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PAGES 4-5 Photo NewsPAGE 3 DARRO V maintains level II accreditation

PAGE 6 Final set of PAI scholars graduate

PAGE 7Convergence effort on communal irrigation project realized

Cam Norte PARPO II Roseller R. Olayres (middle) receiving the symbolic key of responsibilities from outgoing PARPO Jess Dela Rosa (second from left) during the turn-over ceremony on April 1, 2014. Witnessing the ceremony are (L-R) RD Boy Bueno, PARPO I Camilo Del Monte and ARDO Rod Realubit.

The happy smiles of pupils of Ason

Elementary School at barangay Ason,

Garchitorena, Camarines Sur.

PHOTO BY: Jose D. Co

New chief for DAR Cam Norte

When school children smile On Page 2

On Page 2

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“Peace begins with a smile..” -Mother TeresaIf peace begins with a smile, development

definitely follows. Uniquely captivating and infectious are the smiles of children because it is also full of promise.

This I witnessed in a far flung barangay of Ason as the teachers and school children of Ason Elementary School joyously welcomed the newly constructed two-classroom school building at barangay Ason, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur. It would definitely ease the overcrowding in the existing school facilities said the Teacher-in-Charge. The 126 sq.m. school building will be used by the grades III and IV with 84 pupils. They have been sharing a classroom which will now be turned over to the grades I and II pupils, she added.

The school building is spacious, well-ventilated, and cost a little more than Php 2.0 million. It was co-funded by the Asian Development Bank through DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) 2, the National Government Assistance to Local Government Unit (NGALGU), and the LGU of Garchitorena. DAR Camarines Sur I and ARCP2 Provincial Project Manager Leo M. Gaveria said that another school building was also constructed at Del Pilar Elementary School at barangay Del Pilar, Garchitorena earlier and another one has just started its construction at Sagrada Elementary school.

Garchitorena is a fourth class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur with a population of 25,204 based on the 2010 census. Its 23 barangays are mostly accessible only through sea transportation as road access have not yet reached many mountainous areas. Through the able leadership of Mayor Jesus Rico C. Sarmiento, Garchitorena was able to avail of 11 sub-projects with a total amount of almost Php48

million from ARCP2. It consists of 3 school buildings, 2 solar dryers,2 health centers, 2 flood control embankments, and 2 farm-to-market roads that has a length of 9.5kms with total project costs of Php28 million connecting barangay Ason to the Poblacion and barangay Bahi respectively.

After 25 years of implementation of Agrarian Reform, it has finally come to a full circle.

In 1989 during the term of president Cory Aquino, the Garchitorena land scam stemmed from the alleged overpriced purchase of P62 million for 1,888 hectares of former abaca plantation turned cogonal land and owned by Magdalena Garchitorena. As it turned out, the land was originally valued at P3.8 million and most of it was considered unsuitable for agriculture.

It was a bad time for CARP implementation. “Garchitorena”became a pariah which nobody would like to be a part of. It brought a gloomy future, and many found no reason to smile at all.

Today, under the President Noy Aquino’s administration, Garchitorena is once again in the limelight. But this time, there are many reasons to rejoice, and smile.

Last September 27, 2013 officials from the Departments of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Agriculture (DA), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Education (DepEd), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) trooped to the coastal barangay of Ason via a rugged 5-hour caravan to launch the town’s unprecedented program which is expected to change Garchitorena’s agricultural landscape.

By pooling the resources of participating agencies together to bring in the much needed rural development projects, the initiative’s ultimate goal is to reduce poverty by increasing the income of the people especially the farmers in agrarian reform areas. With the theme “DARamayan Bikolnon, Garchitorena Pauswagon,” Mayor Jesus Rico Sarmiento hosted the activities for the day, such as the launching of the convergence program, presentation of the development plan, declaration of commitment, awarding of credit assistance to recipient farmers, distribution of farm equipments and seedlings of various crops, and the turn-over of the newly-completed community-based potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene (CPWASH) project from DAR.

Camarines Sur 4th District Representative Felix William ‘Wimpy’ Fuentebella also committed his full support to the program as he revealed how his

office will integrate its projects with the convergence development framework of Garchitorena especially on road networks. Under the Intervention Plan, Garchitorena will be provided rural infrastructures such as farm-to market-roads, school buildings, bridges (Tulay ng Pangulo), flood control projects, and potable water systems. Forty six (46) classrooms are likewise programmed for repair.

