climate change in Agrarian Reform Communities.

DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman, represented by Undersecretary Narciso B. Nieto stated in his opening remarks that the goal of the conference is to make stakeholders understand how asset reform and environmental change strategies impact on the larger issues of economic growth and rural and urban conflict.

Dr. James Putzel, Professor of the London School of Economics delivered the keynote address of the conference. A panel dicussion on Asset reform, environmental concerns and climate change followed with Dr. Walden Bello, Congressman, Akbayan Partylist, Dr. Jun Borras, St. Mary University, Canada and Mr. Franciso Lara Jr. of the Crisis States Research Center, London School of Economics as speakers.

Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong, DAR Undersecretary for Support Services and Director Marie Grace Pascua of NCIP presented the respective Collective Action Strategies adopted by the government specifically in the ARC Experience for the DAR and in the Upland Resource Sector for NCIP.

Jude Esguerra, Executive Director of IPD and Dr. Laura T. David, Physical Oceanography, UP Marine Science Institute presented the collective action in the Water Resource and Marine Resource Sector respectively. This was followed by Usec. Narciso Nieto who delivered the Agrarian Reform Strategy. Dra. Rosa Perez, a National Climate Expert, Dr. Buenaventura of the Visayas State University , and Ms. Virginia Verora, IFAD Coordinator presented the result of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao workshops. Ms. Aurea M. Teves, Executive Director of PDI and President of FIAN Philippines presented the Next Steps that will be taken as a result of the conference.

Commissioner Mary Ann Lucille Sering delivered the closing remarks and the message from the Climate Change Commission.

Fiji, now a member of CIRDAP --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 (01:34 PM)

The Government of Fiji is now a member of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), a regional intergovernmental and autonomous organization established at the initiative of FAO and the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region with support from various donor countries and agencies.

CIRDAP welcomed Fiji's membership believing that its strength will be increased with the joining of Fiji.

CIRDAP undertakes research, action research, and training and information dissemination activities on integrated rural development in the region. Its primary focus is on alleviating rural poverty, through, among others ensuring people's participation.

CIRDAP has been playing an effective role in promoting regional cooperation and in extending services to its member countries for promotion of integrated rural development through the aforementioned activities. It has thus become an effective forum for exchange of ideas, information, experience and skill among member countries through appropriate studies, training courses, seminars, workshops and expert consultations on integrated rural development.

2010 DAR Mural Painting Contest starts tomorrow --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 (01:29 PM)

In line with the Department's objective to embark on massive Public Relations, Information and Social Marketing Program, the Department through the Public Affairs Staff will hold a Mural Painting Contest on May 26-28, 2010 at the Quezon Memorial Circle Basketball Court in Quezon City.

Five contestants who are student/artists from Region I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, CAR, VI ,VII, VIII ,IX , X , XI, XII AND CARAGA will compete in the said Mural Painting Contest with the theme "Buhay sa Bukid ay Masaya, Kung may Sipag at Pag-aaruga."

Awarding of winners will be on May 28, 2010, 4:00 p.m.at the DAR Gymnasium.

PSLMC calls for Election of DAR Employees Association National Officers on June 3, 2010 --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 (01:19 PM)

The Public Sector Labor-Management Council (PSLMC), by virtue of the promulgation of Resolution No. 2, series of 2010 dated March 26, 2010 called for the election of the Department of Agrarian Reform Employees Association (DAREA) National Officers.

In a letter sent by PSLMC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III to Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman dated May 20, 2010, he stated that "The Council nullified and voided the conducted election on April 16, 2009 of the National Officers of the DAREA on the reason that the disputing parties defied the mandate of PSLMC Resolution No. 1, s 2009 dated February 2, 2009for them to conduct a single election."

Moreover, the member of the Technical Working Group of theCouncil who were likewise deputized by the PSLMC as COMELEC of the forthcoming elections of the said union conducted the 1st Pre-Election Conference with the attendance of the disputing parties, where it was agreed that the election of the National Officers of the DAREA shall be held on June 3, 2010 at the DAR Central Office. A Terms of Agreement (Guidelines in the Conduct of Election of the National Officers of the DAR Employees Association (DAREA) was also signed by the disputing parties.

The campaign period of the official candidates vying for the national elective positions of the DAREA starts upon filing of their Certificates of Candidacy.

A DAREA Caretaker Committee during the campaign period until the duly elected National Officers assume their posts was also constituted. The Caretaker Committee is composed of two (2) representatives from each of the contending parties.

Secretary Pangandaman sets up DAR Transition Cooperation Team --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 (03:56 PM)

A DAR Transition Cooperation Team composed of all the members of the DAR Executive Committee (ExCom) has been created by Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman to prepare and ensure the smooth transition of power to the incoming administration in the Department.

The creation of the Transition Team is in accordance with AO 285, series of 2010 issued by President Gloria Arroyo entitled, Setting up a Transition Cooperation Team and Introducing the Transition Blueprint.

The transition team is tasked to prepare the organizational Transition Reports and Functional Transition Reports of the Department. It will also identify and summarize the Agency's important policies and internal management for the guidance and information of the next Administration. The team will conduct briefings and training exercises for the incoming officials and staff to provide a working familiarity with each other and the processes that need to be followed. The team is also expected to extend technical and administrative assistance to the incoming Head of Office and staff.

Usec. Gerundio Madueño is the designated Transition Coordinator who will regularly coordinate with the Presidential Transition and Cooperation Team on the status of the preparation and implementation of the agency's transition plan.

DAR intensifies support for Biliran coco farmers --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 (02:21 PM)

Naval, Biliran-Being one of the poorest provinces in the country, agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Biliran continues to receive support from the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development Program-Sustainable Integrated Coconut Area Development (AREDP-SICAD) as part of the numerous assistances extended by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to spur growth in the countryside.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said that DAR partnered with local-based non-government organizations, civil society organizations and people's organizations to provide more support to coconut farmers.

"We want to improve the coconut industry by introducing innovations and appropriate interventions to increase coconut production and develop high value-adding enterprises which would eventually establish market linkages locally and internationally," Pangandaman added.

The federation of ARC cooperatives in this province received a shredding machine worth P70,000 for the farmers' bio-organic fertilizer production.

The machine was fabricated by the Visayas State University (VSU) and was jointly funded under the PCA-Coconut Genetic Network and the AREDP-SICAD, was accompanied by a rice hull carbonizer.

In 2009, AREDP-SICAD released some P287, 000 for the copra trading, bio-organic fertilizer production and banana production activities of the federation.

Next month, the federation will receive equipment such as decorticating, twining and combing machines from the Philippine Exports, Inc. for the farmers' coco coir and geo-textile production project.

Sam Helerra of the Philippine Export, Inc. assured the federation of technical assistance in their business operations and marketing of their products.

"With the combined assistance from us [Philippine Export, Inc], the DAR and other non-government organizations, the coconut industry will help boost the economic growth of Biliran," Helerra said.

AREDP-SICAD was introduced in Biliran in 2006 and covers six ARCs in the municipalities of Biliran, Almeria, Cabucgayan and Caibiran. The program benefits some 1,500 ARBs.

AREDP National Director Dominador Andres said that the program's main objective is to transform small coconut farmers, particularly the agrarian beneficiaries, from mere agricultural producers into agri-business entrepreneurs by engaging them in coconut enterprises like geotextile, cocopeat, charcoal and copra products.

"With the outpouring support extended by DAR to our coco farmers, their household income is sure to increase as the coconut industry in this island-province is seen in our studies to boom in the near future," said Andres.

DAR holds Staff Development training for Special Concerns Staff --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 (10:58 AM)

The Special Concerns Staff in coordination with the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Information and Education (BARIE) held a Staff Development Training for Special Concerns Staff last May 12-14, 2010. The objective of the training is to enhance the competencies of the SCS in process facilitation in order to transform them into effective process facilitators and skilled process observers.

The training was borne out of the Competency profiling conducted by the BARIE to assess the level of competencies of its staff, the result of which revealed that the group process management has to be enhanced by the SCS personnel to deliver its function effectively and efficiently.

The SCS is faced with the challenge to fulfill the Operational Directives of the Secretary in managing the public, part of which requires them to establish strong linkages through networking with various civil society groups, women's groups, media and other relevant agencies. The Office is also tasked to strengthen the existing mechanism instituted by the Department such as the Quick Response Operations (QRO) and Public Assistance and Complaints Coordinating Unit (PACCU). It is also responsible in maximizing the use of the DAR website in sharing and disseminating data, information and advocacy campaign on CARP.

DAR holds Web Assessment and Strategic Planning --- Publishing Date: Monday, May 17, 2010 (11:34 AM)

The DAR Web Team is conducting a two-batch Web Assessment and Strategic Planning to enhance its services to the Department, find best solutions on ways of handling issues that may unexpectedly emerge and provide better solutions in the prevention of major issues that our website/s may experience in the future.

The DAR website www.dar.gov.ph promotes the services and programs of the Department to the agrarian reform beneficiaries and other stakeholders in a most cost efficient way, widest reach and fastest means. At present, there are 10 regions and 55 provinces that are online and hosted at DARCO web server.

With the growing DAR-Web community at hand, the web team is faced with a challenging commitment in providing continued support to the offices in the central and field counterparts in terms of website development, maintenance and security concerns.

An immediate objective of the DAR web team is to make the present internet and intranet websites interactive. This means, employees and clients may be able to pose a query on the different agrarian reform concerns over the net and may be able to transact business online via the existing websites.

The Web Assessment and Strategic Planning will allow the Web team to discuss,plan,layout and find solutions to the issues and concerns affecting its operation and future interactive pages.

DAR sets National Conference on Asset Reform and Climate Change --- Publishing Date: Monday, May 14, 2010 (09:38 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform, in cooperation with the Project Development Institute will hold the National Conference on Asset Reform and Climate Change at the UP-Ayala Land Techno Hub in Quezon City on May 26, 2010.

The conference is in line with the Department's thrust to mitigate the impact of climate change in Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). It is a forum for assessing risks and uncertainties associated with unclear and unresolved property rights in rural areas, and how these heighten the vulnerability of the rural poor to environment and climate change.

Invited to attend the conference are officials of government agencies, development partners such as donor countries and institutions, civil society organizations and other stakeholders such as the academe and private sector, who share a common concern for asst reform.

The goal of the conference is to make stakeholders understand how asset reform and environmental change strategies impact on the larger issues of economic growth and rural and urban conflict.

