DAR-IX Chronicles (July-September 2022)

DAR to boost vegetable production of Zamboanga Sibugay farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Zam he Department of Reform (DAR) in the of Zam boanga Sibugay recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) a Memorandum of (MOA) with the Milagrosa Farmers Association (MFA) to launch the Community with the Farmers Association (MFA) to launch the Managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) project to Potable Water Sanitation and (CPWASH) to boost their organic vegetable production. boost their

The CPWASH project would be the vegetable processing center’s source and storage of clean water.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Mohammad Dassan Adju, who led the project launching and MOA signing, said the DAR saw the potential of vegetable gardening as a great additional income for the members of MFA and the CPWASH would be a big factor to make it happen.

“This could be a window of opportunity for other agencies to pour their support and assistance to your group. I ask you to look after and maintain

the facilities provided to you so that they would last longer and help more members,” Adju told the association.

PARPO Adju led the MOA signing between MFA President Richard Rojas and Milagrosa Barangay Captain Catherine Traje for the implementation of the CPWASH project which was held at the barangay hall of Milagrosa, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Romulus Perez said that with the positive attitude of its members, he is certain that this endeavor would become successful, and would become a Continue on page 3 Continue on page 3

Launching, Groundbreaking and MOA Signing of the Vermiculture Production Center

The DAR Zamboanga del Sur successfully held the launching, groundbreaking and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of the Vermiculture Production Center funded under the Village-Level Farm

Focused Enterprise Development Project of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Development Support Program (ARBDSP) at Limason, Vincenzo Sagun, this province. Several

Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2

CPWASH MOA signing between the DAR-Zamboanga Sibugay and Milagrosa Farmers Association.

PARPO Arturo N. Soria and Mayor Jeffry Maata during the groundbreaking of the Vermiculture Production Center at Limason, Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur.

DAR Holds Brainstorming for Problematic Landholdings in Zamboanga City and Isabela, Basilan

DAR IX Regional Director and Regional Project Manager Atty. Ramon Madroñal Jr. led the Support to Parcelization of Land for Individual Titling Project (Project SPLIT) RPMO and PPMO officers during the brain-

storming session of the proposed intervention for the Latuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBENCO) in relation to the implementation of Project SPLIT in the region last August 2, 2022, at Jackie's Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

LARBENCO, formerly known as Latuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Inc. (LARBAI), is an agrarian reform beneficiary organization which was awarded a Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CCLOA) covering nine hundred seventy-three (973) hectares of land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of DAR. It is a rubber-based plantation situated in Baluno, Isabela City, Basilan Province. With the implementation of the Project SPLIT in the region, LARBENCO is one of the identified landholdings in the province set to be parcelized and distributed individually to its three hundred forty-two (342) agrarian reform beneficiaries (total number of ARBs reflected in the CCLOA).

Gadaingan, SPLIT Project Engineer, presented to the participants the status of the cooperative and the proposed growership scheme to be adopted by the cooperative.

Aside from LARBENCO, the body also tackled the issues concerning the collective CLOAs of Buenavista Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (BUENARBENCO) in Buenavista, Zamboanga City, and Patalon Estate Agrarian Reform Association (PEARA) in Ayala, Zamboanga City which are also covered by the SPLIT project.

After a thorough workshop, the participants were able to come up with a timeline of activities for the strengthening of the three cooperatives, which are set to be implemented before the individual titles will be handed to the ARBs.

DAR 09 Regional Director, Atty. Ramon E. Madroňal, Jr. says that it is the DAR’s duty to keep the cooperative economically afloat even after the ARBs got hold of their individual lands during the Brainstorming Session held at Jackie’s Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Director Madroñal explained that with the eventual distribution of individual titles to the ARBs, it is feared that the cooperative's operation will be affected. Hence, it is the agency's (DAR) duty to ensure that the cooperative will continue to remain productive and economically stable even after the ARBs get hold of their individual lands. "We have to plan out the possible interventions that we can provide to the cooperative after the parcelization of the collective CLOA and the distribution of the individual titles are done. We have to keep the cooperative economically afloat", Madroñal said.

During the session, Engr. Ronald

DARPO Zamboanga Sibugay Project Manager PARPO II Mohammad Dassan Adju committed to give the full support of the DARPO to the agreements during the workshop. He further thanked the RPMO team for stepping in and extending help in addressing the affairs of the three ARBOs.

