DAR-IX Chronicles (October-December 2022)

Estrella distributes land titles, support services to Zambo Peninsula ARBs

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, along with other Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, with other government officials led the December 6, 2022 issuance of certificates government officials led the December 6, 2022 issuance of certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) and distribution of Php8 6 million of land award (CLOAs) and distribution of Php8.6 million support services in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del support services in the of del Sur, and in Zamboanga del Norte Sur, and in del Norte

Estrella distributed a total of 1,663 CLOAS comprising a total area of 2,653 hectares of agricultural lands to 1,582 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to uplift the lives of ARBs in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Chief, who personally handed the land titles to the ARBs said the DAR would continuously visit various far-flung communities to see the ARB’s situations and conditions and help in the stand of

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fight poverty in the countryside.

“After we assess the situations of the farmers, we will provide them with the necessary support they need in order to improve their living conditions,” said Estrella.

Estrella specifically distributed land titles in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, with 819 CLOAs covering 1,373 hectares of land to 764 ARBs; Zamboanga del Sur, with 441 CLOAs covering 628

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Installation of the 33 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of the Rodriguez Estate

PARPO II Rizzel B. Villanueva spearheaded the installation of 33 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of the Rodriguez Estate in Batayan, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte on November 29, 2022. The said landholding covers an area of 44 hectares.

A short program was conducted by the DAR Provincial Office of Zamboanga del Norte to educate the newly installed ARBs of their duties and responsibilities as the landowners of the land they tilled. During the program, Letecia Custodio (Municipal Assessor of Kalawit)

and Bryan Manayon (representative from the Office of the Municipal Treasurer) shared their experiences, informed and showed to them the process on how to transfer lands to their respective names.

PARPO Villanueva, in his message, encouraged the ARBs to form and organize themselves into a cooperative or an association to become recipients of the support services provided by the Department of Agrarian Reform. The Officer -inCharge (OIC) - Chief of Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO)

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DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III leads the distribution of certificates of land ownership award, with a total area of 2,653 hectares to the farmerbeneficiaries of Zamboanga Peninsula.

PARPO Rizzel B. Villanueva spearheads the installation of the 33 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of the Rodriguez Estate located at Batayan, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

Farmer’s Group in Zamboanga Sibugay Receives Warehouse from DAR

especially during their rubberbuying activity. The area provides a haven where the association consolidates the rubber products of their members and transacts with their buyers. The edifice also serves as a mini office for the association, where they can do their day-to-day operations and keep important documents of their association.

"On behalf of our association, I am very thankful to DAR and to Project Converge for providing us this building. We now have an area where we can gather our members and safely conduct rubber-buying activity," Divinagracia remarked.

Silingan Rubber Farmer Association (SIRFA), an agrarian reform beneficiary organization based in Silingan, R.T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay, recently received a multipurpose building from the Department of Agrarian Reform.

DARPO

II Mohammad Dassan

said that the P568,000 worth of assistance is funded under the Convergence for Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE).

Estrella distributes land...

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 hectares to 441 ARBs; and Zamboanga del Norte with 403 CLOAs, covering an area of 652 hectares benefitting 377 ARBs.

“We will continue to help the ARBs by providing them with various support services and we will not stop bringing the government closer to the people,” he said.

The P8.6-million worth of support services provided to the farmers were composed of farm equipment, machinery, and facilities that would help them in making their farms become productive.

The ARB organizations (ARBOs) in Zamboanga del Sur received two units of processing centers, two units of water tank collectors, a vermiculture production center, three units of a three-wheel multipurpose motorcycle with canopy, a

hauling truck and a unit of corn sheller, with a total cost of P3.34-million.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, a total of P2.75-million worth of support services was distributed, which include two multi-purpose buildings, five power tillers with complete implements and tillers, rice thresher, a mud boat with complete tools, and water tank collector.

The ARBOs from Zamboanga del Norte were provided with a hauling truck, warehouse, forage shredder, vermi shade, five heads of cattle, four egg machines, and a rainwater collector, with a total cost of P2.60-million.

Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu promised to provide more assistance to the ARBs, especially under the administration of President Marcos and the leadership of Secretary Estrella.