Secretary Pangandaman lauded the Department and the Project Development Institute for initiating the conference citing the need to look for ways to cushion the impact of climate change on the farmer beneficiaries in agrarian reform communities.

PARC ExCom confirms allocation of 2010 CARP Budget --- Publishing Date: Friday, April 30, 2010 (03:02 PM)

The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council Executive Committee has confirmed the CARP Budget for 2010 in the amount of P21, 060,106 million as approved in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) in a recently passed Resolution. Resolution No. 2010-01 also approved the configuration by agency of the said budget and formalized the request for a supplemental budget for the Credit Assistance Requirement.

Republic Act 9700 also known as the CARPER Law strengthened the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program by extending the acquisition and distribution of all agricultural lands for a period of five (5) years from CY 2009 to 2014. An appropriation of P150Billion was also granted by Congress to finance its program requirements on Land Tenure Improvement, Program Beneficiaries Development and Agrarian Justice Delivery.

The confirmation of the CARP budget and its budget configuration by agency and activity by the PARC ExCom is necessary to support the actual release of funds by the Department of Budget and Management to the CARP Implementing Agencies.

The recommendation to request a supplemental budget for credit assistance was also included since the budget for credit was not yet considered in the FY 2010 CARP Budget because it was approved prior to the signing of RA 9700, the enabling law that requires 30% budget provision for credit assistance.

PGMA launches MINSSAD's Jumbo Bridge in Agusan del Sur --- Publishing Date: Monday, April 26, 2010 (04:00 PM)

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo launched today the 140 linear meters bridge dubbed as the "Jumbo Bridge Project" in the Municipality of Veruela, Agusan del Sur under the Mindanao Sustainable Settlement Area Development Project (MINSSAD) funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

On hand to assist the President in the inauguration were Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman, Agusan del Sur Governor Valentina Plaza and other Provincial and Municipal Officials.

Secretary Pangandaman lauded the 75M jumbo bridge project saying, "this will highly improve the connectivity program of the government." The Department of Agrarian Reform has been working with various CARP Implementing Agencies (CIAs) such as the DPWH to help the farmer beneficiaries increase their income. The bridge is envisioned to facilitate easier transport of farm products especially of the farmers in the Municipality of Veruela to the various markets in the province and other areas in Mindanao.

Pharmaceutical outlet launched in rural community --- Publishing Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010 (08:37 AM)

Bais City, Negros Oriental - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in this province recently led the launching of the Health Plus Outlet (HPO) in Katacgahan Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multi-Purpose Coop (KARBEMCO) in Katacgahan, Bais City to provide the farmers in rural areas an easier access to medicine.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Stephen M. Leonidas said the HPO is a cooperative-managed pharmaceutical outlet in the community initiated by the Belgian Integrated Agrarian Reform Support Programme (BIARSP). "KARBEMCO runs this outlet and is licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) as Botika ng Barangay."

Leonidas explained that HPO offers limited prescription drugs that are in generic formulation. He added that these medicines are certified good quality and are affordable drugs for the members of the community.

"The HPO is established to cater to the farmers' needs and not waste time and money to go to the city proper, as well as, it provides the farmers' cooperative another means to generate income," he added.

On the other hand, DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman commended the HPO for reaching out to the famers in the countryside.

"Farming families in rural and isolated agrarian reform communities (ARCs) have limited access to drugstore. Pharmacies are very rare in the rural communities and sometimes lack of farm-to-market roads going to the city makes it harder for the farmers to buy medicines," Pangandaman said.

The agrarian reform chief is hoping that other rural communities would open up such outlet as it is beneficial to the health of the residents.

The BIARSP is one of among the foreign-assisted projects that help the DAR in alleviating poverty, improving agricultural productivity and uplifting the well-being of the rural low income communities.

DAR pushes program for farmers' health and safety --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 (03:42 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is expanding the coverage of its occupational safety and health program to include more agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) nationwide.

The program called "Occupational Safety and Health through Work Improvement in Neighborhood Development" program (OSH-WIND) is aimed at increasing the awareness of farmers in the different ways and means of preventing accidents and illnesses caused by wrong practices at home and in the farm.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said that the implementation of the program will be integrated to the existing programs of DAR in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) like establishment of health clinics, potable water supply, electrification and through the DAR's Agraryong Pangkalusugan, a community-based social health insurance program of the agency.

"The OSH-WIND program will teach farmers and their family members steps which can be followed and done [by farmers] to avoid and protect them from accidents and sickness in their own homes and in the field," said Pangandaman.

Studies showed that a lot of farmers and their family members who work on the farm suffer accidents from using dangerous farm machinery, wrong use of tools and from various illnesses due to improper use of farm chemicals.

"Farmers, especially in remote areas lack the knowledge in health like awkward body posture while doing farm work, biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria and parasite contact," added Pangandaman.

Farming families who live in rural and isolated communities receive less or no health services at all. Furthermore, access to such services is limited due to lack of roads going to the community, and other socio-economic factors.

To address this problem, DAR, in partnership with the International Labor Organization-Sub-Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ILO-SRO), pilot-tested OSH-WIND in Isabela, Bohol, Iloilo and Davao del Norte.

After its inception five years ago, more than 15,000 ARBs and non-ARBs in agrarian reform communities nationwide have participated and were trained in health care and health hazards by the program.

Inspired by the success of OSH-WIND, trainers of the program from DAR were invited in 2009 by the government of Nepal and Sri Lanka to teach the principle and tenets of the program to their farmer leaders.

Another trainer of DAR is currently in India transferring OSH-WIND knowledge to the farmer-trainers there.

Pangandaman said that this undertaking reflects a growing partnership between rural development implementers who continually seek to provide a real socio-economic reform not only in the Philippines but also to its neighboring countries.

DAR acts on climate change --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 (11:15 AM)

Because of the drought that hit the country, it is reported that more than 2.5 million tons of rice and wheat have been lost since the beginning of the year and lack of rain has damaged about 800 thousand hectares of fields.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) disclosed that the series of typhoons, floods, landslides and the current drought are the effects of climate change wherein around125,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are already affected by this phenomenon.

"In connection to this, the DAR will hold a nationwide consultation with the ARBs to formulate strategies to mitigate the destructive impact of climate change in the countryside," thus said DAR Undersecretary for Support Service Office Rosalina Bistoyong during the conference on climate change conducted by the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP).

The conference entitled, "Fairness in a fragile world: Luzon Government-Civil society interface on climate change" was participated by various civil sectors and other government agencies that include Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and DAR.

"The department wants to hear our farmers' experience and opinions regarding climate change. From there, we will allocate funds and assistance and create framework to have a concrete approach to combat the worsening problem," Bistoyong said. She added that DAR will coordinate with various government agencies to ensure that no flaws will be overlooked when the measure is created.

Recently, the DAR has already implemented some eco-friendly measures by introducing natural farming system to 152 agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in various provinces. This system of farming encourages the use of natural resources like making own fertilizer through composting, as studies have shown that chemical fertilizers and pesticides have greatly degraded the rural environment and poisoned the farmlands.

The natural farming system is introduced in the provinces of Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Negros Occidental, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Sibuhay, Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu And Shariff Kabunsuan.

Moreover, the DAR in Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) has also conducted a consultation workshop to bring awareness to its personnel and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's (CARP) stakeholder the effects of climate change.

DAR-CAR Director Renato Navata said that he is preparing his people to educate farmers on their farming practices. "Changes in farm inputs, timing, tillage, as well as, crop rotation, crop choice, crop diversification and crop harvesting processing can be a big help in alleviating the problem."

DAR Officials take oaths of office --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 (04:03 AM)

Eighteen newly appointed Officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform took their oaths of office recently before Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman in the Office of the Secretary. They are Ramon Madronal as Director III, and Dominador Sison, Rodulfo Gamo, Benjamin Mataksil, Ma. Elena Cabanes, and Antonio Tan as Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II (PARO II).

Atty. Casiano Eclar, OIC-RD for Region 2, was appointed Executive Director of the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB). He also took his oath of office.

Arthur Florida, Marlyn Salvani, Mary Libertine Amor, Amado Blor, and Jamil Amatonding, Jr. who were appointed as Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I were also sworn in to office.

Several Field Office lawyers of the Department were also appointed as Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (PARADs). They are Raul Tobias, Ralph Pua, Neili Bilocura, and Julius Leonid Maestral.

Planning Service Information Materials now available --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 (10:42 AM)

The Department of Agrarian reform has made available to the public useful information containing summary accomplishments in terms of land tenure improvement, support services and agrarian justice delivery by publishing the CARP in a Nutshell, CARP Briefer and Statistical Handbook and DAR CY 2009 Agency Performance Report. Copies of these documents are disseminated to all the Regional and Provincial Offices. Interested browsers may also download the said information which are posted in the Planning Service website (www.dar.gov.ph/planning-service).

Before the end of April this year, a magazine version of the 2009 Accomplishment Report will be distributed to the public.

P38-M irrigation systems key to food security --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 (09:58 AM)

Efforts to enhance food production got a big boost as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over the completion of irrigation projects worth P38 million, to farmer-beneficiaries in Misamis Occidental.

DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said the projects-two communal irrigation systems-are vital components in the government's drive to spur rural development in the region that has been greatly affected by the current El Niño phenomenon in the countryside.

"Providing farmers with irrigation systems will help raise their level of productivity and increase their income," Pangandaman said.

The P30 million irrigation system in Gadakinsur ARC in Clarin will irrigate 192 hectares of farmlands while the P8 million rehabilitated irrigation system in Quineka, Plaridel covers 65 hectares.

The construction and rehabilitation of the communal irrigation system in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Clarin and Plaridel in Misamis Occidental were turned over to the respective local governments and the local irrigator's association. The irrigation projects, funded by the World Bank were implemented under the second phase of the Agrarian Reform Community Development Project (ARCDP 2).

According to ARCDP Field Implementation Support Coordinator Tomas Cabueños, farmers in areas with no irrigation systems can only plant once a year during the rainy season.

Normally, Cabueños said, rice production reaches its peak during wet season, when farmers are busy preparing their farms for planting. As the summers months set in, many rain-dependent areas become idle for lack of water.

"But this won't be the case anymore as our farmers can now plant all year round, added Cabueños.

Studies conducted by ARCDP showed that provision of irrigation facilities increases farmers' yield from 60 to 80 cavans of rice and corn per hectare due to sufficient supply of water. Cropping intensity will also be increased from 148 percent to 200 percent.