On the production support side, the town’s farmers will be provided farm machineries & garden tools; seedlings of seaweeds, coconut, and other high value crops; tilapia fingerlings; mangrove propagules and many more. The intensified coconut production, tree planting under the National Greening Program (NGP) and organic farming are also included in the package. A livestock and poultry multiplier farm will likewise be established in the area. In order to ensure sustainability, these projects will be complemented with appropriate livelihood programs, while the farmers will be made to undergo technology trainings as para-technicians and agri-extension workers. To

date, the total worth of the convergence initiative is more than 228 million pesos.

DAR Bicol regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., while taking note of the newly completed 2-classroom school building in Brgy. Ason and CPWASH project in Brgy. Canlong, recalled that the local convergence initiative started with the collaboration between DAR and PCA, when then RD Maria Celestina Manlagñit-Tam and PCA V Manager Eduardo Allorde agreed to expand their partnership by involving other line agencies.

When it rains, it pours. No wonder, the school children are smiling again. (J. D. Co)

ON THE COVER Cover StoryFEATURE

When school children smile

The completed two-classroom school building in Brgy. Ason is just one of the many sub projects being implemented under DAR-ARCP II in Garchitorena, Camarines Sur.

On April 1, 2014 by virtue of Special Order No. 132 series of 2014 signed by Secretary Gil Delos Reyes, OIC PARPO II Engr. Jesus De la Rosa turned over the headship of Camarines Norte to PARPO II Roseller R. Olayres. The stint of PARPO Jess is historic, giving him barely seven months– marks the shortest command in the history of PARPOship in Camarines Norte. PARPO Ross however is the former PARPO II of Sorsogon and prior to his assignment in Camarines Norte, he heads the Other LTI Activities and the Task Force on Problematic Landholdings of the DARRO V Operations Division. Camarines Norte is

his fourth provincial assignment since his appointment as PARPO II of DAR. In his acceptance message, he said “I expect each and every employee of DAR Cam Norte to be functional and be part of the team, a team that will help me deliver the commitment especially in LAD”. Regional Director Boy Bueno of DAR Regional Office V sincerely expressed his gratitude to PARPO Jess Dela Rosa for manning the province of Camarines Norte briefly though, while he is the regional director. He alluded the same gratitude for PARPO Ross for accepting the leadership of Camarines Norte albeit tough times it is in DAR with respect

to the implementation of LAD nationwide. According to RD Boy, the change of leadership is akin to any famous sports where replacement of coach or manager is a natural trend, however, the same mechanics of the game is executed. In DAR, whoever leads is less important, what gives much significance is how this leader mobilizes and strategizes with the available resources so as to deliver the maximum output in Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD). And this is what the DAR management is expecting from PARPO Ross, the same expectation given to PARPO Jess when he took the seat in Camarines Norte. (N.P. Lagatuz)

New chief for DAR Cam Norte

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The Department of Agrarian Reform in Albay turned over the common service facilities for rice production in Kamanitohan ARC, Manito, Albay on April 1, 2014.

The common service facilities (CSFs) which include two units of hand tractor with implements, two units of mechanical harvester, one unit of thresher, two units of mechanical transplanter, and 8,000 pcs of rice seedling tray were accessed through the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project.

Manito Mayor Ceasar Daep thanked the DAR for providing Kamanitohan ARC Irrigator’s Association (KARCIA) with the facilities on rice farming. He said that the ARBs will definitely benefit from the CSFs but sustainability must be favored in order to keep the machines operational for longer period of time. He praised the officers of KARCIA for crafting a Memorandum

of Understanding and Policies for the utilization of the facilities. He stressed that as the enterprise operates, there must be proper auditing and record keeping in order to show transparency in the organization. On the other hand, he encouraged the farmers to maintain the irrigation facilities by paying the right rental charges and report any activities of illegal cutting of trees.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico congratulated the officers and members of KARCIA for being one of the recipients of ARCCESS projects in the province. He also congratulated the LGU of Manito for its success in gearing its farming communities towards growth and development. He also said that the project succeeded because of the cooperation and support of other local government agencies. “These facilities are now in your hands and we hope that these will help increase your household income and improve the quality of your life as farmers. I call for your cooperation in the management and maintenance of these facilities so that more farmers will be served and helped in their farming activities,” PARPO II Britanico remarked.