“We will work hand-in-hand with

SIRFA is one of the lead consolidating ARBOs (LCARBOs) under the Salipyasin ARC cluster, assisted by the project ConVERGE. According to the association's chairman, Mr. Charlie Divinagracia, the building is of great help to their association,

During the simple inauguration and turn-over activity, PARPO I Lorna Salera promised the beneficiaries that the agency would continue to provide support services to the association even as the project ConVERGE concluded. She likewise reminded the members to establish a policy for the use of the facility that would equally benefit all their members.

The turnover activity was witnessed by CARPO for PBDD Anthony Teves, MARPO Nicolas Pameron, Jr., Engr. Andrey Vale, and DARMO R.T Lim personnel.

the DAR because the President wants our farmers to become reliable and stable citizens,” he said. These support services are being implemented under the DAR’s Climate Resilience Farm Productivity Sup-

port Program, Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development Project and Project Converge (Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment).

Zamboanga Sibugay head PARPO

Adju

OIC PARPO I Lorna Salera of DAR Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office turns over the key of responsibility to SIRFA Chairman Charlie Divinagracia in the presence of the DARPO and MARPO personnel and members of SIRFA.

DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III (4th from left), with Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu (4th from right), Congresswoman Divina Grace Yu, and other officials of the department with Zamboanga Peninsula farmers who received their land titles from the government.

DAR Conducts Dialogue with CHR to Address REOPARBA and PARBEMCO Land Issues

DAR IX Assistant Regional Director Atty. Marcelino S. Marata together with PARPO II Moh. Dassan Adju leads the meeting to settle issues and concerns of the REOPARBA and PARBEMCO in coordination with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

DAR IX Assistant Regional Director for Administration and Legal Services Atty. Marcelino Marata personally led the DAR team during the dialogue conducted between the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to resolve the issues concerning the implementation of Project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual titling (SPLIT) in Palomoc, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, particularly the landholdings of Rodriguez Estate of Palomoc Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (REOPARBA) and Palomoc Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PARBEMCO) held in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay on November 10, 2022.

The REOPARBA and PARBEMCO are included in the SPLIT implementation of the DAR Zamboanga Sibugay. The impending parcelization and distribution of individual titles to both organizations' rightful beneficiaries raised several concerns among affected tillers (ARBs and non-ARBs), occupants, and other affected individuals. Hence, complaints were lodged through the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The dialogue was facilitated by the CHR, in coordination with DAR, to answer, discuss, and address every concern of the complainants. All concerned parties were invited to attend the meeting to give them the opportunity to voice their side of the story.

After hearing all the arguments, they were able to reach an amicable resolution.

Together with ARDA Marata were PARPO II Mohammad Dassan Adju, CARPO for Land Tenure Improvement Division (LTID) Perlidita Engalla, OIC Chief Legal Services Division Susana Amodia, SARPO Mary

PARPO Rizzel Villanueva Receives Praise & Mayor’s Special Recognition Award

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dipolog City held an annual recognition ceremony dubbed as “2022 Praise and Mayor's Special Recognition Award Ceremony”. The ceremony was in appreciation of the commitment and invaluable contribution and support of the LGUs Officials, provincial officials of the National Government Agencies and other government officials who had helped in promoting and maintaining and peace and order in the city. The said activity was conducted during the Christmas Party celebration of the city’s local government on December 16, 2022 at Orchid Pavillion, Plaza Magsaysay, Dipolog City.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Rizzel B. Villanueva of the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Zamboanga del Norte was one of the recipients of the Plaque of Recognition given by Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy. The recognition was awarded to PARPO Villanueva because of his commitment and full support extended to promote and maintain peace and order in the city as a distinguished member of the City Peace and Order Council.

The said recognition ceremony was also attended by the Sanggunian Bayan Members, representatives from other local and national government agencies and other city nominees and awardees.

PARPO Rizzel B. Villanueva receives a Plaque of Recognition from Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy of Dipolog City during the 2022 Praise & Mayor's Special Recognition Award Ceremony.

Gay Abuton, ARPO II Edgar Lamatan, and DARMO Titay personnel headed by MARPO Ana Maria Calonia. Meanwhile, Atty. Arvee Arquiza led

the CHR team. Other participants during the activity include representatives from the Cooperative Development

Authority, Atty. Emmylou Esolan and Mary Jane Bucol and Mr. Hambre Mohammad from the Provincial Governor's Office.