Pangandaman cited the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for playing a key role in delivering badly needed support services like communal irrigation systems, in addition to distributing agricultural lands to landless farmers.

"It is the mandate of DAR to provide support services to farmers and make theCARP distributed lands productive," said Pangandaman.

DAR to promote women's rights --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2010 (03:10 PM)

To further elevate the status of rural women, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) installed the first Women's Desk in the agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Highlands ARC in Suyo, Ilocos Sur and municipal offices in Region I.

With the increasing number of abuses on women and children reported in the news every day, the women's desk serves as an avenue where women can bring their complaints and be properly represented.

Women's Desk officers from seven ARCs and nineteen municipalities in Ilocos Sur took oath before Gov. Deogracias Victor "DV" Savellano to remain steadfast in promoting the welfare of women, protect the abused and restore their self-esteem.

"We at DAR bring the program down to the grassroots level to raise awareness of women's rights as we seek to eliminate discrimination and bring forth a strong and more independent women. They too will manage their respective women centers," Agrarian Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said.

The ARCs also include Vinta ARC in Cauayan, Pantay ARC in Vigan, San Vicente ARC in San Vicente, Lita ARC in Bantay, Siramata ARC in San Ildefonso, and Naglabi ARC in Sto. Domingo.

"If women are treated equally and are given due opportunities, they too can prove their worth. With the unending task of raising a family as well as managing their farms, this will fulfill their potentials into becoming well rounded members of their communities," Gov. DV Savellano expressed during the oath taking.

The officers of the ARCs will also be trained by the Philippine National Police (PNP) with counseling and proper referral as it will not act on the complaint themselves but will help in the filing of civil suits or other related legal actions on the matters raised by the women folks.

New agri-agra law to boost agrarian reform beneficiaries --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 (4:15 PM)

Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries have all the reasons to rejoice as agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman announced that a new law was recently signed by President Gloria Arroyo requiring all banks to lend 25% of their loan funds to farmers and fishermen nationwide.

Pangandaman said the Republic Act 10000 or the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009, authored by Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra, corrected the loophole in the old Agri-Agra Law.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) chief explained that the old las was also mandated to lend 25% of the bank's loanable funds; however, this law also allowed banks alternative compliance. Bankers preferred to use the funds in other investments, such as bonds and housing projects, instead of loaning them to farmers because they were considered a credit.

DAR provides Mindanao farmers with pineapple business --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2010 (02:27 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned unproductive lands in Mindanao into thriving pineapple plantations.

DAR, in its desire to increase farmers' income, has linked arms with Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and embarked on a pineapple growership project called "PineappleGrow."

Launched two years ago, the PineappleGrow project is a contract growing arrangement between agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and small farmers or the farmers' organization with DMPI. Under the project the LBP will provide credit to qualified cooperatives to finance the production of fresh pineapple by contracted growers.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said that the project seeks to transform 10,000 hectares of undeveloped and underutilized agricultural lands of ARBs in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte into pineapple plantations.

"The DAR's role in the project is to provide DMPI with manpower to sustain the plantations. PineappleGrow would utilize those unproductive farmlands that would generate jobs and extra income to more than 3,000 ARB households," Pangandaman added.

As of 2009, more than 200 ARBs has been contracted to grow pineapples for DMPI in Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon covering 2,347 hectares of formerly underutilized farmlands.

DAR Agribusiness Training Specialist Alberto Aduna said that farmers earn around Php 6,000 per hectare of pineapples every harvest time.

The DAR also partnered with the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct seminars on the processing of pineapple candies, jam, jelly and vinegar in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon.

"These seminars help provide additional income for the women folk of these ARCs. Graduates of these trainings are now into home-based, small-scale production of pineapple candies which they sell in nearby schools and sari-sari stores," said Aduna.

DAR continues to conduct growers consultation workshops to tap potential farmers and cooperatives who wants to join the PineappleGrow project.

"The DAR does not only give lands, the agency also aims to transform farmers, especially ARBs, into agribusiness entrepreneurs by teaching them the basics of business and marketing through projects like this" Pangandaman said.

DAR's Sugarcane ethanol mitigates power shortage --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2010 (03:27 PM)

To curb the power shortage the country could be facing, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) seeks to enhance local sugarcane farmers' income through an alternative bio-ethanol energy source.

Sugarcane farmers in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental provide sugarcane as feedstock to the San Carlos Bioenergy Inc., (SCBI). It's the first ever integrated fuel ethanol and co-generation plant in the Southeast Asia.

Through the steady efforts of the DAR Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship Development Program (AREDP), some 1,000 agrarian beneficiaries were trained on production technology and now supply high quality sugarcane to the SCBI.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said that the project will bolster the efforts of the government to ease our dependence on expensive imported fuel.

The Biomass Resources Inc., a service provider in feedstock development, partnered with AREDP to improve productivity and profitability for the big and small cane planters.

"While the atmosphere chokes on excessive carbon dioxide emitted by burning fossil fuels, sugarcane ethanol is a better answer as it produces eight times the energy it takes to make it," Pangandaman said.

SCBI produces nearly 40 million liters of ethanol annually representing 10 percent of the country's requirements under the Biofuel Act of 2006.

As of the end of 2009, more than 150,300 tons of sugarcane are delivered to SCBI by cane growers from Gamboa Hermano Farmworkers Multipurpose Cooperative whose members are all agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Petron Corporation has contracted 100 percent of the plant's ethanol production and the Victoria Manapla Cadiz Rural Electric Corporative buys the electricity generated from the SCBI.

DAR issues Guidelines for Programang Agraryo Iskolar --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2010 (01:11PM)

To effectively institutionalize the implementation and operationalization of the Programang Agraryo Iskolar, formerly the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Agrarian Scholarship Program, Secretary Pangandaman recently issued a Standard Operating Procedure on the implementation of the Programang Agraryo Iskolar under Memo Circular No. 4 series of 2010. The guidelines provide the policies, support systems and structure of the said agrarian scholarship program.

Programang Agraryo Iskolar is an innovative program designed to provide qualified dependents of the beneficiaries of CARP an opportunity to study and complete and agriculture-related four (4) year college degree course from SUCs with financial support from the DAR under a competitive screening process. The scholarship grant consists of tuition fee assistance, monthly stipend and book allowance.

MC 4, series of 2010 came about as an output of the Technical Working Group which reviewed, revised and updated the existing procedures and policies of the program, in the light of the passage of the RA 9700 or the CARPER law. The TWG also put forward additional provisions that will address the concerns of Regional and Provincial Coordinators with regard to the implementation of the program.

>>> Click here to view the complete text of Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2010.

BARCs to get much needed boost --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 (05:02 PM)

Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman today signed the Guidelines that will give the Barangay Agrarian Reform Councils (BARCS) the boost it needs especially with its critical role under RA 9700. While the BARCs have been in existence for almost 22 years, most BARCs have encountered difficulties and a number of these have been reportedly in need of reorganization/strengthening.

Memorandum Circular no. 5 entitled, "Updated Guidelines on Formation, Organization, Operationalization and Strengthening of Barangay Agrarian Reform Council (BARC)" provides that the BARC shall be organized / reorganized as efficient mechanism for grassroots participation in the implementation of CARP.

The guidelines serve as guide for DAR Provincial and Municipal Offices and other key players in providing assistance and support to the communities in organizing / reorganizing, capability building and strengthening the BARCs in barangays where there are landholdings which are included under the 5-year phasing of LAD, in areas / barangays where most of the areas are agricultural in land use and zoning, and in areas that are already urbanized but there are still awarded lands or farmers under the leasehold arrangement or lands to be covered under the CARP. The BARC shall be strengthened in areas where there are majority of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries cultivating and managing their awarded lands such as those in ARCs, Special ARCs or ARC Clusters.

The Purpose and functions of BARC, its composition, Officers and Committees, Tenure of Elected Representatives and Officers as well as the Organizing process are also spelled out in the guidelines.

>>> Please click here to view the complete text of Memorandum Circular No. 5, Series of 2010.

DAR promotes rural women's welfare --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 (04:23 PM)

In celebration of "Woman's month," Agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman lauded all the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officials on their commitment to mainstream the Gender and Development (GAD) in the programs and projects for the agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Pangandaman explained that GAD is a strategy to promote women's welfare and to ensure that support services are extended equally between female and male beneficiaries.

Pangandaman stressed that with the five-percent budget of DAR allotted for the implementation of GAD, the department pursues the establishment of community-based enterprises, livelihood seminars and credit assistance to the female beneficiaries.

"The DAR is also educating our women in the countryside about their rights and equal role to men in the society, as well as their social," Pangandaman said.

The Secretary stressed that women are now entitled to own agricultural lands and have accesses to various support services. He further added that the DAR established women's desk nationwide to provide an avenue where women can register their complaints and grievances related to their rural activities.

"Given the opportunity, I'm sure our rural women can contribute as much as our men can in improving the welfare of their respective families as well as of the community, in general," he said.

Linda Dayao, DAR employee and a member of GAD-Technical Working Group, said that even some employees of the department visit the women's desk for queries and counseling regarding gender concerns such as marital relations and discrimination at work.

Pangandaman further said that through GAD, the men and women of agrarian reform have began to acknowledge their equality, especially in CARAGA region as he cited the recently launched DAR-Caraga Oppose Violence Everywhere (DAR-COVE), a male association in support of the implementation of GAD plans and programs of the region.

"CARPER law has only five-year duration. With that short period, the DAR is exhausting all of its resources to conduct various seminars and workshops nationwide about GAD, so that when the CARPer ends, women are already equal with men in building the rural community," Pangandaman added.

DAR renews ties with ADB for P7-B support services implementation of ARCP2 --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 23, 2010 (11:12 AM)

Taking off from the successful execution of the Agrarian Reform Communities Project phase one (ARCP1) in uplifting the agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Southern Philippines, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) renewed its partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the second phase of the said project.

DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman disclosed that ARCP1's eight year intervention has helped the DAR construct around 1,200 kilometers farm-to-market roads and 6,500 irrigation facilities in the said rural areas. The project has also conducted 4,341 agricultural seminars and trainings to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Pangandaman said the ARCP2, which has a five-year implementation period, has a total project cost of P7.09-billion to provide for the continuance of construction of infrastructure facilities and livelihood programs for ARCs, mostly in Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The ARCP2 aims to reduce poverty in about 152 ARCs in 18 provinces, and sustain the improvements in the incomes of farmers through agricultural technology advancement, wider access to rural finance and improved rural infrastructures.

