The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) of Isabela hosted a significant forum to discuss important updates to the rules governing land use conversion on May 31, 2024. The event was led by guest speaker Sherwin R. Bañez, with the aim of informing landowners about recent changes in DAR Administrative Orders to better suit the current conditions.
Sherwin R. Bañez, an Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (ARPO II) with degrees in economics and law, explained the updates to Administrative Orders No. 1 Series of 2002, No. 1 Series of 2019, and No. 6 Series of 2019. He highlighted how these updates simplify the processes involved in land use conversion and safeguard the rights of both landowners and tenants.
The forum involved a wide range of participants, including local government officials, municipal and provincial assessors, service providers, and landowners. Attendees actively raised their concerns and expectations regarding the new rules, particularly focusing on land use conversion and tenant rights.
In addition to Bañez, other notable speakers such as Atty. Kingston Marie Abogado, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Pablo Deray, and OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) Severino Gabot addressed questions from the participants, providing clarifications and helping them understand the practical implications of the updates.
The event served as a platform for landowners to voice their grievances and receive legal advice, ensuring they are well-prepared to comply with the updated regulations. Overall, the forum marked a crucial step toward promoting effective and fair land use practices in Isabela.
The active participation in the forum demonstrated a collective effort towards fair land use conversion. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
Similar to the approach of President Marcos, who also served as the agriculture chief, DAR aims to boost the economic empowerment of farmers through increased agricultural productivity, profitability, and rural development. With this, DARPO Isabela will stay dedicated to empowering landowners and ensuring the new rules protect everyone’s rights.