SPLIT NEWS - DAR REGION 1 Takes Part in the RPF Pilot Testing in Nueva Vizcaya

DAR Region 1 actively participated in the conduct of the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) Pilot Testing held at Brgy. Yabbi, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya on 12-14 March 2024.  DAR Region 1 is one of the regions from Luzon that participated in the said activity.

The three-day event was led by DARPO Nueva Vizcaya, headed by OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Engr. Neil P. Lumauan. It was attended by representatives from the World Bank, the DAR Central Office, DAR Regional and Provincial Offices including their Regional ESS Specialists, partner government agencies, and local government units. For Region 1, Regional ESS Specialist and OIC-HEA of DAR Regional Office I, Atty. Margielene Cabulang served as representative for the event.

DAR Regional Office II Regional Director RD Primo C. Lara was also present at the event and expressed his unwavering support for the conduct of the activity.

At the venue, the residents of Barangay Yabbi, who are members of various indigenous groups, including the Ugkalot and Ibaloi, warmly welcomed the RPF Pilot Testing participants. They prepared meals and even performed some of their indigenous dance and chants. Their participation and interest in the project and the framework were also evident throughout the activity.

The Resettlement Policy Framework Pilot Testing is a collaborative activity between the Department of Agrarian Reform and The World Bank, as part of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

The SPLIT Project is a major project of DAR that aims to subdivide Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CCLOA) into individual titles, promoting enhanced land tenure security and stabilized property rights. The ESMF on the other hand, is a part of the SPLIT project, responsible for ensuring the presence and proper implementation of internal processes, procedures, and requirements that address the SPLIT Project’s environmental and social risks and impacts.

The Resettlement Policy Framework is done to identify potential involuntary resettlement impacts of the SPLIT project, prevent possible economic and physical displacement, and consequently provide non-monetary compensation measures and assistance to affected individuals, as deemed necessary.

Despite the rough and muddy terrain, challenging journey, cold weather, and patchy drizzle, participants powered through just to guarantee that the beneficiaries of the SPLIT Project and respondents of the RPF will be able to receive an equitable and justifiable service.

The RPF Pilot Testing in Nueva Vizcaya is the first RPF activity in Luzon and in the country, a similar pilot testing activity will also be conducted in Visayas and Mindanao. It will be considered as a basis for the conduct of the RPF in other regions. Similarly, it served as an avenue where best practices could be noted for emulation, gaps and issues were identified for resolution and improvement, and recommendations were gathered to ensure that the implementation of the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) in the country will be effective and efficient.

By: Antonio Balanon III – DAR Region 1 SPLIT Writer