Mr. Honorato Poche, President of KARCIA advised member-farmers to express their intent if they want to use the facilities. He said that policies were already drafted and the association has assigned two operators per equipment and record book for all their transactions. “Anyone can avail the service of the facilities. We will revisit our policies on CSFs rental and furnish the DAR and LGU for review and approval,” Pres. Poche said.

With the facilities now turned over to KARCIA, more farmers are expected to adopt new scientific farming, increase yield and thereby support rice self-sufficiency program of the government. (G.P. Olayres)

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Bicol has maintained its Level II Accreditation Status for the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) after a successful revalidation by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

During the Commitment Building Ceremony held by the CSC in its regional office, April 8, 2014, the DAR together with other national agencies, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations,

state universities & colleges, has been awarded with the Certificate of Revalidation and Certificate of Appreciation by no less than Regional Director Cecilia R. Nieto & Atty. Daisy P. Bragais, Director III of CSC Region V. OIC-Personnel Officer Gil M. Montales represented the DAR V and accepted the Certificates.

The simple ceremony was capped off by the signing of the Memorandum of Commitment between the Level II Accreditation Status holders and the Civil Service Commission.

The accreditation grants the authority to DAR to take final action on appointments by virtue of CSC Resolution No. 1301358 promulgated on July 2, 2013. PRIME-HRM is a program of the CSC to continuously capacitate agencies in the performance of their human resource management functions, recognize best practices in the various areas of HRM, and serve as a venue for exchange and development of expertise in HRM in the Philippine public service.

All holders of the Level II Accreditation Status, including the DAR, may further aspire to qualify for Level III – Deregulated Status by initiating innovations/enhancements or remarkable development in HR management to eventually qualify for the Center for Excellence/Seal of Excellence recognition given by the Civil Service Commission.

Way to go DAR Bicol! Off to Level III! (M.T.V. General)

DARRO V maintains level II accreditation Commemorating Women’s Month

NEWS

OIC-Personnel Officer Gil M. Montales accepts the Certificates from CSC V officials (L-R) Dir. II Arpon U. Lucero, Regional Director Cecilia R. Nieto & Dir. III Atty. Daisy P. Bragais.

In unity with the world-wide observance of the Women's Month, the DAR Regional Office V celebrated the event on March 27, 2014 in a simple but nonetheless, meaningful way.

With the theme “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo Ay Tatag Natin Sa Pagbangon At Pagsulong”, this year's celebration of Women's Month pays tribute to the strong and resilient "Juanas" who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe, according to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The goal is to recognize women’s contributions to the society and promote gender equality. It also provided a fitting backdrop to the festivities.

The day started with a Pili-tree planting activity at 8 am at the CARP Development Center, Rawis, Legazpi City, in support to the National Greening Program of partner-agency DENR.

A “Fish-tival” Cook-out Competition at the DAR Regional Office grounds followed suit with three groups participating in the competition. Each had the chance to show off his/her cooking abilities and much-loved fish recipes. This resulted to a banquet of the most sumptuous fish dishes shared by all the employees at noon which crowned the morning’s activities.

As a prelude to the participation in the World-Wide Fund’s “Earth-Hour Campaign”, the GAD-FPS prepared a film-show for everyone at 1 pm at the DARRO Conference Room. The film, entitled ‘Home’ was a documentary to prepare us for the challenges of climate change and its social dimensions. It shows how diverse life on earth is and how we threaten the delicate ecological balance of the planet.

