Volume 16, No. 4
October-December 2018
4th Quarter
CLOA Distribution and Projects Turn-Over for Zamboanga Peninsula DEPARTMENT OF Agrarian Reform Secretary John R. Castriciones together with his top officials led the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to 1,006 agrarian reform beneficiaries of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. The distributed land covered some 1,525 hectares located in Zamboanga Peninsula. During the CLOA distribution ceremony held at Centro Pastoral Complex, Zamboanga City on October 26, 2018, Castriciones advised the new landowners to become mem-
bers of cooperatives or Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBO) for them to receive more government assistance. He explained that the work of the DAR does not end in the distribution of lands alone. The agency also provides support services to enable farmer beneficiaries to manage their lands better. Farmer beneficiaries were also informed by Castriciones that the Land Bank of the Philippines offers an Accessible and Sustainable Lending Program (ASLP) where farmers can loan up to fifty thousand pesos Continue on page 2
DAR Secretary Atty. John R. Castriones with the UnderSecretary for Field Operations Office Atty. Karlo Bello and Director Atty. Resty Osias of the Legal Service with Regional Officials headed by Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers and Officials, distributed 1,051 CLOAs (Certificates of Land Ownership Award) to 1,006 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur on October 26, 2018 in Zamboanga City.
Project ConVERGE undergoes Midterm Review
Turnover of farm inputs, tools and materials to the Gabunon Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (GARBENCO) in Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur; Project Cost Provided in Support to GARBENCO Project Business Operation worth nearly P4.3 million.
THE INTERNATIONAL Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Mission team made its way to Zamboanga to conduct the Midterm Review Mission (MTR) last November 16 to 21, 2018. The mission was headed by IFAD Specialist Yolando Arban. The team which is composed of consultants Jens Kristensen for value chain, Atty. Art Tantuan for procurement, and Zidni Marohombsar for finance, closely examined the development of the enterprises being supported here. The recent MTR is deemed
a pivotal point for the project as the funding agency gauges its overall performance and recommends the essential changes to better achieve the targets. “Our region is very focused on presenting precisely the accomplishments of the region. But more so, we hope to also show the issues and concerns identified on our end to give the mission team a better view of where Project ConVERGE in Zamboanga can be improved,� Assistant Regional Director (ARDO) Agnes Maata said. Continue on page 3
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October-December 2018
61 farmers graduate from SRI training program of DAR SOME 61 agrarian reform beneficiaries of Gawil Farmers’ Association in BOGASI agrarian reform community graduated from the season –long field school recently in Gawil, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur. The 16-week season-long training with inputs coming from Climate Change Mitigation Measures (CCMM) uses climate and environment-friendly technology to increase rice production and household income of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and ARB households in the agrarian reform community. The integration of CCMM increases the resilience of the community through the development of climate-resilient agri-technology and extension services and provision of farm machinery and equipment.
The graduates of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) of Gawil, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur together with PARPO II Judith P. Mantos and Adelberto B. Baniqued, SRI Regional Coordinator
PARPO II Atty. Judith Patriarca-Mantos of DAR Zamboanga del Sur hoped that the technology and learning which aims to improve the yield by
CLOA Distribution and Projects Turn-Over for Zamboanga Peninsula Continued from page 1 to buy farm inputs. The annual interest of the loan is only at 6%. However, Castriciones warned the farmer beneficiaries not to sell or mortgage the lands awarded by the government or risk losing the land and being charged according to law. During the CLOA distribution, Castriciones also turned-over infrastructure projects for the ARBs worth P127 million. “These projects will benefit more than
9,000 ARBs, and more than 14,000 non-ARBs. But not only our farmers, these [projects] would also directly benefit residents, around 14,293 households in Zamboanga peninsula,” said Castriciones. Other top DAR officials present during the CLOA distribution and turn-over of projects include DAR Undersecretaries Atty. Karlo Bello of the Field Operations Office, Atty. Resty Osias of the Legal Service and the regional officials headed by then Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang.