Joining the activity were Atty. Marcelino S. Marata, Assistant Regional Director for Legal and Administration/GRM Coordinator, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Engr. Agnes Maata, Regional Project Engineer Engr. Ronald Gadaingan, OIC-PARPO I Lorna Salera, CARPO Perlidita Engalla, CARPO Anthony Teves and Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs) of Zamboanga City and Isabela City - MARPOs Susan Benasing and Michelle Credo and Basir Harun, respectively.

Launching, Groundbreaking and MOA Signing of the Vermiculture Production Center

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 stakeholders were represented during the said activity such as the Vincenzo Sagun municipal local government unit, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office, Ambulon Limason Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (ALARBA), and the barangay local government unit of Limason.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Arturo Soria, encouraged the Ambulon Limason Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association to nurture the values of perseverance and hard work to attain progress and sustain the gains being achieved.

Engr. Josephine Sisican, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I, presented the project pro-

file and the salient features of the Memorandum of Agreement. In her message, she challenged the proponent Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) to prosper and sustain the said undertaking for the betterment of the beneficiaries involved in the project implementation.

The activity begun with a blessing ceremony of the construction site of the vermiculture production center

officiated by Rev. Felix Tigoy. It was also graced by the presence of the Vincenzo Sagun Municipal Mayor, Hon. Jeffry Maata together with the DARPO officials and staff, Cluster V MARPO Ferdinand Mendoza, TESDAPO representative-Engr. Don Mark Dalid, Municipal Agriculture Office representative - Nerdijane Sandalan, Barangay Captain Roel Gallardo and ARBO President Joseph Sorabia.

DAR Zambo. Norte Delivers 196 Ready to Lay Chicken to Lux Multi-Purpose Cooperative

DAR Provincial Office of Zamboanga del Norte delivered one hundred ninety-six (196) ready to lay (RTL) chicken to the Lux Multi-Purpose Cooperative at Lux, Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte last September 23, 2022. The project is funded under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP).

The project aimed to provide RTL chicken to selected Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) to continually help the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in their livelihood. The endeavor would benefit a total of one hundred nine (109) individuals composed of eighty-nine (89)

agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and twenty (20) non-ARBs.

The ready-to-lay pullets/hens were production-type females that were 18-20 weeks of age and had laid their first eggs.

In his inspirational message during the turned-over ceremony, PARPO II Rizzel B. Villanueva, encouraged the ARBs to work hard for the improvement of their cooperative.

Ian Pete T. Bandala, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Consultant/ Veterinarian of BMEG San Miguel Corporation also conducted a technology training on the production of chicken eggs.

Present during the turn-over

ceremony were PARPO I Alfonso A. Tan, ARPO I Ma. Luisa Alingal - CRFPSP Coordinator, representatives of the

Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Barangay Local Government Units (BLGU) and ARBO members.

DAR to boost vegetable production of Zamboanga Sibugay farmers

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1 model and a showcase for other farmers’ organizations in neighboring barangays to engage in organic vegetable gardening.

At the same event, the DAR also conducted training on the Natural Farming Technology System in support of their organic vegetable production, where the members

enthusiastically participated.

Rojas being the president of MFA conveyed their full commitment to take care of the facilities and sustain the project afforded to their associa-

tion.

"We are very thankful to the DAR for the support they are giving us. We would do our best to make this a successful one,” he said.

Two hundred forty (240) ARBs from DARPO

Zamboanga Sibugay-assisted ARBOs undergo training on Natural Farming Technology System

In its continuous effort to serve and assist the farmer-beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) through its support services programs, DAR-

PO Zamboanga Sibugay – Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) conducted a series of training on Natural Farming Technology Systems benefitting at least two hundred forty (240) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the eight assisted ARBOs in the province.

A technician demonstrates to the agrarian reform beneficiaries how to use organic fertilizer in their vegetable gardening to ensure higher yields.

At least thirty (30) ARBs involved in vegetable gardening from the eight ARBOs, namely Patalon Estate Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (PEARBC) in Patalon, Zamboanga City; Latuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBENCO) in Baluno, Isabela, Basilan; Silingan Rubber Farmers Association (SIRFA) in Silingan, RT Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay; JR GARCIA Multipurpose Cooperative in Villagonzalo, Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay; Small

Water Impounding System Association (SWISA) in Mate, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Buluan Agrarian Community Multipurpose Cooperative (BACOMCO) in Buluan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Tomitom Small Rubber Farmers Association (TSRFA) in Tomitom, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, participated in the lecture and hands-on training on organic fertilizer production conducted in their respective areas from May to July 2022.