A Zumba Fitness Demo at 3 pm set a kick-off to the proposed continuing physical fitness program of DARRO V employees and provided a sterling finish to a fun-filled, meaningful day. (S.M. Molina)

Tough Juanas. DARRO V Celebrates women’s month with tree-planting, cooking contest and a zumba demonstration.(1) Ms. Flora Serra poses with the winning dish. (2) Employees join the earth-hour campaign by planting pili saplings. (3) Participants sweat it out at the Zumba Demonstration led by Zumba Fitness Instructor Cecile Espiritu

Signing of the “Deed of Donation” seated from L-R: Mr. Honorato Poche – President, KARCIA; Hon. Caesar Daep – Mayor, Manito; Engr. Romulo A. Britanico - PARPO II, DAR Albay; Mr. Lucio Madrid – President, PARCCOM

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Albay turns over P3.4M worth CSFs for rice farming

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4 PHOTO NEWSTraining on high value vegetable production

Paralegal Clinic and Tactics Session

Girl Power

CPWASH project turned-over to SAHA –ARC in Catanduanes

Darlings @ DAR V

Groundbreaking of Flood Control

RD Bueno in Catanduanes

Groundbreaking of FMR

DARRO Albay

Catanduanes

Camarines Sur A Camarines Sur B

IDC Teng Alfane, PARPO I Luna Ante, PARPO II Engr. Romulo Britanico, Manolo Camo (HVC Trainor) and MARO Alex Morallos pose for a souvenir photo with the participants during the training on High Value Vegetable Production cum Learning Session and Field Expedition, participated in by vegetable farmers of Batan Cluster ARC, Rapu-Rapu, Albay. (G.P. Olayres)

The kababaihan group of the May-ogob Agrarian Reform Cooperative with OIC-PARPO Maria Gracia Sales (second from right), showing off their Taro and Squash Chips. (C.R. Yu)

WATER SANITATION FACILITIES worth P115,000.00 were finally turned over, February 18, 2014 to CARP farmer beneficiaries at ARC-SAHA, barangay Bon-ot, San Andres, Catanduanes, with Cong. Cesar V. Sarmiento (represented by Bert Gualberto), Mayor Peter C. Cua of San Andres town, DAR Bicol Regional Director Luis B. Bueno Jr., ARDO Rodrigo Realubit, and PARPO-II Alexander T. Teves leading the ribbon cutting rites to signal the turn-over of CPWASH facilities –the iron removal filter, bio-sand filter, rainwater collector, and bio-gas digester. (E.S. Villar)

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY of the Concreting of the 6.68 kms. Highway-Lanipga Farm-to-Market Road at Bula Camarines Sur with a total project cost of Php 31.03 million, February 26, 2014. The said road access sub-project was co-funded by Asian Development Bank through DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2 (ARCP2), NGALGU, and LGU-Bula. In the photo (left-right) are Chairman Ludem B. Molina of the Pecuria Development Cooperative Inc (PDCI), Bula Mayor Rolando N. Canet, DAR Camarines Sur 1 PARPO II Leonito M. Gaveria, DAR Bicol Regional Director Luis B. Bueno Jr., Lanipga barangay captain Eduardo M. Agnas, PARPO I Raquel P. Claveria, DAR Engineer Nimelle Danesse R. Barcillano, Louvina Salgado, and Municipal Engineer Catalino Tria. (By Joey Co/Photo credit May Peña)

Groundbreaking of the Flood Control (Concrete Embankment) sub-project at Brgy. Ason, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur with total project cost of Php8.8 million on February 27, 2014. Said sub-project is one of the infrastructures in Garchitorena co-funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) 2, NGALGU, and LGU-Garchitorena. In the photos with the barangay officials are DAR Camarines Sur1 provincial head and ARCP2 Provincial Project Manager Leo M. Gaveria (leftmost) closely watching Garchitorena Mayor Jesus Rico C. Sarmiento (holding the spade), with Municipal Planning & Development Coordinator Architect Ronnie Alarte (with cap). (By Joey Co/Photo credit May Peña)

RD LUIS B. BUENO JR. made his first two-day official visit to the island province of Catanduanes where he presided over a conference on the second day, February 19, 2014 attended by DAR-Catanduanes officials and employees at the DARPO conference room. With him are key DARRO-5 officials, ARDO Rod Realubit, ARDA Leo Miguel Ramos, and CARPO Nida Santiago. Director Bueno assured everybody of the Department’s continuity of the CARP until 2016 and called on for more united front among DAR workers in the province led by PARPO-II Alexander T. Teves. (E.S. Villar)

DARRO V employees pose for a souvenir shot with Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2014 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago and Bb. Pilipinas International 2014 Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti. (R.R. Loria)

Paralegal Officer Rogelio Aranil poses for a souvenir photo during the Paralegal Clinic and Tactics Session held May 5-6, 2014 at Casa Basilisa Resort, Guinobatan, Albay. Standing from L-R: Mr. Rogelio Aranil, DAR Albay PARPO II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico; DARCO BLTI CARPO Annalie Gadrinab; and DAR Albay Legal Chief Atty. Zaldy Ll. Monilla (G.P. Olayres)

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Director Leandro Caymo of DARCO BLT visited the DAR Camarines Sur to conduct a one day assessment on survey activities to determine the readiness of lands for distribution in 2014.