30% will be replicated in other farmer organizations with the support of partner local government unit. She added that the adoption of SRI will help the farmers shift to organic farming. Gawil Farmers’ Association was also granted a P1.7M Combined Harvester and Thresher to help in the farming operations at a very minimal rent for the member users. Adelberto B. Baniqued, SRI Regional Coordinator said that SRI will change the way Filipinos cultivate rice. With the holistic collaboration and teamwork involving the Municipal Agriculture Office, Department of Agrarian Reform and the local government unit, the practice will be sustained. Farmers will produce high quality, safe, affordable and healthy rice to consumers while protect, conserve and restore biodiversity in the farm. Baniqued said that SRI will address the challenges in declining soil quality and fertility because of the incessant
use of synthetic fertilizers and agro-chemicals. With the quality organic produce, farmers can now combat the cheap farmgate prices and promote consumer awareness of healthy and organically produced food. Eugenio G. Salva Jr., Municipal Mayor of Kumalarang is fervent in his support to sustain the organic approach to agriculture in his municipality. He said that he is into the positive impact of the project especially to the health of his constituents, environment and socio-economic welfare of the farming community SRI National Coordinator Mario H. Descallar assures close coordination, technical support, and monitoring with the graduate members of Gawil Farmers’ Association. Baniqued closed the event with a challenge to work as a team in proliferating this feat and harness each others’ core competencies for the project to succeed.
October-December 2018
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DAR launches water project in Polanco ANOTHER WATER water sanitation project through Community-Managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) Project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) was recently launched in Barangay Dansullan in Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Arturo N. Soria said that DAR aims to install low cost technologies that will provide the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) access to safe drinking water supply and sanitation to attain a healthy and productive community and eventually enhance local livelihood. The launching also featured the groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among key proj-
PARPO II Arturo N. Soria (3rd from left) and Mayor Evan Hope D. Olvis (1st from left) leads the launching, groundbreaking ceremony and MOA signing of the CPWASH project in Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte
ect players, PARPO II Arturo N. Soria , Mayor Evan Hope D. Olvis,Vice-Mayor Alfredo Bait-it, Barangay Captain Charito Ombalino, MARPO Elbert V. Alonzo, DFMPC Chairperson Daylinda Gepitulan and Cooperative Manager Teofila Alaman. It was also witnessed by CPWASH Point Person Engr Ryan E. Mon-
leon and Development Facilitator Concepcion Sandueta. Meanwhile, the obligations of all parties were stated and explained during the ceremony by Support Services Chief Engr Alfonso A. Tan. He added that the project also provides capacity development, water system management, monitoring and
evaluation and technical assistance to end-users. Mayor Olvis thanked the DAR for choosing his municipality as one of the recipients of the project and he is hoping that the department will extend its program to the other agrarian communities. The project will benefit 120 farmer members of the lower Malala ARC including their families and neighboring farms. DAR has now turned over a total of four water sanitation facilities to farmer-cooperatives namely: Risen Christ Parish BEC Multi -Purpose Cooperative in La libertad , Canuto Enerio ARB Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Gutalac , San Miguel ARB Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Mutia and Goin ARB Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.