DAR Zamboanga Sibugay Chief Mohammad Dassan Adju disclosed that these ARBOs were recipients of farm machinery and garden tools under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program. He added that the initiative was a part of the follow-up activities

afforded to the ARBOs which aimed to encourage farmers to engage in organic farming. The scheme would boost their productivity and ensure higher yields. During the training, the ARBOs also received vegetable seeds, plastic mulch, and organic compost for their respective plots.

Through EPAHP, DAR also assists the farmers in marketing their produce by linking them with other institutional partners, hospitals, as well as local government units, and forging a marketing agreement to guarantee a sustained and stable market for them. The series of training were facilitated by EPAHP Point Person ARPO I Harriet Bayawa and ARPO I Lowell Lozada who served as a resource person for the mentioned training.

PARPO II Rizzel B. Villanueva turns over the symbolic key of responsibility for the 196 Ready to Lay Eggs Chicken to the Lux Multi-Purpose Cooperative at Lux, Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, funded under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP).

The Improvement of the Salug Valley ARC’s Rice Value Chain through the Implementation of the Production Rollover Scheme

By: Katrin Anne Arcala and Jullienne Veronica Tuazon

There are plenty of programs implemented for rice enterprises and farmers, yet problems continue to plague the very producers of this Filipino staple food. Such is the case of the Salug Valley ARC Cluster in Zamboanga del Sur, a rice enterprise supported by Project ConVERGE. Despite its contribution to rice production in Mindanao, farmers are constantly worried by access to quality inputs and fertilizers. This primary issue is the root cause of an intervention created through the collaborative work of farmers leaders, project staff, and DAR representatives.

The cluster operates an integrator-consolidator value chain scheme that optimizes the palayreceived from the farmer-members and markets them at a broader scale to achieve a better price. However, various problems were identified during the implementation of this scheme such as the need for financial assistance to support their production and household needs, and the problem of farmers being bounded to agent-dictated price as the rice traders would predominate the buying of palay from the farmers who are also responsible for the provision and production loans in the area.

The issues identified led to the birth of the Production Rollover Scheme.

The Production Rollover Scheme

For ConVERGE provincial coordinator Engr. Josephine Sisican, the conceptualization of the Rollover Scheme started with a meeting with the agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the project.

“We have considered the following in coming up with this intervention. First, we have to take out the farmers from the corner where they are tied up with the high interest rates of the loan sharks. Second, we also saw this scheme as an one of the services of the ARBOs under the project,” she said.

The production rollover scheme provides farmer-preferred inputs and fertilizers to the members without obligating them to pay in cash. Instead, the agreement between farmermembers and the organization is that during the harvest period, they can pay their production loan in the form of their palay produce. The farmer-members who availed of the production loan are recommended to sell 40% of their yield to the lead organizations. This varies on the part of the participating

organizations who can sometimes require a lower percent based on their requirements or needs. It is also subject to the organization’s financial capacity to absorb the produce.

So far, the scheme has benefitted a total of 1,692 farmers, covering 2,337 hectares. The total amount of the production inputs is now valued at around 15 million pesos.

A Contribution to the Salug Valley Cluster Value Chain

A Contribution to the Cluster Value Chain

More than the increase in gross value of production, which was recently recorded at 35%, the rollover scheme also contributed to the accomplishment of the cluster’s value chain.

In Salug Valley, four identified cooperatives are involved to intensify rice production and marketing. Three of which are the integrators and one as the consolidator. The first node is the input supply where ARBOs provide the production loans to aid the second node, which is rice production. On the third segment of the chain, processing takes place. The project has provided equipment for the quality processing and storage of the palay and milled rice. Eventually, these producers are engaged in the buying and trading of palay in the integration segment. And finally, when

Farmer Jose Balulao Jr. managing his rice farm.

able, all integrator ARBOs are expected to join in the consolidation with the lead ARBO. The goal is to complete this map and practice profit sharing through the provision of dividends/rebates to the integrator cooperatives.

In this cluster, the consolidator cooperative is the Mahayag Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFAMCO). Through the scheme, palay yield has increased by 26%. And with the rampedup consolidation, the ARBO was able to sign 11 institutional buyers in the locality.

According to Errol Majorenos, the Human Resource Manager of MAFAMCO, the scheme had brought forth an income of around PHP 10 million as of June 2022.

“We have members who sell their palay to us after harvest, and the value [of which] will be deducted from their production loan. We store their palay in our warehouse. As of the recent cropping season, we have collected around 126 metric tons of palay from our farmer-members,” he said.

