March 24, 2025 – Manila, Philippines – In a historic step towards enhancing the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) facilities and services, a groundbreaking ceremony was held today, 24 March for the rehabilitation and renovation of the FAPsO Building in Quezon City. The event was graced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo, Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Undersecretary Rowena Niña O. Taduran, and Assistant Secretary Nerie D. Bueno of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The project aims to modernize the FAPsO Building, ensuring it is fully equipped to meet the growing demands of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and farmers across the country. It is a significant milestone in the DAR’s efforts to strengthen its operations and improve its services for the country’s agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

In her welcome message, Undersecretary Taduran underscored the importance of the structure particularly to the DAR employees in their continued effort in providing support services to the ARBs.

“Today, we take the first step in revitalizing this building, which will soon serve as a stronger, more efficient hub for the vital work we do in supporting our agrarian reform beneficiaries. This is a significant milestone in our continued efforts to improve services and create a positive impact for our farmers and communities across the nation,” stressed Taduran.

Usec. Taduran is the proponent of the rehabilitation and renovation of the FAPsO Building while Sen. Tulfo secured the funding through his regular fund.

For his part, Tulfo expressed his full support for the project, emphasizing that when Taduran asked for his support, “I did not hesitate to back it up because a department whose main task is to instill improvements in the lives of our people should also see improvements in its facilities and infrastructure.”

“I have always found myself fighting for the issues involving our farmers, fisherfolks and the entire agriculture sector. This sector is crucial to our nation, pero sila din po ang pinaka-aapi. And it is with agriculture sector that I feel the saying of former President Ramon Magsaysay applies the most: “Those who have less in life should have more in law,” Tulfo underscored.

Senator Tulfo, who chairs both Senate Committee on Migrant Workers and Senate Committee on Energy looks forward and expects more groundbreaking ideas and reforms as the rehabilitation and renovation of the building marks a sustained support to ARBS.

“Sana po ang bagong building na ito ay magsimula ang apoy sa ating mga puso upang pagbutihin pa ang serbisyo natin sa ating mga kababayan. Apoy na hindi nauupos,” Tulfo ended.

Meanwhile, Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III highlighted the importance of the rehabilitation project as part of the department’s long-term plans to streamline operations and improve efficiency. “The Department of Agrarian Reform has always been at the forefront of uplifting the lives of our farmers. This project marks the next step in modernizing our agency, so we can serve our stakeholders better and more effectively,” Estrella said.

“We are committed to providing not only the best services but also a conducive and welcoming environment for both our employees and the farmers we serve,” the Secretary added.

Secretary Estrella also acknowledged that Senator Tulfo is the first and only public official who has committed support for the Department and the fund he allocated for the rehabilitation and renovation of the FAPsO Building is very vital for the employees in their performance in the delivery of services to the ARBs.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Nerie D. Bueno likewise recognized the importance of the facility and the generosity of Senator Tulfo. The DPWH is proud to partner with the DAR on this critical infrastructure project. The goal is to ensure that the FAPsO Building will not only meet the current needs of the department but will also be adaptable for future growth.

The rehabilitation of the FAPsO Building will include the complete renovation of office spaces, the enhancement of facilities for personnel and the public, and the installation of modern equipment and technology to improve service delivery. Once completed, the newly renovated building will serve as a hub for the department’s various programs and services aimed at enhancing the welfare of farmers and ARBs.

Also present during the groundbreaking rites were DAR third level officials and officials from DPWH.