Project ConVERGE undergoes Midterm Review Continued from page 1 issued final recommendations to furThe Timeline The activity started with a kickoff meeting where ARDO Agnes Y. Maata previewed the accomplishments and concerns of the entire region. Rice farmers from the Salug Valley ARC also had the chance to meet and discuss with the mission team to upscale their rice enterprise. Following this were the visits at the rubber areas in both Zamboanga del Norte Resettlement Cluster, and the Salipyasin ARC of Zamboanga Sibugay. Aside from the turnover of tools and equipment, consultants also inspected the inputs and materials being provided by the project. Each operating unit was given time for an exit meeting to discuss the observations of the mission team in detail. It was also an avenue for the team to present preliminary recommendations. Onward changes On December, the consultants
ther strengthen the implementation for each participating Agrarian Reform Cluster moving forward. This is documented in the aide memoire where the entirety of the observations and rating has been disclosed. “In spite of some initial delays in the delivery of critical services and facilities, the project is starting to show some anecdotal evidence on outcomes, such as improved farmers’ capacity to manage their organizations and value chain enterprises, improved market linkages, increase in productivity and volume of trading within the value chain enterprises,” the mission team stated in the aide memoire. Agreed changes for the coming years highlight the need for strategic enterprise interventions in the existing value chains, in particular: • focus on the value chains and inclusiveness and depth of intervention such as market diversification, access to rural finance from financial
institutions and commercial partnerships with private sector; • hold the implementation of new value chains (especially long gestating) that are not directly related or not ancillary enterprises of the 11 commodities; • discontinue providing production subsidies and facilitate access to rural credit institutions to finance farmers’ production credit requirements and ARBOs/coops trading capital; • utilize the consultancy budget to engage private sector expertise and resources to provide technical assistance to farmers, in particular advisory services to improve the production side; • complete the whole road sections of FMRs implemented in phases and consider only those that lead to processing centers and warehouses and those that support movement of commodities from existing production area; among others.
Meanwhile, the rubber-producing enterprise of Zamboanga Sibugay was advised to pursue the planned value chain investments except its production subsidies. And as it is poised to market its products to Yokohama, the unit shall also “tap private and public sector expertise in the preparation of a trading business plan”. Also producing rubber is Zamboanga del Norte. As it is relatively smaller in rubber area compared to its neighbouring province, it was advised to pursue its secondary crop, corn, with financing institutions (FI) providing production credit in two municipalities only (Salug, Leon Postigo). For the rice production, milling, and marketing of Zamboanga del Sur, production subsidies will also not funded in moving forward. Corn may still be pursued as secondary crop with FIs providing production credit.
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Agrarian Reform Chronicles
PICTO
Certificates of Land Ownership Award Distribution to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of DAR Region IX by Sec. Atty. John Castriciones.
Some 12 units of water pumps under ARCP2 amounting to P2 million and 3 units of farm Equipment /Livelihood under PAMANA ARA Phase III amounting to P900,000 were turned over in the municipality of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur on December 19, 2018.
Turn-over of meat processing equipment and utensils under DARZDS -Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty to Gubang Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Barangay Gubang, Pagadian City on December 7, 2018.
Lawyer Resty C. Osi
RIALS
October-December 2018
5
Project ConVERGE Midterm Review Mission in Zamboanga Peninsula.
ias, LLM, CESO IV is installed as new Regional Director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR ) in Western Mindanao in a ceremony held on November 28, 2018 in Zamboanga City.
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October-December 2018
DAR-Sibugay inks MOA for water supply, sanitation project
Mayor Marcelo Bacquial (2nd from left) and PARPO II Mohammad Dassan Adju (3rd from left) during the launching and MOA signing for the launching and establishment of CPWASH project in Candiis, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay.