“Baclay no Longer Walks but Cruises”

Baclay or baklay” is a Visayan word that means to travel an arduous journey by foot or take a long hike, usually a purposeful one. For the Baclay Multi-Purpose Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BARCO), which now has P114 million in total assets, the dynamics of their struggles were challenging, rough, and risky. However, what started as a “baklay” gradually became a breakthrough, a pivotal action and execution of plans, dreams, visions, and goals as each step has led them to a successful feat. Nine years into the journey, Baclay now offers Savings and Credit with branches in Sto. Nio, Tukuran; San Jose, Pagadian, and Camanga, Tukuran; Agrivet Store, Rice Milling facilities, Carabao dairy farm, Milky buns bakery, and carabao milk production, and secured marketing contracts with NNC, DepEd, and LGU-Dumalinao.

Baclay now also goes with the name “BARCO” or Baclay Multi-Purpose Agrarian Reform Cooperative, a Visayan term for a big ship or a cruise that speaks so much of their present success. They are now set for bigger adventures, gainful journeys, and productive expeditions.

The Baclay Agrarian Reform

Beneficiaries Cooperative’s (BARCO) humble story began in 1993 in Barangay Baclay, a remote Barangay located at the outskirts of Tukuran, province of Zamboanga del Sur. And 34 risk-takers pooled efforts and meager money to generate an initial paid capital of Php17,000.00. On July 4, 1993, BARCO gained its juridical personality, registered as a Multi-Purpose Cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and opened its first business venture - a small Consumer Store.

Their initial journey wasn’t easy as they were set for something gigantic. They were meant for something huge after their first failure.

In 2013, the Department of Agrarian Reform, province of Zamboanga del Sur took Baclay (now BARCO) under its wing and partnered them with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) network. For them to take off, the DAR - Microfinance Innovations in Cooperatives in Agrarian Reform Areas (MICOOP ARA) program took care of their capacity-building training for the officers and members such as Leadership andValues Formation towards Credit Business Stability, Financial Management,

Enterprise Development Training/ Workshop, Credit Management, and Delinquency Control, and 14 mandatory trainings in partnership with CDA and guided every step of weaving their version of change. Baclay / BARCO’s members increased to 88 with total assets of Php400,000. Then, they put up a MICOOP office of Credit and Savings in Sto. Nio, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

BARCO, in partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center, began its venture in producing carabao or dairy milk in a pouch and, shortly after, milky buns in 2019. Under the program of DAR – Product Development, they were provided with training to enhance the packaging and labeling of their dairy products. BARCO is using these labels and pouches as part of its product branding.

In 2019, BARCO received a hauling truck from DAR under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (DAR-CRFPSP) amounting to PhP1.2 million, which transports the dairy products and milky buns to the remote provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Ozamis City, Tangub, Oroquieta, Zamboanga Sibugay, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, and the neighboring towns

of Zamboanga del Sur. A Marketing Agreement forged with the DepEd through the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) enabled BARCO to supply the supplemental feeding program for students in these remote schools. The recent contract with the DepEd has earned them over Php43.293 million, placing them second in the EPAHP Nationwide search for the ARBO with the highest total net income.

Because of these ventures, the cooperative had earned a net surplus of some Php1.216,930 in 2021. BARCO has grown its membership into 7,824 with an initial share capital of Php17,000.00 each.

They also have a total asset of Php114 million. BARCO has increased in savings, time, and youth /kiddie deposits which were used as loan releases for microcredit which are easier to collect. Aside from micro-credit, the cooperative now has stable engagements with other businesses like Common Service Facilities (CSF) rental, agrivet store, dairy milk products, and bakeshop.

In 2020, they were provided capacitation training such as Effective Collection Strategies and Techniques, Human Resource Management and Customer Care, and Enhanced Cooperative Accreditation Criteria.

Under the DAR - Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), BARCO also has linked with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and inked a Marketing Agreement on April 20, 2022, for the feeding program of Pregnant Women.