The 152 ARCs that will benefit from the project are located in Romblon, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, TawiTawi, Basilan and Sulu.

"The DAR is grateful to this development because foreign-assisted projects, like the ARCP2, accelerates the department's delivery of support services to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's (CARP) beneficiaries," Pangandaman said.

The agrarian reform chief divulged the impact of ARCP's first phase where he cited the increased ARCs household income to 69%. "Based on the Impact Assessment Study; from the average annual income of these 152 ARCs ranging from P36,000 to P60,000 in year 2001, the income of these communities improved to P93,702 in 2006, which is above the national poverty threshold of P70,615," Pangandaman said.

ARCs are clusters of barangays with farmer-beneficiaries awarded by DAR with agricultural lands and with convergence of development initiatives from government agencies, local government units, non-governmental organizations and foreign donor communities.

DAR celebrates Women's Month --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 22, 2010 5:02 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform marked the celebration of Women's Month during the flag-raising ceremony this Monday morning. The theme of this year's celebration is Babae, Tagumpay ka ng Bayan highlighting women's achievement in paving the way for women's advancement and empowerment amidst challenges.

Artist Environmentalist Chin-Chin Gutierrez graced the occassion and delivered a message to a full-packed audience in the DAR Gymnasium. DAR has consistently advocated and championed women's rights and welfare. The Department has programs and projects that respond to issues and concerns of the Filipino women including but not limited to women's rights, environment, family, work-life balance. SSO Undersecretary and GAD National Steering Committee Chairperson Rosalina Bistoyong read the inspirational message for and in behalf of the Secretary.

Awards were also given to EMP Champions, Biggest Loser and Alay-Lakad Winners during the ceremony. Other activities such as the Adopt -a-Tree, Trade Fair, Medical Mission, Holy Mass and Product Demo are lined up for the week. The Trade Fair, which features ARB products runs from March 22 until March 26 ,2010.

Banana growers in Region 8 adopt organic farming --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 18, 2010 (12:31 PM)

Banana farmers of Region 8 can soon export organic varieties of their produce after being trained on natural farming system by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Under the second phase of DAR's Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP2), over 2,500 agrarian reform beneficiaries are being trained with organic banana farming. Some two thousand hectares of vast banana plantations are being developed for this purpose.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said that the training gives options for farmers who are trapped by expensive chemical-based farming to adopt an eco-friendly and low-cost method of cultivating land.

ARCP2 has teamed up with Segusmundo Cristina (SC) Global, a local company that exports banana to the United States, Japan and Korea. SC will facilitate the training and serve as the sure market for the farmer's produce.

Studies show that uncontrolled use of harmful fertilizers and pesticides have greatly degraded farmlands. On the other hand, organic banana farming will counter the bad effects through the use of composting and essential microorganisms that can even kill diseases caused by pests.

Composting uses farm wastes such as animal manure, dried grass and leaves plus beneficial microorganisms which acts as decomposers.

Likewise, trainers also tackle on the hazards of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic farming also encourages farmers to engage in crop rotation or mixed cropping with other vegetables to maintain the moisture of the soil.

"We are exploring on all possible ways to help our farmers earn more through low farm input with a much higher yield," Pangandaman said.

Newly appointed DAR Officials take oath --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 15, 2010 (11:02 AM)

Sworn in to office today are Full Fledged Undersecretaries Narciso B. Nieto and Renato F. Herrera. Assistant Secretary Dominador B. Andres and Regional Director Julita Ragandang were also sworn in as Assistant Secretary and Regional Director respesctively. Directors Felicidad C. Bañares, Daylinda P. Narisma, Paramon D. Furigay and Alejandro C. Cruz took oaths as Director III.

PAROs Zoraida O. Macadindang, Ernesto B. Tan, Venchito S. Mandap and Venerio A. Yap took oaths as Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO II).

Appointed as Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers I (PARO I) are Primo C. Lara, Ceson S. Original and Leonito M. Gaveria.

Appointed Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (PARADs) are Generosa Alejo P. Villareal, Erriza Dawn B. Narciso and Noel L. Parel.

Atty. Eufronio C. Trocino, Jr. and Atty. Doris R. Briones who were earlier given their appointments as PARADs also joined the oath-taking of DAR Offivials in the Office of the Secretary.

Atty. Raddy Tolentino, Atty. Romer Montales and Atty. Ariel Maglalang also appointed as PARADs took their oath two weeks ago.

In his short message before the appointees, the Secretary expressed his gratitude to the President for recognizing the performance, dedication and long years of service of the DAR Officials who have been bestowed the appointment they deserved.

The Secretary also reminded the appointees that their assumption of the various positions of leadership in the Department must be put to good use especially with the implementation of CARPER.

DAR’s ARCDP2 to finish water impounding projects --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 (01:36 PM)

Amidst of a looming rice shortage as a result of the weather phenomenon El Niño, The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced that two small water impounding projects (SWIP) in Masbate covering 130 hectares are about to be finished. These are expected to meet the urgent need of water facility in the said areas by March 31, 2010.

The water project is under the Second Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project (ARCDP2) with a funding assistance from the World Bank. ARCDP2 aims to improve the lives of 100,000 households in 86 agrarian reform communities nationwide.

Undersecretary Narciso Nieto of the Finance, Management and Administrative Office who is also Project Implementing Officer of ARCDP2 also announced that by the end of June 2010 all remaining infrastructure projects of the ARCDP2 will be complete.

Nieto challenged the ARDP2 personnel to get all things done. “NEDA and World Bank granted us with an additional $10 million pesos so let’s finish this business,” he added.

Masbate Deputy Provincial Project Director Sam Ongcal revealed that aside from building infrastructure projects includes farm-to-market roads and irrigation facilities, ARCDP2 also conducts capability building seminars, workshops and trainings to both project implementers and beneficiaries to boost the productivity and farming skills of the farmers.

“ARCDP2 also constructs pre and post-harvest facilities that include warehouses and solar dryers.,” Ongcal added.

As of the end of 2009, ARCDP2 has completed a total of 235 infrastructure projects broken down as follows: 73 farm to market roads, 120 roads rehabilitated, 11 potable water systems, 15 Multipurpose Centers, 1 solar dryer and 15 irrigation facilities.

Likewise, Provincial Project Director Leo Gaveria said that the SWIP, which is under the irrigation facility, will increase rice productivity and will ease the painful effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the areas.

“The projects are given to improve farmers’ lives and their communities since we train them for sustainability even beyond the project life,” Gaveria added.

More Region 1 farmers get land titles --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 (01:16 PM)

A total of 113 farmers in Region 1 started the year as new landowners of the land they have tilled for so long.

Since the start of the year, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region 1 has awarded 180 certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) covering 133.7 hectares of agricultural lands to farmer-beneficiaries of La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

“As owners of the land, farmers no longer need to worry about rentals for the use of land. They no longer have to fear getting ejected as tenants,” said DAR Regional Director Homer Tobias.

Tobias disclosed that Region 1 is about to complete its land acquisition and distribution. The region has distributed 133,296 hectares since the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) started in 1988. DAR-Region 1 now targets to distribute the remaining 5,947 hectares of private lands in the next two years.

“With very few hectares of land remaining to be distributed in our area, DAR-Region 1 will focus on providing our agrarian beneficiaries with support services like health care, agri-business trainings, credit facilities and infrastructures to help them improve their standard of living,” Tobias added.

Tobias stated that DAR-Region 1 will construct six bridges in Ilocos Norte, four in Ilocos Sur, eight in La Union and 18 in Pangasinan.

The project is part of the “Tulay ng Pangulo Program,” a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which aims to build major bridges in remote rural communities.

Infrastructures like irrigation, post-harvest facilities and farm-to-market roads will also be constructed in the next five years under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project phase 3 (ARISP 3).

Tobias added that the provision of services remains a priority of DAR. Region 1 has 150 agrarian reform communities, which are home to 220,862 agrarian beneficiaries. “All of them need support services such as these,” he said.

DAR kicks off Women's Month with Alay Lakad --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2010 (10:55 AM)

To kick off the Women's Month Celebration, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launched a walk for a cause with the theme: "Lakad, Alay sa Taga DAR" at Quezon City Memorial Circle yesterday. The activity aimed to support its employees who are afflicted with Cancer.

The program is in line with the DAR Women's Month Celebration's Theme: "DAR goes Clean Green and Lean" as it also promotes health and wellness among its employees.

DAR's Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group organized this event to raise a start up fund for the DAR employees diagnosed with Cancer. Participants were required a registration fee of one hundred pesos. Likewise, those who did not join can still contribute by chipping in the said amount or through a minimum sponsorship fee of one thousand pesos.

"This worthy cause is our little way to give out something for our co-employees who are struggling to survive with their illness while instilling among DAR employees the value of sharing as well," DAR GAD TWG Chairperson Director Erlinda Manluctao said.

It is also through this program that the employees learn the importance of a healthy mind and body through exercise and work out.

Some P30, 000 has been collected from the participants and the donors. The GAD Steering Committee will be arranging a system on how to award the amount to the program beneficiaries. The funds are collected and managed by the Special Concern Service of the DAR .

Western Visayas resolved highest agrarian case – DAR --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 8, 2010 (09:25 AM)

Agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman commended the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) region 6 office for having the highest case resolution rate among other DAR regional offices.

Pangandaman said the DAR-6, otherwise called Western Visayas region, which compose of Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo provinces, resolved 5,036 agrarian cases in 2009. The other DAR regional offices that delivered high case resolution are DAR region 3 with 3,890 and DAR-7 with 2,701, while the other regional offices resolved almost identical figures with more than a thousand agrarian cases.

“All in all, the cases resolved by DAR nationwide last year is 24,672 out of 33,550 agrarian cases, which is a positive indication that the department is in very much on track in its bid for zero-backlog in agrarian cases within five years,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman added he expects to chip little by little from the 8,878 pending cases at the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) until it accomplishes a zero balance by the end of 2014.

“The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with extension reform (CARPer) has only five-year duration. To attain this goal, the department directed the DARAB and Legal Affairs Office (LAO) to simplify and shorten the legal proceedings by doing away with unnecessary steps that only contribute to the delay in the resolution cases,” the Secretary said.