Jose Balulao, Jr., one of the members of MAFMACO, shared how production has significantly increased for his farm. At the same time, the ability of the cooperatives to supply the production loan, instead of having to rely on third-party agents, cushioned them from the steep increase in the price of production inputs and consequent high-interest rates.

“Walay mag uuma na wala mag antos sa kamahal sa abono. Ang abono karon nag times two. Atong balansehon, layo kaayos tinuod. Pasalamat mi sa project ug sa coop,” he said. (Every rice farmer is suffering from the very high price of production inputs. The rates have doubled now. It doesn’t balance the reality of production versus income. This is why we are grateful to the rollover scheme, Project ConVERGE, and our cooperative.)

“Labinakaronnaangbasakanga-dependenasabuno,katong minusangabuno,naarasa60perhectareperokaronnaasagatos kapin.Bastahaomangabunosaimongbasakan,” he also added. (Fertilizers are needed in each rice farm. More so now that rice farms rely on these production inputs. If you do not use inputs,

your yield is only at 60 bags per hectare. But with the appropriate inputs and farming practices, you can yield more than 100 bags per hectare.

An Impactful Increase for the Enterprise An Increase for the Enterprise

A 35% increase in the volume of palay consolidated and marketed has been recorded since the scheme’s implementation. Moreover, the ARBOs are now trading with leverage on the pricing as they deal their goods at a higher volume and quality. While only applied to bridge the gap in production for the participating party in the cluster, the rollover scheme implemented has provided a solid foundation for the program’s integrator-consolidator approach.

Aside from bridging the needs of the recipients, the scheme helped to form part of the value chain enterprise as it created the arrangement for farmers to commit 40% of their produce to the ARBO, and likewise, the ARBO commits to purchase the same amount from the farmer producers. This strengthened the value chain map of the project and fostered the relationship between the members and the ARBOs. With this groundwork, the rice enterprise of Salug Valley Cluster has now able consolidators to trade their rice produce moving forward.

For the Provincial Project Director Atty. Judith Mantos, the rollover scheme thrived amid the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic: “While the pandemic brought unfortunate results in other sources of income, the cluster found favor in the effects of this best practice. With the closing of borders, local institutional buyers had to purchase rice from the closest distributors. MAFAMCO, being able to consolidate some 50.9 metric tons of milled rice in 2020, was able to score deals with three local government units and government offices. Through their increased rice consolidation and marketing, a result brought about by their rollover scheme, the organization had a record-high increase in sales.”

Moving forward, the management also emphasized that the final piece that can cement the impact of the rollover scheme is the identification of a reliable and consistent market for the entire enterprise.

“We will continue to support them, especially in the marketing of their products. Despite the operationalization of this value chain enterprise, the very concern on the market outlets is still an issue. Especially because in terms of rice, the market is always a factor to be considered,” Mantos added.

With the Rollover scheme as one of the Project’s first interventions in the rice enterprise of the Salug Valley Cluster, it has served as the enterprise’s stepping stone to an even wider market reach. And this didn’t just happen with the Project alone — all of the progress and achievements the scheme has made are also thanks to the collaboration with the ARBOs who participated in the scheme.

(Thecasestudywasconductedin2021.Asofthelatest,theprice offertilizershasincreasedsteadilyandthuscontinuedtotormentrice farmers. Nonetheless, the organizations still pursued the scheme to assistmembersintheirproduction)

Zamboanga Sibugay ARBO Receives Certificate of Full Payment from LBP

The Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TARBEMCO) has finally received its Certificate of Full Payment and Release of Real Estate Mortgage from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), exactly thirty years after the cooperative took over the operation and management of the nine hundred forty-eight hectares (948 has) rubber plantation from its former owner, the Zamboanga Rubber Company, through the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) way back September, 1992.

In a simple turn-over program on September 16, 2022 at TARBEMCO Hall, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, General Manager Jonard O. Onsoc cheerfully accepted the Certificates of Full Payment of the landholdings consisting of four (4) Transfer Certificates of Titles from the LBP represented by Mr. Alberto J. Adorable.

In his message, Mr. Onsoc expressed his gratitude to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the all-out support afforded to their organization, as well as the Land Bank

of the Philippines for facilitating the release of their documents. He also acknowledged the collective efforts and struggles of the past administration headed by then General Manager Victoria Mindoro in religiously remunerating their land amortization, resulting in the timely completion of their payment.

