PARC Secretariat Holds Annual Assessment to Strengthen Agrarian Reform Program
The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) Secretariat conducted its annual assessment focusing on evaluating the performance of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Implementing Agencies (CIAs) for 2023 and the first half of 2024 held in Tagaytay City from August 7 to 9.
The assessment also laid the groundwork for the CARP Medium-Term Plan for 2025 to 2028, addressing key issues and challenges that have hindered the program’s progress.
In a message conveyed through PARC Secretariat Director Joyce Ramones, Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III emphasized that unity and commitment are vital to the success of CARP. He acknowledged the successes and challenges faced by the CIAs and called for coordinated efforts to achieve the program's objectives.
“We recognize the challenges we have had, celebrate our successes, and look for development opportunities. This is our chance to come together, coordinate our efforts, and ensure that every objective is accomplished with accuracy and fervor. As we align our goals with financial constraints, let us never forget the significant impact of our efforts on countless lives. We move forward because of unity and our commitment. In unity, we can accomplish amazing things,” Estrella said.
The assessment reviewed the CIAs' performance against set targets and actual accomplishments, including fund utilization; identified operational issues and challenges and proposed solutions for effective resolution. It also aligned program targets and budgetary requirements of CIAs for major CARP programs such as the Land Tenure Security Program (LTSP), Agrarian Justice Delivery Program (AJDP), and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP), in preparation for the CARP Medium-Term Plan for 2025 to 2028.
Director Joyce Ramones highlighted the importance of this assessment, stating, “This provides an opportunity for the CIAs to address operational issues and other challenges encountered in the implementation of their respective mandates under the CARP.”
As the highest policy and decision-making body for agrarian reform, the PARC plays a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of CARP. Established under Republic Act 6657, the PARC is composed of the President of the Philippines as Chairperson, the Secretary of Agrarian Reform as Vice-Chairperson, and key government officials from various departments, including Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Budget and Management, Land Bank, Land Registration, Trade and Industry, and others.