The DAR head added that priority should also be given to land acquisition and distribution-related cases, flashpoint and cases involving bigger hectarage in the disposition and resolution of cases.

Pangandaman further added that one legal strategy that works well is the classification of cases according to their age where older cases get the highest priority.

DAR prepares CARP Five Year Implementing Program --- Publishing Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010 (4:46 PM)

To come up with the CARP Five Year Implementing Program, the Department of Agrarian Reform in coordination with the PARC Secretariat and the CIAs and Oversight Agencies held a Strategic Planning Workshop for the Formulation of the CARP Five-Year Implementing Program and Budget (2009 -2014) on March 2-5, 2010 with Cong. Elias Bulut as Guest of Honor.

The event was attended by members of CARP Implementing agencies such as the DENR, Land Bank of the Philippines, LRA, DPWH, NIA, DTI, and DOLE-BWSC, Representatives from oversight agencies such as the NEDA, DBM and the House Committee on Agrarian Reform and the Senate Committee on Agrarian Reform also participated in the planning workshop.

Cong. Bulut delivered an inspirational message and provided updates on the organization of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agrarian Reform (COCAR).

The Strategic planning workshop was aimed at reviewing the DAR vision and mission in the light o RA 9700 or the CARPER Law. After completing the implementing rules and regulations of the law, the DAR has initiated the strategic planning workshop to formulate the CARP Five Year Implementing program and budget so that the implementation of CARPER for the next four years will be done in the most efficient, effective and harmonious manner and in accordance with the provisions of the new law and its IRRs.

ARCP 2 pours foreign-assisted projects in Region 8 --- Publishing Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010 (3:23 PM)

Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Region 8 will soon enjoy greater economic opportunities as the government, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), pours various rural infrastructure projects in support of the country's sustainable rural development program.

The multi-million peso projects include, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, irrigation and potable water supply systems, all aimed at improving the rural folk's living condition.

DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said the development of Region 8, being one of the poorest regions in the country, aims to reduce the incidence of poverty and raise the standard of living of farmers.

"Region 8, whose residents consist mainly of farmers and fishermen, will greatly benefit from these infrastructure facilities. These [infra projects] will enhance the rural economy and in the process, create job opportunities in the region," Pangandaman said.

The five-year project is under the Second Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP 2) and covers 40 agrarian reform communities. It will help 29,604 farmer-beneficiaries of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Western Samar and Northern Samar.

DAR will also construct day care centers and school buildings for the indigenous peoples of the region.

Pangandaman said the provision of day care centers and school buildings are part of the department's community-driven development program to address the literacy needs of children of the Manobo and Mamanwa tribes.

Pangandaman added that the continuing support provided by the ADB and other partners in the donor community "is a testament to the capability and credibility of DAR to implement large-scale development projects under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)."

DAR to distribute 6,000 hectares of land in Leyte --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 1, 2010 (9:27 AM)

Tacloban City, Leyte - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in this province is set to distribute 6,450 hectares of agricultural lands to the farmer-beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Provinicial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Oscar Reloj said the move is in compliance with the DAR's 200,000 hectares of land distribution target for this year.

Reloj stressed that the said target is attainable because the restoration of the compulsory acquisition (CA), which is one of the modes for acquiring land for distribution, boosted the morale of the field implementers to pursue land distribution.

The CA was restored through Republic Act 9700, which was signed last year by President Gloria Arroyo, to further strengthen and extend the CARP for five more years. The other modes for land acquisitions are voluntary offer to sell (VOS) and voluntary land transfer (VLT).

"The DAR normally resorts to CA scheme when concerned landowners refuse to give up their properties for CARP," Reloj added.

Leyte farmer Norman Tiglao said he is excited for the department's effort to distribute lands

because he is one among the hopeful farmers who want to have their own farm.

On the other hand, agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman commended the DAR-Leyte on its huge target of lands for distribution.

"I am hoping that the DAR would meet its target this year. The last time it breached the 200,000 hectare mark was in 1997, wherein the bulk of which were government-owned lands," he said.

Pangandaman added that he is confident that the DAR would make a good account for itself this 2010, citing marked improvements in past dealings with landowners, many of them have started cooperating with DAR upon sensing that they could not skirt the program after Congress restored the compulsory acquisition scheme in the amended law.

DAR turns over water and sanitation facility in Isabela --- Publishing Date: Monday, March 1, 2010 (9:22 AM)

Tumauini, Isabela- in response to the water borne diseases that ail the agrarian reform communities, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in partnership with the Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) turned over a potable water supply and sanitation system to the residents of Brgy. Fermeldy.

The Community Managed Potable Water Sanitation and Hygiene called the (CPWASH), consists of biogas digester, iron removal filter and bio sand filter. These are low-cost, indigenous material based and pro-poor technology to improve access to water supply and proper sanitation services.

The iron removal filter attached to the deep well pump eliminates iron bearing water as well as the smell by using charcoal base, sand and gravel filter, it can benefit up to 35 households while the smaller bio sand filter and biogas digester benefits one household.

"Mabbalo ta DAR, MLGU and PCWS ta panangiyawa ta project ta brgy. mi" (thank you to the DAR, MLGU and PCWS for the project that you gave our barangay) iron removal filter beneficiary Neil Malazzab expressed during the turn over.

The project is made possible by the DAR, which pays for the workers' and facilitators' food, board and lodging and honoraria. The municipal local government unit (MLGU) shoulders the cost of materials while the cooperative in the area provides for the construction manpower and indigenous materials. The PCWS provides the engineering technology through trainings and hands-on construction.

"This project heightens your awareness on the importance of potable water system and sanitation. I keep my confidence that you will maintain and operate these facilities for the benefit of everyone," ARDO for operation Jun Paramon said.

The agrarian reform communities (ARC) in Occidental Mindoro and Cagayan served as the pilot testing sites back in 2008 and it has been operational since then. Isabela, Benguet, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Palawan, Masbate, Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Agusan Sur are among the ten expansion areas to receive such facilities in the coming months.

DAR holds General Orientation/Workshop and Planning Conference for ARMM --- Publishing Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010 (5:09 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform held a General Orientation Workshop and Planning conference for ARMM in Cagayan De Oro on February 22-26,2010 attended by DAR-ARMM Regional Officers, PAROs, CARPOs for PMEU, Computer programmers, and administrative staff. DARCO Officials served as Resource Persons and Speakers of the said orientation.

The orientation and planning workshop aims to strategize for the accomplishment of the ARMM's 5-year LAD Balances, firm up 5-year plan of activities with its corresponding financial accomplishments, present / discuss the salient features of RA 9700 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and to present/discuss the Enhanced Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (PME) system of the Department.

Since ARMM has no no designated PARCCOM members, the issue on PARCCOM formation was also included in the discussion to be facilitated by the PARC Secretariat.

In addition, the activity is also deemed to foster closer coordination and working relations with the new DAR-ARMM leadership.

The Policy, Planning and External Affairs Office spearhead and facilitated the overall activities in coordination with the DAR Regional Office n Cagayan de Oro and the DAR-ARMM.

DAR introduces natural farming --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 (11:23 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) started farmers' trainings on Natural Farming System under the second phase of the Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP 2).

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said that the training aims to promote awareness of the positive gains in natural farming versus conventional farming and to adopt the technology in the farmers' own fields.

"These trainings will provide farmers the skills and know-how in the natural ways of farming without harming the environment and without health hazards to farmers, crops and its yield," said Pangandaman.

Studies show that the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has greatly degraded the rural environment. Farmlands are poisoned due to the accumulation of chemicals in the soil.

Studies also show that using chemicals has increased the incidence of pests and animal diseases thereby causing low crop production. It also affects the health of farmers and consumers because the chemicals used in farming leaves residues on agri products.

"To address these problems, our option is to go back to the basics of farming. This technology utilizes local natural resources like making their own fertilizer through composting. It will be beneficial [for farmers] to adopt this as it was tried and proven in countries like Japan, Korea, India and Sweden," Pangandaman added.

The "Natural Farming System" course that will end this March covers 152 agrarian reform communities (ARCs) located in Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Negros Occidental, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Shariff Kabunsuan.

"Providing lands to farmers is not the only solution to address poverty, but also by providing assistance through training for farmers to be able to help themselves in sustaining high productivity and income," said Pangandaman.

DAR acts on climate change --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 (11:20 AM)

Baguio City - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently conducted a consultation workshop to bring awareness to agrarian reform personnel the destructive impact of the global warming.

DAR Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) Director Renato Navata said the disasters like Ondoy, Pepeng and Benguet landslides that struck the country could be blamed to global warming.

"Global warming or climate change means that earth's temperature increased in faster rate; as a result, sea level rise, heat waves increase and an storm are intensified, which cause cyclone, landslide, flood and other calamities," Navata explained.

Navata added that the main reason of this phenomenon is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gases, which release huge amount of carbon dioxide into the air.

He added that other chemicals can also contribute in climate change such as the methane release from cultivation and fermentation in cattle, and nitrous oxide releases from fertilizer application.

"To mitigate these growing concerns, the DAR will conduct eco-friendly trainings on micro-irrigation technologies, water harvesting and mini/micro hydro-power projects to the farmers," Navata said.

Agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman commended the DAR-CAR on its move to educate people by beginning in their own backyard.

"I learned from World Bank report that the typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng had pushed 480,000 people into poverty, a total of P50.3-billion lost of income to the people affected and 850 tons of rice lost. It is estimated that we need to spend P208-billion until 2012 to recover from that devastation," Pangandaman divulged. He added that that huge sum of money could be used in boosting the country's economy, if we have been prepared or even avoided the destructive effect of these disasters.

"I hope that other agency would follow the DAR-CAR's initiative. Bringing the climate change concerns to people's consciousness is a big step in combating this worsening global problem," Pangandaman said.

Navata added that the DAR-CAR will improve all the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's (CARP) stakeholders' participation in research, training and education programs to be aware in their farming practices. Navata divulged that changes in farm inputs, timing, tillage, as well as, crop rotation, crop choice, crop diversification, and crop harvesting processing can also contribute in alleviating the problem.

"The DAR-CAR implements this awareness on global warming concerns because Benguet province, which is covered by this region, has the highest area vulnerable to landslide, which is 93,093 hectares. Other provinces with landslide vulnerability in this region include Ifugao with 25,345 has., Mt. Province with4,275has., Kalinga with 7915 has., and Apayao with 8,210 has.," Navata said.