Ansoc also disclosed that TARBEMCO, formerly named as TAMARBA (Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association), has already completed the payment of their loan amortizations since 2011, but the official document was only released by the LBP this year, marking the thirtieth (30th) year of its amortization schedule.

PARPO II Mohammad Dassan Adju congratulated the officers and members of TARBEMCO for making history by being the first cooperative in Region IX who have fully paid their amortization on time. He encouraged the cooperative members to take care of the land provided by the government for their benefit and welfare.

Meanwhile, PRRI OIC-Executive Director Girlie R. Saludo conveyed her happiness for this milestone event as

it marks the realization of their dream of establishing their central office. It could be learned that TARBEMCO donated an area (around 9.9 has) to PRRI for the purpose.

This historic event was also

DAR Zambo. Norte Conducts APCP- Cacao Implementation, Production Status Report and Planning Workshop

DAR Zamboanga del Norte conducted the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP)- Cacao Implementation, Production Status Report and Planning Workshop at JKC Royal Inn, Liloy Zamboanga del Norte on August 16-17,2022.

projects and activities. The program aims to achieve sustainable crop production and increase income of ARBs and their household through the provision of credit and capacity building assistance.

products.” She added, “Ang kahibalo pwede mahatag, dungagan lang jud ug kakugi para kita mulambo”. (“Knowledge can be provided but we also need hard work for us to progress”.)

Y. Maata encourages the agrarian reform beneficiaries who are in cacao production venture to exert more effort in dealing with the challenges their cooperative is facing during the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP)- Cacao Implementation, Production Status Report and Planning Workshop at JKC Royal Inn, Liloy Zamboanga del Norte on August 16-17,2022

The Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) is a program jointly implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). The program caters to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) whose organizations are not yet eligible to avail loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). Meanwhile, eligible Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) avail of loans under the program and in turn re-lend to eligible ARBs to finance their agri-production

Of the three provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga del Norte has the most number of cacao producers and more organized cooperatives who is now embarking on cacao production. But due to delayed payments to the LBP, DAR took action to assist these ARBOs in their cacao venture though the conduct of this activity.

Assistant Regional Director Agnes Maata graced the occasion and said, “We hope that this workshop will be able to assist you and your cooperative in dealing with your challenges and in increasing the sales of your

Several issues and concerns were presented such as the production related and marketing problems. Recommendations/solutions on how to resolve the issues and concerns presented were also solicited from them.

"Let us pray, let us work hard, and together we can overcome this," said PARPO II Rizzel B. Villanueva in his closing statement.

The said workshop was facilitated by PARPO I Alfonso A. Tan and assisted by SARPO Iluminada Aradji and ARPO I Frediswenda P. Alejandra.

witnessed by MARPO Flordie Bagundol of DARMO Naga, LBP Acting Chief-Fund Sourcing Department (FSD) Rene Gonzales and members of the Board of Directors of the cooperative.

TARBEMCO General Manager Jonard O. Onsoc receives the Certificates of Full Payment and Release of Real Estate Mortgage from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for the landholdings consisting of four (4) Transfer Certificates of Titles from the LBP represented by Mr. Alberto J. Adorable.

Assistant Regional Director, Engr. Agnes

Regionwide Cascading of 2021 DARAB Revised Rules of Procedures and other Relevant Issuances

The Department of Agrarian Reform IX conducted the Regionwide Cascading of 2021 Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) Revised Rules of Procedures and other Relevant Issuances at Manuel Resort, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte on September 20-22, 2022.

The purpose of the activity was to update and acquaint the DAR Officials, DARAB and Legal personnel with the significant changes in the provisions of the DARAB Rules of Procedures. In addition, the implementers must be able to take note of the amended provisions for the smooth and just implementation of the law and in the exercise of their respective duties and functions.

Distinguished members of the Adjudication Board from DAR Central Office served as the Resource Persons (RPs) during the activity, namely; Atty. Jim G. Coleto, Atty. Annabelle M. Oandasan, Atty. Rolando S. Cua, and

A pose with the members of the DAR Adjudication Board from Central Office together with DAR 09 Officials during the Regionwide Cascading of 2021 DARAB Rules of Procedures and Other Relevant Issuances,. In photo (1st Row from left-right) Atty. Marcelino S. Marata, Atty. Ramon E. Madroňal, Jr., Atty. Jessica T. Agagon, Atty. Annabelle M. Oandasan, Atty. Jim G. Coleto, Atty. Rolando S. Cua, and Atty. Roland Manalaysay (2nd Row) Atty. Judith P. Mantos, Atty. Tettywangsa T. Husin, Atty. Avito Zamora, DARAB Staff, Atty. Alma Josefa dela Cerna and Atty. Leo Santiago Briones.