Out of the total area per title of 10383 hectares (9097 hectares targeted for distribution in 2014 by Camarines Sur II), 5043 hectares are already with Approved Survey Plans and only a total of 891 hectares remains to be surveyed. The rest of the hectares are all in the advanced stages of on-going survey, at DARRO and at the Land Management Sector (LMS), save for 2902 hectares OLT-covered lands which are awaiting final notification to landowners.

OIC-CARPO Priscilla Imperial of the Operations Division is positive that the targets will be met as evidenced by the above data set. However, she hopes that a directive from DARCO be soon issued regarding the 2902 hectares OLT lands as the farmer-beneficiaries have yet to receive their most coveted EPs, which would free them from their undue hardship of tenancy.

CARPO Precy said that even if under PD 27, tenant-farmers are “deemed owners” as of October 21, 1972, this is not to be construed as automatically vesting upon these tenant-farmers absolute ownership over the land they are tilling as payment of just compensation to landowners must first be complied with, before full ownership is vested upon

the tenant-farmers. When asked what

constraints face the department in the swift distribution of lands to the beneficiaries, she mentioned the following: firstly, the Land Titling Computerization Project of the Land Registration Authority (LRA) which causes delay in the issuance of RP title as it normally takes an average of 6 months or more for the RP Titles to be processed

and registered using the automated Philaris system; Secondly, the judicial and administrative reconstitution of certificate of title to reconstruct the land titles which were lost or destroyed due to fire, flood or other force majeure which could take years to be decided; and thirdly, is the approval of the survey returns at the LMS, who is in charge of matters pertaining to land classification and management and disposition of Alienable and Disposable (A and D) lands, which takes an average time of 5 months to have a survey approved. “It would be a lot easier if DAR holds the joystick in the land processing and distribution activity as we can control which way to go as we are dependent on our own capabilities in terms of knowledge, skills and budget. But we share the responsibilities with other government agencies that also have their own goals to reach and achieve, so these are challenges we just have to overcome by doing the best we can, every step of the way.”

She further said that another bottle neck in land distribution is the long process of documentation that compensable lands undertake. As all the other land types such as Government Owned Lands, Voluntary Land Transfer schemes have all been completed at Camarines 2, the task which the office now faces is the tedious and arduous work of processing private agricultural lands under the Compulsory Acquisition scheme.

OIC-PARPO Ramon Funtebella is quite pleased with the way DARCO and DARRO have been supporting the activities of DARPO Camarines Sur 2. He holds a positive attitude that the goals will be met. “The unwavering support we get from DARCO and DARRO, which is vital for us to meet performance target is enough to make us look and drive forward.” He said. (C.R. Yu)

Before the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP 3) finally ends its implementation in Camarines Norte, two more agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in the province received post-harvest facility (PHF) buildings from ARISP 3 following the completion and final inspection of the Post Harvest Facility project in Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte worth 6.2 Million. For these projects, series of pre-construction conferences was held on April 3, 2014 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall in the Provincial Capitol Complex and on April 4, 2014 at Masalongsalong Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

Subject of the pre-construction conference was the construction of Provincial Agrarian Information Marketing center (AIM-C) of the Camarines Norte Federation of Cooperatives (CANOFECO) in Sitio Singi, Vinzons, Camarines Norte having an area of 120square meters warehouse, 200sqm office building and 200sqm Solar Dryer worth more or less 17M pesos. The warehouse has a capacity of 5,000 cavans of palay. However, the Masalong-salong MPC Post Harvest Facility consists of 105 sqm warehouse, 49 sqm office and 360 sqm solar dryer with a total project cost of more or less 8.5M pesos. This AIM-C will also serve as food hub where local farmers can showcase their farm produce, and will also serve as a source of food for the feeding of day care students in the province in relation to the implementation of the Program Against Poverty and Hunger.