Joseph Garcia, CARP stakeholder, said he never knew how devastating is the impact of climate change until he attended this workshop. "From now on, I will participate in activities saving our world from global warming. In my little way, I will help by decreasing my consumption of fuels, be more aware in my farming activities and segregating our trash," he said.

Guidelines on Valuation and LO Compensation of tenanted rice and corn lands under PD 27 & EO 228 released --- Publishing Date: Friday, February 19, 2010 (04:19 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform has issued its first Administrative Order for the year. This is DAR Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2010 titled "Rules and Regulations on valuation and landowners compensation involving tenanted rice and corn lands under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 27 and Executive Order (EO) No. 228."

Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman lauded the preparation and issuance of the said guidelines saying this will address the persistent problem of Landowners' refusal to accept valuation of their lands due to "low valuation complaints" for tenanted rice and corn lands covered under PD 27 and EO 228.

Under the said AO, "all previously acquired lands wherein valuation is subject to challenge by landowners shall be completed and finally resolved pursuant to section 17 of RA 6657,as amended." The word "challenge is an expression of non-acceptance of valuation by the landowner through filing of just compensation case in Court, written protest or similar instruments or impliedly thru non-compliance to submit pre-payment / documentary requirements despite receipt of notice or demand."

The coverage of this guidelines are "A. lands already distributed by the DAR to the farmer-beneficiaries where documentation and/or valuation are/is not yet complete (DNYD) claims; B. PD 27/EO 228 claims with the LBP where: 1. the DAR valuation is rejected by the landowner or 2. the DAR valuation is undergoing summary proceeding with the DARAB or just compensation case with the Court or 3. the Landowner accepts the original valuation under protest or without prejudice to the determination of just compensation or 4. the landowner refuses or fails to submit or comply with the prepayment/documentary requirements under PD 27/EO 228 despite receipt of notice of demand. C. Rice and Corn Lands under PD 27 falling under Phase 1 of RA 9700.

DAR AO 1, S 2010 also states that "1. All PD 27 and EO 228 claims not yet valued by DAR shall continuously valued by DAR pursuant to PD 27/EO 228 formula; 2.The basis of amortization by the farmer-beneficiary shall be the DAR valuation determined pursuant to PD 27/EO 228 formula; 3. Claims covered under PD 27/EO 228 and revalued under RA 6657 or RA 9700 shall no longer be entitled to the coverage of DAR AO 13,s-1994, DAR AO 2, s-2004 and DAR AO 6,s-2008; and 4. the final survey documents shall be submitted by DAR to LBP prior to any revaluation.

Pangandaman: Palawan not just a tourist hub --- Publishing Date: Friday, February 19, 2010 (02:23 PM)

Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Palawan’s agrarian reform is on its headway to be known not just as tourist haven but also as farmers’ zone

Palawan, popular for its amazing variety of flora and fauna, targeted to distribute this year a total of 2,200 hectares of agricultural land to the farmer-beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Conrado Guevarra said the move is in compliance with the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) 200,000 hectares of land distribution target nationwide.

Guevarra added that at least 8,000 homelots with aggregate area of 526 hectares located in the municipality of Narra, and Aborlan are included in the said distribution.

Mang Doming, a farmer and Tamiloc-seller from Takamin agrarian reform community (ARC), said he appreciated the DAR for its effort in boosting the farmers’ economic life. “The DAR provided us land and helped us enrich it by conducting various agricultural training, as well as the construction of infrastructure projects to give us more and easier access to wider markets,” he said.

He added that his selling of edible woodworm Tamiloc, an exotic food loved by both local and foreign visitors, takes place along the side of farm-to-market road, which was constructed by the DAR.

On the other hand, agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman commended the DAR-Palawan for its excellent implementation of land distribution last year.

Pangandaman said in spite of CARP’s difficulties last year, Palawan managed to distribute 112% of its target land distribution, which was 506 hectares out of 450 hectares target.

“For the last two years, before the CARP extension with reform was signed into law last August, the DAR’s land distribution is limited only to two schemes: voluntary offer to sell (VOS) and voluntary land transfer (VLT). The other scheme, which was compulsory acquisition, was not allowed because CARP had already expired then,” Pangandaman said.

“I would not be surprised if this province, including its mountainous and far-flung areas, becomes one of the most progressive agricultural provinces in the Philippines. The officials here are full supportive of the DAR, which was evidently seen in the efforts of Palawan Congressman Abraham Mitra pushing for CARP extension last year,” the Secretary added.

The RA 9700 or CARP extension with reform, which was signed by President Gloria Arroyo last year of August, amended certain provisions of RA 6657 to further strengthen the CARP and extend it for five more years.

DAR Ranked 6th during the PAGCs 2009 2nd Semester Awarding of the IDAP-Compliant Agencies --- Publishing Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010 (08:24 AM)

DAR ranked 6th during the 2nd semester awarding of the Integrity development Action Plan (IDAP)-complaint agencies out of 177 national government agencies on February 9,2010 at Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Land Bank of the Philippines. This is the 2nd time the Department received recognition from the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC). The first time was last year during the 1st Semester Awarding where the Department also ranked 6th but out of 109 agencies only.

For DAR, this is a very meaningful and fulfilling achievement especially to the Honorable Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman, the Integrity Development Committee (IDC) headed by Asst. Secretary Edgar A. Igano, the IDC members, the different process owners at the Central Office, as well as the regional and Provincial IDCs (RIDCs/PIDCs) of the Department which religiously complied and accomplished the IDAP under the PAGC. Likewise, the IDC expresses its gratitude to USEC. Narciso Nieto of FMAO for the financial support to all the IDC activities.

The IDC and the Department as a whole has to work harder to increase its IDAP rating and ranking for 2010.

National Work and Financial Planning starts tomorrow --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 (03:44 PM)

The National Conference on the Preparation of the DAR's CY 2010 Work and Financial Plan starts tomorrow in Binalonan, Pangasinan. It will be attended by Central and Field Officials as well as by the Regional Directors, ARDOs, ARDAs, CARPOs and for Planning and Budget Officers from the regional offices.

The conference aims to discuss and make the participants gain understanding of the national perspective of the Department's CY 2009 accomplishment and cumulative program performance and balances, DAR's thrust and Priorities for CY 2010 and CARP and DAR's CY 2010 budget as approved by Congress. It also aims to orient the participants on the general and specific guidelines on the preparation of the Regional and Provincial Work and Financial Plan for 2010. And to firm up the regional distribution of selected MFO targets and direct costs for CY 2010 based on the approved budget allocations and firm up the regional allocation of budget for mandatory expenditures and Personal services.

The conference ends on Friday, February 19, 2010.

DAR turns over P47-M road projects in Cam Sur --- Publishing Date: Monday, February 15, 2010 (02:56 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over some P47.8 million worth of farm-to-market roads to boost business activities in rural communities in Camarines Sur.

DAR Regional Director Celestina Tam disclosed that one of DAR’s thrust is to build roads that will connect agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to major business centers. “The ARC connectivity will make it easier to provide our rural communities with support services.”

One of the farm-to-market roads is the concreting of the 10 kilometer junction road in Ragay with a total cost of P23.9 million. The road will cover six Barangays namely: Tuos, Sabang, Malinao, Iwang and Inugikan.

The junction road will lessen travel time and transport cost of farmers and will be easier for the residents in commuting from place to place. It will also hasten the mobility of goods and services for the residents.

Also turned over is the 2.91 kilometer Batang-Tambo road in Barangay Batang worth P15 million and the 1.9 kilometer Veneracion Zones 1-5 road in Barangay Veneracion worth P8.9 million in Pamplona, Camarines Sur.

According to Tam, some 6,000 residents of these communities, mostly agrarian reform beneficiaries benefit from these projects, “They are now able to transport agri products to the business center with less time and cost.”

“The construction of roads to rural areas specifically in ARCs is essential for the farmers to be able to increase farm production and become productive members of their community and in the process, enhance the rural economy to create job opportunities,” Tam said.

During the turn over ceremony, Rep. Dato Arroyo of 1st District of Camarines Sur stressed the importance of the government’s efforts to reach out to barangays that still need development assistance.

The projects were funded by the World Bank under the second phase of the Agrarian Reform Community Development Project (ARCDP 2). The roads were completed in cooperation with the local government, which provided counterpart funds.

ARCs are clusters of barangays with farmer-beneficiaries awarded by DAR with lands and with convergence of development initiatives from government agencies, LGUs, NGOs and foreign donor communities.

Sec. Pangandaman called for stronger ties and efforts among CIRDAP member countries on the promotion of rural development --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (03:18 PM)

(Dhaka, Bangladesh). Governments must prioritize agriculture and rural development to eradicate poverty and hunger as well as improve the welfare of the rural poor across different developing nations in Asia and the Pacific.

DAR Secretary and Chairperson of the 16th CIRDAP Governing Council of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Nasser C. Pangandaman made this statement during the inaugural session of the CIRDAP 17th Governing Council meeting held in Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 26 January 2010. He said that governments of CIRDAP member countries (CMCs) have to have a well-defined and innovative program-means to fight poverty and promote the welfare of the rural poor. He added that CMCs must maximize its participation in CIRDAP and to remain committed in strengthening regional collaboration to combat poverty and continuously craft and implement programs designed to advance rural development, agriculture, and food security in the region.

During the meeting, the CMCs are expected to make critical decisions on how best to position CIRDAP as a regional policy making body and define priorities as well as targets of achieving its goals and commitments contained in the Dhaka Declaration on Rural Development 2010.

Sec. Pangandaman explained that the changeover meeting of CIRDAP this year is critical because it would signal the call for transformation and innovations in CIRDAP from its inception period when the regional integration concept was initiated and to make it more responsive to the new and emerging development in its environment that significantly impacts on the direction and policies on rural development of its CMCs.

He cited that over the past decades, Asia and the Pacific region has experienced rapid growth that produced essential changes that impact on how governments handle new realities and opportunities in terms of policy and program intervention development. The Secretary mentioned that these development changes coupled with shift in development aid and financial landscape have created a need and an opportunity for the CIRDAP to reposition itself and lay down a new strategic direction to enable it to embark on development initiatives supportive of the needs and demands of its member-countries.