GONE ARE the days when residents of Candiis, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay are worried and feel unsafe of the water they are using or even drinking. Recently, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), municipal local government unit of Malangas, barangay local government unit of Candiis and Candiis Farmers’ Association (CFA) entered into a joint venture agreement for the launching and establishment of Community-Managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) project in the barangay. Last October 15, a launching and MOA signing activity was conducted by DAR and participated by MLGU-BLGU officials and the officers and members of the recipient association. An overview of the project was likewise undertaken
to enlighten the project beneficiaries of the importance of water sanitation, giving them insights on low-cost sanitation facilities needed in their community, briefing them of the scheme they will engage into through their association and bestowing upon them the privilege to identify and select the particular type of packages they wish to be installed as part of the project. The project includes the construction of low-cost sanitation structures or facilities in partnership with the LGU concerned, which included Iron-Removal Filter, Biosand Filter, Rain Water Collector and Biogas Digester. Iron-Removal and Biosand Filters are iron, pathogens and other impurities removing-structures while the Rain Water Collector will be used for accumulating and storing rainwater for drinking, livestock, ir-
rigation and other typical uses. On the other hand, the Biogas Digester turns organic waste into renewable fuel like low-cost fuel for cooking. In his message, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Mohammad Dassan Adju said that CPWASH aimed to enhance and upgrade the quality of water resources in selected communities needing it the most. “Potable drinking water is needed in the community and the project is a big help to the recipient association members.” The project is a participative undertaking as involvement of the would-be-beneficiaries will be required for the realization of the plan. A few number of beneficiaries will be sponsored to attend a hands-on training on the procedure of making the identified projects who, in turn, will act as Para-Engineers during
the actual method of crafting the said projects. Malangas Mayor Marcelo Bacquial emphasized the significance of having clean and safe water for daily consumption and committed to support the program from its initiation until its completion and even expressed the same support for its expansion and future replication in other communities within the municipality. On the part of the association, President Conrado Paltingca assured of his full participation in the project and guaranteed to encourage all members to get involved as well. Other key officials and personnel who attended the activity include PARPO I Elizardo Villaseca, CARPO-PBDD Anthony Teves, Barangay Captain Alberto Mayor, Engineer Andrey Vale and Verlito Caragan of DARMO-Malangas.
October-December 2018
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Zamboanga farmers shares stories, practices in national convention for presentation in front of a panel during the event. The KLMPE is a multi-stakeholder platform managed by a technical working group composed of representatives from the DAR, Department of Agriculture, Philippines, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Pakisama (Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka), ASEAN
Mark Horace Gregorio (left) and Wilfred Miel (right) after their case presentation in the KLMPE
RUBBER FARMERS from the Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO) presented its “Big Brother Journey” case study during the annual Knowledge Learning Market and Policy Engagement (KLMPE) held last November 7-8 in Quezon City. Wilfredo Miel, Chairman, and Mark Horace Gregorio, Administrative Officer, from GARBEMCO joined some 250 Filipino farmers and fisher’s organizations, Philippine government, civil society organizations, and development partners from ASEAN member countries for the two-day KLMPE to celebrate the fourth year of the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF). In support to the decade-long campaign to promote family farming, the event was a venue for farmer and fisher organizations, the government, CSOs and development partners to share their success stories, good practices, initiatives and innovations,
and discuss current issues, policies and programs that promote family farming and inclusive rural transformation. Miel and Gregorio both shared their organization’s current role as “big brother” to other smaller organizations and smallholder farmers in Zamboanga Sibugay and even to neighboring provinces. It may be recalled that on the recent years, GARBEMCO has greatly expanded its operations, thereby strengthening its business. Through this, other groups also benefitted from the movement of the market locally. In Project ConVERGE, the current project of the Department of Agrarian Reform and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), GARBEMCO has also taken a lead role by consolidating produce of rubber in the locality thus enabling them to tap bigger clients outside the region. Their case study of current growth and potential were screened by the organizing team and was recommended
Farmers’ Organisations’ Support Programme (AFOSP)-The Medium Term Cooperation Programme Phase II (MTCP2 Philippines), Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (@PhilDHRRA), Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Asia (Asia Dhrra), @Trias, and We Effect.
Promising Varieties at the Harvest Festival
PARPO II Arturo N. Soria of DAR Zamboanga del Norte leads the harvest festival and graduation ceremony of Farmer Field School in Dinuan, Salug.
THE DEPARTMENT of Agrarian Reform through the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (DAR-PAHP) and the local government unit of Salug with the East West Seed Company Inc. has recently showcased promising varieties of crops, ideas and technologies through the harvest festival and graduation ceremony of the farmer beneficiaries held at Barangay Dinuan, Salug, Zamboanga del Norte.
The ceremony during which the presentation of certificates and the harvesting of organically grown vegetables was done, was attended by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Arturo N. Soria with Support Services Chief Engr. Alfonso A Tan , Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Leonardo W. Lacharon and East West Seed Company Team Leader Marilyn Dacara.