On August 31, 2022, BARCO’s dairy milk production, distribution center, and mini café were transferred to their recently purchased/ acquired property in barangay Camanga, Tukuran. The place is strategically located on the busy national highway potential for commuters, locals, and business entities. Recently, they have been market testing the latest innovation from their dairy product, the Cara ice cream in cans.

BARCO prides itself on its founded learnings and good practices. They religiously conduct their monthly Borad of Directors meetings, annual general assemblies, and volunteerism in the community.

The facilities for the bakery and dairy milk product ventures of Baclay Multi-Purpose Agrarian Reform Cooperative.

Other government agencies like DA, DTI, CDA, and DOST have recognized these practices.

They also advocate the “One Direction Strategy” with the BODs on their thrusts and programs. They also have 100% trust in the commitment

and wisdom of their manager, who works tirelessly at the ground level.

According to Manager Richard Hidalgo, the success and accomplishments of BARCO wells from focusing on their coop’s vision and mission. It is always ensuring that the needs of the

ARB farmers in the area are properly addressed.

They also vowed to provide income sources for the out-of-school youths in Tukuran. Above all, they account their successes to the discipline, trust, and determination of all its members. Fur-

ther, Manager Hidalgo has aptly said: “Taking action is the most important step toward success. Execution is the secret ingredient in achieving plans, dreams, visions, and goals; otherwise, these will only be pieces of unused and unchartered potential.”

DAR Zamboanga Del Norte IFAD Supervision Implementation Support Mission

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Supervision Implementation Support Mission Team headed by Rural Infrastructure Consultant, Engr. Clovis Ike Payumo congratulated the Cabong Tampilisan Multipurpose Cooperative (CATAMCO) and the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Project Management Team for the exemplary implementation of the Cabong - Tininggaan Farm to Market Road (FMR) after the assessment conducted in the morning of November 18, 2022 in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. "The best so far of all the FMRs from Project ConVERGE", said Engr. Payumo.

A focused group discussion was facilitated after the FMR assessment that allowed the Agrarian Reform

Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) officers of the CATAMCO to share their experiences, raise their concerns in sustaining the enterprise and express their ways forward after the project closes in December this year.

Apart from the FMR assessment, an ocular inspection of the on-going construction of the warehouse was also conducted during the team's visit at the CATAMCO in Barangay Cabong Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The IFAD Supervision Implementation Support Mission was simultaneously conducted in Regions 9, 10 and 13 to assess the status of the enterprises of the ARBOs under Project ConVERGE.

Also present during the activity were Susan Perez from the Manila Laiason Office (MLO),

Ronald Tolentino of the Foreign Assisted Support Project Office (FASPO), Rosalind Padilla and Jenylen Cuanico from the COA Central Office, Engr. Teresita Anito, Rural

A pose with the IFAD Supervision Implementation Support Mission Team headed by Rural Infrastructure Consultant, Engr. Clovis Ike Payumo during the visit at Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Infrastructure Coordinator of the CPMO, ZN PPMO head PARPO II Rizzel B. Villanueva and some regional & provincial officials and staff.

DAR turns over PhP 1.2 million worth of Farm Machinery to Zamboanga Sibugay Farmers

DAR Zamboanga Sibugay released new farm machinery to six agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the province, amounting to PhP 1.233 million.

Provincial head PARPO II Mohammad Dassan Adju said that the assistance is part of the support services of the Department under the agency’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP), a DAR program that implements the provision of farm machines aimed to improve farm productivity and the earning capabilities of ARBs in a sustainable manner through their organizations.

Five of the recipient ARBOs, namely the La Victoria Farmers Association based in Imelda; the Bawang ARB Association and Mabuhay Women's Association from Buug; the Milagrosa Farmers Association from Alicia; and the Upper Sumilong Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Payao, received multifunction tilling machines with complete accessories, while the Guinoman Farmers Association of Diplahan was given a rice thresher and a mudboat.

Adju said that the provision of farm equipment and machinery is one of the agency's initiatives in

supporting the livelihoods of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), through their respective organizations, especially those agrarian communities identified as vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Meanwhile, OIC PARPO 1 Lorna Salera, in her message during the simple turn-over ceremony held at the DAR provincial office, encouraged the recipient farmers to properly manage the use of the equipment so that it could last longer and benefit all the members of their association.