Sec. Pangandaman further shared that in order to prepare the CIRDAP member countries (CMCs) and craft innovative rural development interventions, the GC-16 of CIRDAP which he served as a Chair, had decided in CY 2009 in Manila. Philippines, to call for a review of the Rural Development (RD) and Poverty Alleviation (PA) policies and experiences of the CMCs and evaluate CIRDAP from its strategic and institutional perspectives. The evaluation study conducted, he added, showed that that regional cooperation among CMCs is imperative to address poverty and deprivation and that CIRDAP has to take bolder steps in pursuing platforms for regional cooperation, policy development, learning and experts' exchanges on RD and PA in the region.

The Secretary urged the delegates from CMCs, representatives of development partners, and other ARRD stakeholder who attended the 5-day Second Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development to strengthen and or renew their cooperation and commitment in supporting CIRDAP's strategic role as a regional think tank in the field of rural development work in Asia and the Pacific.

Secretary Pangandaman headed the Philippine delegation who attended the 5-day CIRDAP Ministerial meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Philippines was elected in CY 2008 to Chair the CIRDAP Governing Council (GC) and Executive Committee (EC). Secretary Pangandaman is the out-going GC chair while BARBD's OIC Director Ma. Elena C. Cabañes is the out-going EC chair. Both committees are the highest policy-making body of the CIRDAP whose member countries represented by the plenipotentiaries through their respective designate-contact agency and link institutions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

DAR to distribute more private lands in Region 1 --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (09:10 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will prioritize the coverage of private agricultural lands to ensure the distribution of privately-owned lands before the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) expires in 2014.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman earlier directed all DAR field officials to issue notices of coverage to all identified landholdings.

Pangandaman explained that the process of covering a landholding under CARP starts with the issuance of notices of coverage followed by several processes in accordance with the existing laws.

In line with this directive, Regional Director Homer Tobias disclosed that Region 1 has targeted to distribute the remaining 5,947 hectares of private lands for the next two years.

Region 1 which consist of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Panngasinan will distribute 4,800 hectares of agricultural lands this year and the remaining 1,147 hectares on 2011.

“With very few hectares of land remaining to be distributed, DAR-Region 1 will focus on providing our agrarian-beneficiaries with support services like health care, agri-business trainings, credit facilities and infrastructures to help them improve their standard of living,” Tobias said.

Tobias stated that DAR-Region 1 will construct six bridges in Ilocos Norte, four in Ilocos Sur, eight in La Union and 18 in Pangasinan.

The project is part of the “Tulay ng Pangulo Program,” a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which aims to build major bridges in far-flung rural communities.

DAR-Region 1 continues to aid farmer-beneficiaries through their ongoing projects like installing community-based potable water systems, sanitation and hygiene systems, trainings on livelihood programs, product development, marketing assistance and providing credit facilities.

Tobias added that the provision of services remains a priority of DAR. Region 1 has 150 agrarian reform communities which are home to 220,862 agrarian beneficiaries. “All of them need support services such as these,” he said.

DARAB commended for high case resolution rate --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 (03:53 PM)

THE Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) exceeded the expectations of many when it resolved last year a total of 24,672 out of the 33,550 agrarian cases for a high 145-percent resolution rate, DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said Wednesday.

Pangandaman said the number of cases resolved by DARAB in 2009 is 7,365 cases more than its target of 17,037. It also eclipsed its 2008 record of 23,314 cases resolved, by 1,358 cases.

Pangandaman also announced that his office extended legal assistance to a total of 72,491 cases, resulting to the settlement of 67,786 cases.

“This is a very positive indication that we are very much on track in our bid for zero-backlog in agrarian cases within five years,” Pangandaman said.

The DAR chief said he expects to chip away little by little from the 8,878 pending cases at DARAB until his office accomplishes a zero balance by the end of 2014.

Earlier, Pangandaman directed the DARAB and the Legal Affairs Office to simplify and shorten legal proceedings by doing away with unnecessary steps that only contribute to the delay in the resolution of cases.

“We’ve got to hasten the resolution of cases, some of them are potential powder keg. But, in so doing, we should also exercise caution to preserve the integrity of our decisions,” he stressed. He listed as top priority the aged cases or the so-called “Monalisa” – “they lie there and just die there,” alluding to lyrics in a Nat King Cole song.

Pangandaman added that priority should also be given to land acquisition and distribution-related cases, flashpoint and cases involving bigger hectarage in the disposition and resolution of cases.

He also urged DARAB and the Legal Affairs Office to link arms with the Field Operations Office, ensuring that their staff are constantly interacting with each other through problem-solving workshops to determine as early as possible potential legal problems.

The DAR chief said his office is exploring various legal measures aimed at speeding up the delivery of agrarian justice in a bid to attain an ambitious zero-backlog within the duration of the agrarian reform program’s five-year extension period.

One legal strategy that works well and pleases him, he said, is the classification of cases according to their age where older cases get the highest priority.

He, however, cautioned them to ensure the adaptability and flexibility of all legal measures being considered, especially in cases that are as complex as those flashpoint cases in Negros Occidental and other highly volatile areas.

DAR to pursue alternative dispute resolution --- Publishing Date: Monday, February 08, 2010 (02:01 PM)

Agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman announced that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will aggressively implement the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in various agrarian disputes to reduce conflicts maturing into court cases.

The ADR or Republic Act No. 9285, which was signed by the President in 2006, is a state policy that promotes mediation, conciliation and arbitration in settling disputes. All executive branches of the government were encouraged to implement this scheme in resolving any disputes.

"While we are working on a zero-backlog in agrarian cases within the next five years, the department sees the potential of ADR to avoid agrarian disputes to falling into time and money-consuming court cases," Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said that the ADR has proven to be very effective. He divulged that the DAR has 21,500 cases to be settled under this scheme for this year.

Pangandaman explained that ADR encourages disputing parties to sit together until they both reach a mutual agreement unlike in court rulings where losing parties oftentimes appeal their cases and became an addition to numerous unsettled cases.

"ADR is as simple as settling conflict in barangay level first before it goes up in higher court," Pangandaman further added.

The DAR central office had trained more personnel to handle ADR. Aurora Cabacang, one of the department's ADR specialist, said that in preparation for the all-out implementation of ADR, they already conducted an ADR seminar for the Central Luzon’s municipal agrarian reform officers (MAROs).

"While some of the field officers in the provinces are not trained yet to mediate, they can easily call our services because ADR is very accessible and inexpensive means to deliver impartial justice,” she added.

More Mindanao farmers can now get credit

Publishing Date: Monday, February 08, 2010 (11:01 AM)

Farmers in Caraga region can now have more opportunities to borrow money to make their lands productive, repair their houses, or send their children to school.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in partnership with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (Natcco) recently launched generous credit line facilities in Barobo, Surigao del Sur and Bayugan, Agusan del Sur in Caraga region.

Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mumbuay said the credit facility called “Micro Innovations in Cooperatives (Micoop)” offers multi-financial services such as loans for farm inputs, housing (repair), educational and health needs, among others.

Micoop is being funded by the World Bank under the DAR’s Second Agrarian Reform Community Development Program (WB-ARCDP 2).

Micoop will allot loan funds from P5 million to 10 million per cooperative to provide farmers’ organizations with microfinance and bank-like financial services to their members.

DAR, will also provide technical assistance to trainings and researches to hone farmers’ knowledge, skills and competencies.

Mambuay said he is confident the Micoop will address the problems that are besetting every farmer-beneficiary nationwide. Studies show that the lack of access to credit remains a major problem among farmers. Many of them approach loan sharks who charge excessive interest rates.

“Thank God for Micoop, now I don’t have to go to loan sharks for cash to buy farm inputs,” said farmer Dionisio Alcover of Dacutan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DFMPC) in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.

So far, the partnership has benefited some 7,560 ARBs nationwide. More Micoops will be launched in Bukidnon, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Palawan, Batangas and Catanduanes within the year.

Agraryo Scholars now accepted in DLSU-Dasma --- Publishing Date: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 (05:16 PM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform has forged an agreement with the De La Salle University Dasmariñas for the latter to accept Agraryo Scholars under the President Diosdado Macapagal Agrarian Scholarship Program.

Secretary Nasser Pangandaman was very happy that the Dela Salle community has opened its doors to Agraryo Scholars. He is also very proud that the premiere academic institution has deemed the Agraryo Iskolar program worthy of its support.

The Agraryo Iskolar Program was created by the DAR to give poor but deserving children of farmer beneficiaries' brighter opportunities in education. In the five years of its existence, the Department has collaborated with State Universities and colleges. The Department have also seen Summa cum laudes, Magna cum laudes, and Cum laudes among the ranks of farmers' children.

The Secretary was very pleased with the MOA signing between DAR and the DLSU-Dasmariñas calling it a "breakthrough in human development."

Part of the MOA with the DLSU-Dasmariñas is an immersion program wherein Dela Salle student will immerse themselves in farming communities. This will give students the opportunity to learn from institutions as well as learn directly from the people.

DAR distributes farmlands in Cebu province --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 (01:09 PM)

Cebu Province - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently distributed 181.2 hectares of agricultural lands to 127 farmers in the province's four municipalities, which include Balamban, Sibonga, Moalboal and San Remigio.

Agrarian reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman said most of the lands distributed were under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension with reform's (CARPer) voluntary land transfer (VLT), a scheme where land owners enter a mutual agreement with farmers as the DAR facilitates the direct transfer of lands.

"I am glad that more landowners are now becoming more cooperative with the CARPer's cause," Pangandaman said. He further added that more people now realize the role of CARP in social justice, and with that kind of recognition, the DAR can even surpass its 200,000 hectares target of land distribution for the year

The other modes for land acquisition are voluntary offer to sell (VOS), which encourages landlords’ to offer their land in exchange for a five percent higher compensation in cash portion of their properties; and compulsory acquisition (CA) of the lands, where government expropriate landholdings whether their owners cooperate or not.

Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay reminded his constituents that with the lands they received and other support services they are enjoying, there is a corresponding responsibility for them, which is to take care of them and pay their obligations.

The Secretary stressed that CARPer law is not only about land distribution but also on implementation of support services, such as construction of infrastructure projects and access to agri-business opportunities to empower the farmers nationwide.

The CARPer law or Republic Act 9700, which was signed by President Gloria Arroyo last year, amended certain provisions of RA 6657 to further strengthen the CARP and extend it for five more years.

