Coffee table book featuring Bicolano agrarian reform farmers launched

LEGAZPI CITY— The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Bicol Region launched its first-ever coffee table book, "YABONG: Flourishing Bicolano Farmers," which features sixteen (16) real-life stories of hardworking agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from across the region. Their stories were depicted through candid photographs that captured their most pristine, natural expressions. The event was held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Kanzo Hotel & Restaurant, Legazpi City.

 

Accompanying the unveiling and launch was the Gawad Parangal, which recognized various government agencies for their continuing and invaluable contributions to the implementation of agrarian reform in the region.

 

Lawyer Leo Miguel A. Ramos, OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Administration, said in his message that the 96-page coffee table book is one of the advocacy projects of DAR Bicol that is meant to leave a lasting impression on the real meaning and results of continuing agrarian reform in the rural areas.

 

Ramos said, "The ARBs featured in this book reflect the thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries who have received their own lands from DAR, placing them at the center of the nation's food production and security."

 

According to Engr. Romulo A. Britanico, Asst. Regional Director for Operations, the book highlights the stories of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) recipients and the lands handed to them by DAR that led to the growth of their lives. It narrates the stories of ARBs through photographs taken in different Bicol provinces, which flourished as a result of their hardwork and ingenuity.

 

Before departing for a national conference in Manila, OIC-Regional Director Rodrigo O. Realubit said, "These are stories of perseverance, inspiration, and the amazing transformation of ordinary farmers into full-fledged farmer-entrepreneurs by utilizing the awarded lands." Realubit was unable to attend the main highlight of the activity.

 

"More than recognizing these farmers' journey from their beginnings as CARP recipients to their current position in life. This coffee table book also aims to inspire other farmers to love and maximize the productivity of their land, "Realubit said.

 

Several government agencies heads, DAR regional and provincial officials, regional and provincial information officers, and DAR regional office staff were also present at the unveiling of the Coffee Table Book.

 

The book will be made available in DAR's central and regional offices nationwide. Copies will likewise be distributed to government entities in the Bicol Region, as well as to the farmers featured in this book. The coffee table book will soon be accessible for viewing on the DAR Regional Office 5's official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DARRegion5/