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October-December 2018
4th Quarter
Mini Pool under PAMANA, a ‘pamana’ sa Baya-Baya EDITORIAL STAFF
The mini pool project of Baya-Baya Womens Association of Tabina in the province of Zamboanga del Sur
SEATED BELOW the canopy of rainforest within the remotest area of Barangay Baya-Baya, Tabina, about four kilometers from the national road, is an abundance that has been providing potable water supply to the entire populace and its neighboring barangays. The same is the source of the ice-cold water supplying the mini pool project of Baya-Baya Women’s Association under the DAR Zamboanga del Sur – Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan in Agrarian Reform Area (PAMANA – ARA). “We have seen the potentials of the Mini Pool Project. Blessed with this very precious gift from the Almighty God - our water source never runs out or dry up even during the peak of summer season. For years this has been our source here in the barangay”, Ms. Delailah B. Niala, President of the Baya Women’s Association said. That was why during the Barangay Workshop Consultation
with the Indigenous Peoples in the area, they identified the project as the answer to their needs for conflict resolution while engendering peace, income and jobs for the locality. The abundant water which their Barangay is known for, has served them tremendously through this project. “The DAR -PAMANA ARA in the province did not fail us and gave a chance for a dream to come true”. A get away in the midst of this beautiful nature and income generating too”, said Ms. Niala. “Lami diay masikat ang Barangay ug nalipay kaau me nga daghan-daghan na ang mga pictures sa facebook mitumaw sa mga nakasuway ug laag sa among minipool. Tungod niini daghan na ang naingganyo nga pamilya ug barkada nga gusto lang jud mupaduol sa kinaiyahan ” according to Hon. Renerio L. Docor, the Barangay Chairperson of Baya-baya. (We are excited and grateful that our barangay is slowly getting attention on the social media. People who have visited are posting their photos to
the facebook which have attracted families and group of friends to come and enjoy the scenery and nature). Alfredo E. Mamintas, Barangay Councilor, who is also the Timuay or the head of the Subanen Tribe in the area, said that it was hard to imagine how the place in the remotest part of Baya-baya where this God-given spring is, brought so much camaraderie, pride and unity among its residents. He said they did not have any hesitations when the Baya-Baya Women’s Association asked for their family to donate the area for the pool. “Now its generating income for the women and the IPs and somehow eases the tension of conflicts in the locality,” he said. The barangay local government unit is thankful for the assistance of the municipal local government unit through the able leadership of Fruvy Dayondon who gave assurance for the establishment of an accessible road heading to and from the resort. At present, the area is only accessible by single motorcycle or by foot. They also lobbied for the installation of power supply in the area. “In the future we hope to improve the resort and bring in more recreational activities which are inviting to visitors and tourists”, the barangay chairman said. The resort has an entrance fee of P15 per head and P100 for each cottage which are the recent addition in the resort. Within one month since their soft opening on October 2018, the association has accumulated an income of P2000. They are hoping to maintain or increase momentum especially in
Editors-in-Chief
GLORIA M. SARACHO MA. SOCORRO C. REAMBONANZA
Contributing Editors
SHANIE P. JACINTO MAY CHRISTINE V. BOMES JOHN LLOYD CABABAT KATRIN ANNE A. ARCALA LAILANIE VIC S. VALDEZ
Editorial Consultants ATTY. RESTY C. OSIAS, LL.M., CESO IV Regional Director ATTY. RAMON E. MADROÑAL, JR. ARD for ADMIN. & Legal Services ENGR. AGNES Y. MAATA, CESO IV ARD for LTS/TASS For inquiries, please write or call the DAR Regional Office IX, Veterans Avenue Extension, Zamboanga Telephone No. (062) 955-2155 Email add: dar_reg9@yahoo.com.ph
the coming holidays and summer vacation. “Truly DAR- PAMANA ARA has left us a legacy,” said Ms. Niala “a pamana that’s worthy of sustaining and improving for our children’s children to benefit from. This resort will someday change the name and face of barangay Baya-Baya in this corner of Tabina”.