DBM issues interim authority to fill regular/permanent/itemized positions in government --- Publishing Date: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 (09:19 AM)

The Budget Department has recently authorized Department Secretaries / Agency/GOCC?GFI Heads to fill regular/permanent/itemized positions that are necessary in the performance of their vital/core functions from the effectivity of this Circular Letter up to 25 March 2010 (the last day for said personnel actions under COMELEC Resolution No. 8646 dated July 14,2009.

The filling of said positions is being authorized, subject to pertinent budgetary, civil service, accounting and auditing rules and regulations, and the following conditions:

Positions for filing are funded under the FY 2009 and the proposed FY 2010 budgets of the Department/Agency/GOCC/GFI.
The action would not entail additional budgetary release or the realignment of non-Personal Services (PS) funds to PS; and
The total number of filed positions in the Department/Agency/GOCC/GFI at the start of its rationalization efforts would not be exceeded, exclusive of teaching positions, medical and allied medical items in the hospitals, and uniformed positions."

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman earlier wrote DBM Secretary Andaya on January 5, 2010 to reiterate his request for exemption from the prohibitions in filing up positions during the period of rationalization. He sought authority to fill critical positions in the Department to be able to comply with the mandate of RA 9700 or the CARPER Law. DAR has experienced a steady decline in the number of manpower complement due to compulsory retirement, resignation, and transfer of personnel to other agencies. This greatly affects the delivery of the department's major outputs given the five year CARP extension.

>>> Please click here to view the complete text of DBM Circular Letter No. 2010-3 dated January 29, 2010 or visit the dbm.gov.ph website.

Farmers can soon use land as collaterals --- Publishing Date: Monday, February 01, 2010 (01:06 PM)

Once the law is passed, farmers will be able to acquire farm equipment, machineries, seeds, fertilizers and other items for marketing, by availing of loans from financial institutions using their awarded land as collateral.

The House of Representatives committee on agrarian reform recently approved House Bill (HB) 3368 allowing Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries to use their lands as bank loan collateral.

“With access to production loans, farmers will be able to procure farm equipment to improve and develop their land, or they can establish a small business to increase their family income,” Pangandaman added.

Studies conducted show that, before, farmlands were not acceptable to banks as loan collateral because the distortion in the agricultural land market brought about by the government’s land distribution programs have lowered their exchange value.

Pangandaman observed that the lack of access to credit remains a major problem among farmer-beneficiaries many of who are forced to approach loan sharks who excise excessive interest rates.

There were also instances when farmer beneficiaries’ land titles were cancelled due to the absence of tillers and many farmers were forced by circumstances to mortgage their land for a temporary period, even on conditions that the bank/mortgagee shall take over the possession and cultivation of the land.

“This mode of cancellation of land titles is unjust and unfair to farmers who, by necessity, temporarily abandon the lands awarded to him,” laments Pangandaman.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman explained that the bill allows the farmer two years to redeem the mortgage of his right to the land. Otherwise, the land concerned will be redistributed to another qualified land reform beneficiary.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) continues to deliver credit programs and support services to farmer beneficiaries through its Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD). The said program is designed to empower farmers by establishing farmer organizations, agrarian reform communities and other endeavors which offer various loan schemes.

As of June 2009, DAR has provided loan assistance amounting to P2.8 billion to 225,395 agrarian reform beneficiaries.

“The primary objective for the passage of this law is to stimulate private investment in agriculture to spur rural development and help uplift the economy, and at the same time, help farmers get much needed credit for their farm production and expand their facilities,” Pangandaman said.

DAR inaugurates P10 Million Irrigation facility system --- Publishing Date: Monday, February 01, 2010 (10:26 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Project Phase II (ARISP II) has teamed up with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to turn over a P10.2 million communal irrigation system (CIS) to the Banawang Irrigator's Association in Casiguran, Sorsogon.

The ARISP II is funded by the Government of Japan under the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) in support of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. It delivers useful support services for the agrarian reform communities (ARC) nationwide to develop their lands.

ARISP II is one of the highly recognized projects under the agency's Official Development Assistance (ODA), and has achieved a 96% accomplishment rate in its Infrastructure development component. This represents 487 infrastructure subprojects which includes 133 irrigation and drainage facilities, 184 farm-to-market roads, 82 rural water systems and 68 post harvest facilities such as solar dryers, warehouses and Agrarian Information and Marketing (AIM-C) buildings .

The irrigation system covers a total of 28 hectares of Riceland in Brgy. Tigbao and Banawang, Casiguran. The rice production in the area rose up from 50 to 60 sacks per hectare to 80 to 90 sacks since the irrigation was completed.

"Our efforts to improve the small farmer's level of productivity is paying off as we make you no longer dependent on the wet season as the sole source of water for your farms. Furthermore, the responsibility for its maintenance is in your hands." Regional Director for Region V Celestina Tam said during the turn over.

With a gleeful heart, the farmer beneficiaries of the Casiguran ARC Cluster B accepted the facility promising to utilize it for the benefit of everyone concerned. Over a hundred farmer beneficiaries benefits from it.

Salvador Hife, the association's president said, "We have been waiting for this for years and we will be forever grateful to DAR and Japan for what they have given us.

Agrarian Chief chairs Second Ministerial Meeting of CIRDAP --- Publishing Date: Friday, January 29, 2010 (3:55 PM)

Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman attended the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Centre for Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) of which he is the Chairman of the Governing Council in Dhaka, Bangladesh on January 24 - 28,2010. The Secretary delivered the opening address and presided over the Governing Council meeting and delivered the position statement of the group. In 2007, the Philippines hosted the CIRDAP meeting held in Manila where the Secretary also presided over the Governing Council meeting as its Chairman.

After the CIRDAP meeting, the Secretary is expected to proceed to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend the peace talks as member of the GRP Peace Negotiating Panel with MILF.

Full Implementation of CARPER provisions in 2010 --- Publishing Date: Monday, January 25, 2010 (2:02 PM)

Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman directed the full implementation of the CARPER provisions in 2010 during the CY 2009 National Year-end Assessment and Planning Conference for CY 2010 held at the Oxford Hotel, Clark Special Economic Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.

This annual performance review and planning conference gathered the Department's Central and Field Officials including the Regional Directors, Asst. Regional Directors for Operations, Asst. Regional Directors for Administration, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers (PAROs) and the Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (RARADs) nationwide.

In addition to the respective sectoral directives issued by the Undersecretaries for Field Operations, Support Services and Legal, the Secretary noted the need to attain the 200,000 hectares Land Acquisition and Distribution target for the year. This figure is much higher than the annual LAD target of the Department in the previous years, but he expressed confidence that this can be attained due largely to the restoration of the compulsory mode of acquiring lands and the increase in the budget given to us by Congress.

The 3-day assessment and planning conference was also attended by Officials of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao headed by DAR Asst. Regional Secretary Bai Henrietta Sinsuat Lidasan. Asst. Secretary and concurrent Head Executive Assistant Atty. Jim G. Coleto delivered the Welcome and Inspirational Remarks in the Opening Program, while Planning Director Leticia Damole provided the 2009 Agency Performance Report and PPEAO Undersecretary gave the Strategic Policy Directions for the year.

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DAR Caraga Oppose Violence Everywhere (DAR-COVE) launched --- Publishing Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010 (7:49 AM)

The DAR Regional Office in Caraga launched the Region-wide Women's Desk Officers and inducted the Officers of the DAR-Caraga Oppose Violence Everywhere (DAR-COVE) in simple ceremonies on January 15, 2010.

Atty. Jim G. Coleto, DARAB Assistant Secretary and concurrent Head Executive Assistant of the Office of the Secretary graced the occasion as Guest Speaker and Inducting Officer.

In his speech, Asec. Coleto lauded the DAR-Caraga for its pioneering efforts to organize the DAR-COVE, a male association in support to the implementation of GAD plans and programs of the region. "Hopefully, the association will grow and sustain its activities so that this can be replicated in the DAR Central, as well as in other Regional and Provincial offices.

"RA 9700 also known as the CARPER law is a legislation that is responsive to women", said Asec. Coleto. The recognition of women's right is evident in the inclusion of provisions for rural women such as the definition of rural women, their rights to own land and representation in decision-making bodies on agrarian reform, he added.

In closing, he urged the newly inducted DAR-COVE Officers and Women's Desk Officers to avail of the various seminars and workshops being conducted in the DAR regarding Gender and Development so that they can re-echo the relevant knowledge and information in their respective areas.

>>> Please click here to view complete text of the speech of Asec. Coleto.

DAR to hold CY 2009 Assessment & CY 2010 Conference next week --- Publishing Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010 (9:30 AM)

The Department of Agrarian Reform is set to conduct the CY 2009 Assessment and CY 2010 Planning Conference on January 21 - 23, 2010 at the Oxford Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Participants from the field offices required to attend are those with specific functional and geographical assignments such as Regional Directors, Asst. Regional Directors for .Operations (ARDOs), Asst. Regional Directors for Administration (ARDAs), Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers (PAROs) , and Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (RARADs).

Participants from the Central Office are members of the DAR ExeCom and ManCom as well as technical staff from each of the sectors of LTI, PBD, AJD, FMAO, DARAB, PARC Secretariat and the PPEAO.

At the end of the planning conference, the Secretary is expected to issue his operational directives for the DAR 2010 Plans and Targets.

DAR optimistic with 2010 targets --- Publishing Date: Monday, January 11, 2010 (3:23 PM)

Employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform greeted the new year with a smile during their first flag raising ceremony for the year 2010 with the Secretary last January 4, 2010. The Secretary also raffled prizes/tokens for the employees during the morning ceremony as an auspicious beginning for the year.

In his remarks, the Secretary thanked all the Officials and employees of the Department for the support they have extended to the Management throughout the year. He also gave a report of accomplishments for the year ended in terms of LAD, Support Services and Delivery of Agrarian Justice. He expressed optimism that the Department will attain its 200,000 hectare land distribution target for the year 2010, due largely to the restoration of the compulsory land acquisition as one of the modes of acquiring lands under RA 9700 and the increase of the budget for the land reform.

In a related development, the Secretary has also ordered a reassignment/designation of Field Officials and Regional/Provincial Adjudicators. This is in line with the Department's continued efforts to attain maximum efficiency at the various Regional and Provincial Offices and salas of the DAR and the DARAB.

Meanwhile, the Field Operations Office, which is primarily responsible for the Land Acquisition and Distribution of the Department is set to conduct its annual 2009 National Assessment and Planning Conference for 2010 on the last week of January.