Atty. Roland Manalaysay, the Executive Director for DARAB Secretariat.

Also in attendance to the said activity were Regional Director

Ramon E. Madroñal, Jr., Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator Jessica T. Agagon, OIC-Assistant Regional Director Marcelino S. Marata, the

Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (PARADs), the Legal Chiefs and staff from the DARAB and Legal Services Division.

DAR Scholars of Zambo. Norte Graduated as Cum Laude

(MSU)-Marawi through a scholarship program funded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the area.

Dubbed as DAR Scholarship Program for the Dependents of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (DAR SP-DARB), the scholarship provides financial support to qualified dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) for them to have an opportunity to study and complete agriculture-related four-year college degree courses from any state universities and colleges.

The Zamboanga del Norte scholars were Charish T. Aguhob and Jamaika E. Aguhob who both graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

from their BSA course and during their visit at DAR Provincial Office in Zamboanga del Norte on August 2, 2022, they thanked the DAR for the scholarship program as it helped their family with their school expenses. The DAR SP-DARB Program is open to those

who are related to an ARB such as the children, grandchildren, nephews, or nieces. They are required to take up any four-year course related to agriculture. Qualified scholars should belong to a family that has an annual gross income of not more than P100,000.00.

Charish T. Aguhob,

of DAR Scholarship Program for the Dependents of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (DAR SP-DARB) graduated Cum Laude with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Two dependents of an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) graduated at the Mindanao State University

Charish and Jamaika are the granddaughters of Porferia Tayrus, DAR ARB who is a CLOA holder in Venus, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte with an area of 2.1843 hectares. They were cousins and their parents are siblings who are farming the land awarded to Porferia Tayrus.

They graduated as Cum Laude

a recipient

Jamaika E. Aguhob, also a recipient of DAR Scholarship Program, during her graduation rites at Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi . She also graduated Cum Laude with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

The said orientation was facilitated by the resource speakers from the Agrarian Reform Capa-

city Development Service (ARCDS) of DAR Central Office namely, Ms. Myrell Angelica Recana and Angelo

DAR 09 Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Marcelino S. Marata, expresses his gratitude for allowing Ms. Myrell Angelica Recana and Angelo Galicia of ARCDS to be the resource speakers during the Orientation on the FY 2022 PBB Guidelines, SPMS and CESPES. Hon.Gerry Paglinawan, the municipal mayor of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur during the BARC Orientation.

The Department of Agrarian Reform of Zamboanga del Sur conducted a series of Training and Orientation to intensify the Barangay Agrarian Reform Committees (BARCs) of the 295 barangays and 27 municipalities in the province.

The activity kicked off on July 12, 2022 at the Kalahi Center, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, attended by the 24 barangays with different sector repre-

sentations. According to P ARPO II Arturo Soria, the activity aimed to orient the organized BARCs of their roles and functions in the CARP implementation and the Project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT). It will also enable the community, represented by the sectors of the farmers, farmworkers, landowners, cooperatives, and other independent farmers' organizations to participate actively in the CARP implementation particularly the major program components like Land Tenure Services (LTS), Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) and the Agrarian Justice Delivery Program (AJDP).

Soria graced the orientation and training together with OIC-PARPO I Engr. Josephine Sisican and some other provincial officials and staff. It was also attended by Hon. Mayor Gerry Paglinawan, PARCCOM Representative Proceso Fernandez, and representatives from the twenty-four participating barangays of Dumingag.

Galicia. Atty. Jessica Agagon, the Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (RARAD), in her opening remarks expressed her gratitude to Director Susan Serrano for allowing the resource speakers to be part of this important activity.

Likewise, an update on the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) and Career Executive Service Performance Evaluation System (CESPES) were also discussed.

Participants to the activity were

the DAR Regional Office Officials, division chiefs and selected point persons from the different sectors.

In his closing remarks, Assistant Regional Director Marcelino Marata emphasized the importance of the activity. He also acknowledged the patience and dedication of the resource speakers in imparting their knowledge and skills to the participants in order for them to perform their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities.

criteria for the grant of the PBB for FY 2022, to assess the status of compliance with the 2021 PBB requirement and to discuss assess the status of with the 2021 PBB requirement and to discuss the rating and ranking system for the regional office the and system for the office.