Representatives of the recipient ARBOs who attended the turn-over ceremony expressed their gratitude for the early Christmas gift given by DAR to their associations.

Mr. Romeo Casinillo, President of the La Victoria Farmers Association, said that the assistance is very timely as they are starting to venture into gardening activities. The equipment is very useful, especially in their land preparation.

Likewise, the Vice President of the Guinoman Farmers Association Mr. Patricio Matildo said that the post-harvest facility they receive is a blessing because having their own thresher saves them

The multifunction tilling machines with complete accessories are given to La Victoria Farmers Association based in Imelda; the Bawang ARB Association and Mabuhay Women's Association from Buug; the Milagrosa Farmers Association from Alicia; and the Upper Sumilong Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Payao.

money on rental fees.

Also present during the turn-over ceremony were CARPO for Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Anthony Teves, MARPOs Joevelia Nayre, Janeth Aranas, and Myrna Ugdamina of DARMOs Buug/Malangas, Payao, and Diplahan, respectively and other PBDD personnel.

A representative from the Office of the Commission on Audit also witnessed the activity.

Farmers Turn Entrepreneurs

DAR-Zamboanga del Sur held the Vegetable Harvest Festival under Buhay sa Gulay program, Farm Business School (FBS) graduation, blessing/turnover of a three-wheeled multi-purpose motorcycle with canopy under Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP) and turn-over of Buhay sa Gulay supplies, an all-in one event on December 12, 2022, in Balugo, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur.

Installation of the...

farming. They were also taught market identification and sustaining the business through continuous development.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Arturo Soria in his message said that graduation is just the kick-off of their entrepreneurship journey. Their sacrifices in the FBS are paying off having represented the administration’s prioritized sector in the community. As a challenge, he encouraged the practitioners to be consistent, patient, hardworking, and resilient. He assured that the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office is always open and ready to guide and aid them in their organic farm business endeavor.

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Isolde Lopez of the Land Tenure Services Division also discussed the benefits of the support services to be provided to the ARBs by the department.

The program was followed by the installation of the 33 ARBs which was administered by Anne Andresita Agura, Sheriff III of the DAR Adjudication Board

of the Provincial Office and assisted by the DARPO survey team led by Engr. Marcelino N. Soropia who ushered them to their respective awarded area.

The activity was also attended by MARPO Loida

Some 31 farmers of Balugo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (BARBA) had engaged in the season-long training consisting of 25 training sessions with eight modules. The hands-on “learning by doing” approach taught them to adapt and learn the organic production of upo (bottle gourd), ampalaya (bitter melon), okra (ladies’ fingers), talong (eggplant), pipino (cucumber), and pole sitao.

According to OIC-PARPO I Engr. Josephine Sisican the farmers were trained to formulate their own business plan/framework which will be their guide in the dos and don'ts in business

The blessing ceremony was officiated by Rev. Fr. Rey Mutia and attended by the Municipal Agricultural Officer Annie Galon, Cluster II MARPO Allan Apao, Hon. Brgy. Captain Nelson Ababol, FBS Point person Rhesa Abapo, Tambulig DF Marilou Santarin, and SARPO Jinky Asadil, DAR personnel, and members of the BARBA.

PARPO Arturo N. Soria together with Ms. Anecita Jealon, the Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) cuts the ribbon during the turn-over ceremony of the three-wheeled motorcycle to the Balugo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (BARBA).

A. Gimena, some DARPO and DARMO staff, Barangay Councilor of Batayan, Jeanete General and barangay officials.

Conduct of EPAHP Stakeholders Meeting and Documentation and Field Validation Projects

Undersecretary for Support Services Office Atty.

Milagros Isabel Cristobal graced the conduct of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Stakeholders Meeting and Documentation and Field Validation of Projects for Region IX on October 4-5, 2022.

The two-day activities were attended by the National EPAHP Coordinator Ms. Susan Gambalan, National Nutrition Council (NNC) Regional Director Nymfa Ekong, DAR Regional Director Ramon Madronial Jr., and Assistant Regional Director for Operations Engr. Agnes Maata, RARAD Atty. Jessican Tilos-Agagon, PARPO II for Zamboanga del Sur Arturo N. Soria, PARPO II for Zamboanga del Norte Rizzel Villanueva, PARPO II for Zamboanga Sibugay Mohammad Adju, PARPO I Engr. Alfonso Tan, PARPO I/CARPO for PBDD Engr. Josephine Sisican, CARPO Anthony Teves, EPAHP Coordinators of Region IX, Representatives from Dept. of Education, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and ARBO Proponents - BARCO of Baclay, Tukuran, ARBUMAFCO of Mahayahay and MANTILIBA-FIAMCO, Dumingag, this province.

USec. Cristobal said that the program of the Department of Agrarian Reform after the land distribution is the support services for the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to help make their lands productive thereby improving their lives. This is part of the social justice provided in the Constitution, she added. The vital aspect of the program is the marketing efforts

to ensure that the ARBs produce end up at the market and at the table of each and every household. She said that the whole value chain should be followed and upheld. Only when we can ensure that the impact of the pandemic has been addressed and has left a mark in the lives of our constituents thereby reducing the incidence of poverty and hunger. She added that the EPAHP is a convergence program, which aims to help mitigate hunger, ensure food and nutrition security, and reduce poverty in urban and rural communities, including marginalized communities.

Regional Director Atty. Ramon Madronial Jr. urged the involved agency to put their efforts together, solidify and faithfully implement EPAHP Program of the present government.

On the second day, the Documentation and Field Validation of Projects was held with the Baclay Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BARCO) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries United Manguiles Farmers Cooperative (ARBUMAFCO) at the BARCO Savings and Credit Office, Tukuran, this province.

Usec Milabel Cristobal and her group visited BARCO's Dairy Milk product plantation and Pan de Baclay Bakeshop. The consultation meeting and sharing of experiences, challenges, and best practices followed at the BARCO Savings and Credit Office.

"Kung wala ang DAR, walay BARCO karon (Without DAR, there will be no BARCO today), this was the statement of BARCO Manager Hidalgo, as he imparted the success story and best practices of Baclay Agrarian Reform Cooperative. Baclay rose from scratch to being

classified as a Large cooperative with PhP100 million worth of assets. From 7 employees, they were able to generate employment to 140 members/ employees.

A Kumustahan with the DepEd will also be held to discuss the usual delivery protocols of milky buns and dairy milk at the drop-off points to avoid spoilage. BARCO will also mobilize the resources for the increase of their milking carabaos because their operation already requires 1500 liters of milk daily to be generated from 127 carabaos. At present, BARCO has only 60 heads from the Philippine Carabao Center. BARCO is also considering upgrading the use of a retort steri-

lizing machine, which helps prolong the shelf life of dairy milk.

During the open forum, ARBUMAFCO raised its constraints in its organic vegetable production venture. Among these are the lack of financial capital and the dwindling purchases from institutional buyers. USec Cristobal urged revisiting the marketing agreements, sourcing out capital support through LBP, and holding a Regional Kumustahan with partner agencies. The exit conference, marking all the issues raised, agreements, and lined up activities concluded the two-day visit of the DAR UnderSecretary in Zamboanga Peninsula.

DARRO IX and DARPO Sibugay Key Officials Visit 2nd District Solon’s Office

Sibugay 1st District Representative and Deputy Majority Floor Leader Atty. Wilter Yap Palma on October 3, 2022.

The DAR representatives discussed with the honorable Congressman the ongoing programs and projects of the department, as well as some issues and concerns that affect its full implementation.

In his capacity as one of the voices of Sibugaynons in the House of Representatives, Cong. Palma vowed his support for the passing of legislative measures that would uplift the lives of his ARB constituents.

The DAR officials are very much thankful for the warm welcome and commitment of support by Cong. Palma shown during the short but fruitful meeting.

Joining the DAR team during the meeting were also some regional and provincial officials and staff.

Undersecretary for Support Services Office, Atty. Milagros Cristobal together with National EPAHP Coordinator Ms. Susan Gambalan, National Nutrition Council Regional Director Nymfa Ekong, DAR Regional Director Ramon E. Madroňal, Jr., Assistant Regional Director for Operations Engr. Agnes Y. Maata, Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator Atty. Jessica T. Agagon, PARPO II for Zamboanga del Sur Arturo N. Soria, PARPO II Rizzel B. Villanueva for Zamboanga del Norte, other regional and provincial officials and staff take a souvenir pose during the EPAHP stakeholders Meeting and Documentation and Field Validation Projects in Region IX on October 4-5, 2022 in Zamboanga del Sur.

DAR IX Regional and Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial officials and staff during a meeting with Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Representative Atty. Wilter Yap Palma (from left: Edna Alameda, CARPO Florinda Depamaylo, CARPO for LTID Perlidita Engalla, CARPO for PBDD Anthony Teves, PARPO II

Mohammad Dassan Adju, Atty. Wilter Yap Palma, ARDO Agnes Maata, OIC-PARPO I Lorna Salera SARPO Marygay Abuton, Planning Officer Eufrecina De Guzman and ARPO II Jocelyn Umbina)

DAR Regional Office IX represented by Assistant Regional Director for Operation (ARDO) Engr. Agnes Maata and key officials of DARPO Sibugay headed by PARPO II Mohammad Dassan Adju paid a courtesy visit to Zamboanga

DAR conducts Field Validation for proposed CRFPSP projects in Zamboanga Sibugay

(FGDs) with the officers and members of the potential recipient ARBOs. Likewise, the team paid a courtesy visit to the local chief executives of the respective LGUs where the proposed projects will be implemented.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editors-in-Chief

Ma. Socorro C. Reambonanza

Suzette T. Lota

Contributing Editors

May Christine V. Bomez

Leilani Vic S. Valdez

April Balasuela

Jullienne Tuazon

Katrin Ann Arcala

Sariba A. Alam

Editorial Consultants

PARO Cecilia Datayan of the Support Services Office (SSO), SUARPO Gernyza Montero and SARPO Lia Melcha Pandapatan of the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) together with CARPO Anthony Teves of DARPO Zamboanga Sibugay visit the potential sites for the proposed infrastructure projects for agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) involved in rice, corn, and coconut production in the province.

In line with the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos to provide n line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos to necessary support services to improve the livelihood of the necessary support services to improve the livelihood of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the country, the DAR reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the country, the DAR Central Office's Support Services Office (SSO) conducted a field validation Central Office's Services Office (SSO) conducted a field validation of the potential sites for the proposed projects under the Agrarian Reform of the sites for the projects under the Agrarian Reform Fund, which will be implemented through the Climate Resilient Farm Pro- Fund, which will be implemented the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) on November 7–10, 2022 Support (CRFPSP) on November 7–10, 2022.

PARO Cecilia Datayan of the Support Services Office (SSO), SUARPO Gernyza Montero and SARPO Lia Melcha Pandapatan of the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) visited the

potential sites for the proposed infrastructure projects for agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) involved in rice, corn, and coconut production in the province and facilitated focused group discussions

Prior to this activity, a series of regional and provincial consultations and coordination meetings were conducted before the shortlist of projects was finalized, which initially qualified for the criteria set for Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF) areas. The proposed recipient ARBOs visited by the team were: Azusano Irrigators Association, Inc. and Cluster Irrigators Association Inc. in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Sampoli B Tama Para sa Bayan Irrigators Association Inc., Ginto sa Sakahan Irrigators Association Inc., Paglambo Paradise Irrigators Association Inc. and Bag-ong Paglantaw sa Katawhan Irrigators Association Inc. in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay; Bulawan Kulasian Guiwan Irrigators Association Inc. and Nanan MPC in Payao Zamboanga Sibugay; and Timbabauan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (TIMARBENCO) in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

During the exit conference with the validation team, DARPO Zamboanga Sibugay head Mohammad Dassan Adju conveyed his immense gratitude to PARO Datayan and her team for visiting the province and

Atty. Ramon E. Madroñal Jr.

Regional Director

Atty. Marcelimo S. Marata Assistant Regional Director 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

taking time to meet the ARBs. Adju is looking forward to the approval of the project, as it will help boost the production capacity of the ARBOs and thus will improve the economic condition of the ARBs.

The validation team was assisted by regional personnel, Engr. Arsenia Arabani and Rosa Arquiza, and DARPO PBDD staff headed by CARPO Anthony Teves.