Gracing the occasion was the team from the ARISP III-Central Project Management Office headed by its team leader Engr. Cristina Dagdag and Engr. Alex Guanhing; and JICA representative Engr. Akio Yamashita. For the PLGU, Gov. Egay Tallado was represented by Provincial Administrator Jose Boma and the staff of Provincial Engineers Office and the Provincial Planning and Development Office. DAR was represented by PARPO II Ross Olayres and the staff of the PPBDD.

The post harvest facility projects are expected to be completed in 180 days immediately after the pre-construction conference. (N.P. Lagatuz)

JICA Engineer Akio Yamashita shoots clarificatory questions to the contractor, and the PLGU engineers. Also in photo is PARPO II Ross Olayres of DAR Camarines Norte

OIC Director III Rodrigo Realubit (back) presenting the survey data of Bicol. Listening intently are (left to right) PARPO II Leo Gaveria of Camarines Sur 1, PARPO II Ramon Fuentebella of Camarines Sur 2, Dir Leandro Caymo and RD Boy Bueno.

PHOTO NEWSRD Bueno to FBs: ‘Get involved,’ as the ARISP –III road project starts In Catanduanes

ARISP III Project Monitoring

Catanduanes

Masbate

FINALLY A ROAD worth P16 million that spans 4.4 km for San Isidro barangay folks, mostly recipients of the DAR’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Catanduanes, will be laid on for them under the ARISP-III foreign assistance from the government of Japan and implemented by DAR in cooperation with concerned LGU in San Andres town. Leading the ground breaking held at barangay San Isidro in San Andres town on February 18, 2014 were Cong. Cesar V. Sarmiento (represented by Mr. Bert Gualberto), San Andres Mayor Peter C. Cua, RD Luis B. Bueno Jr., ARDO Rodrigo O. Realubit, PARPO-II Alexander T. Teves, DPWH Engineer Elsie Gianan, and DAR Engineer Anselmo Vargas Jr. (E. S. Villar)

Project monitoring and inspection of an ARISP III rehabilitation and improvement of the 7,259.69 m Junction National Road (JNR), a farm-to-market road (FMR) from sitio Luksuhon, barangay Pinamasingan all the way to sitio Bayanihan, barangay Cueva in San Pascual, a municipality located in the northern tip of the Burias island of Masbate. The photo shows DAR Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., (2nd from right), OIC-PARPO II Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr. (rightmost), Engr. Imelda Lambojon of the Central Project Management Office of DAR Central Office (left), and Mayor Zacharina Lazaro of San Pascual (3rd from far right) working as a team during the inspection last April 7, 2014. Once completed, the FMR amounting to 34,213,446.96 pesos will provide better access to the main road going to the town proper of San Pascual. This will greatly reduce transportation cost and effort of farmers in bringing their farm products to the market centers, thus, increasing their income and giving them more time for their farm activities. (R.A. Lustestica)

More PHFs for Cam Norte ARCs

DAR Camarines Sur holds Survey Assessment

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A turn-over ceremony was held last April 10, 2014 at Sagawsawan, Mobo, Masbate for the completed Communal Irrigation System (CIS) that was constructed through a tripartite agreement and effort of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mobo, Masbate and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The convergence effort consisted of DAR shouldering 40 percent of the funding through its Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP III), the LGU of Mobo providing a 60 percent-equity in the project cost, and the NIA, having the technical expertise on irrigation projects, is the implementing agency.

The Sagawsawan CIS worth 2,757,254.42 pesos was lunched on April

10, 2013. It is noteworthy that exactly just one year from its groundbreaking the irrigation system is already complete and ready to be turned-over to the Sagawsawan-Mobo Irrigators Association.

The ceremony was spearheaded by Luis B. Bueno, Jr., DAR Regional Director, Honorable Mayor of Mobo Percival Castillo and Engr. Alan N. Fabricante, Acting Irrigation Management Officer, NIA Sorsogon-Masbate Office.

DAR key officials: Assistant Regional Director for Operations

Rodrigo O. Realubit, OIC-PARPO II Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr., OIC-PARPO I Herald Tambal, OIC-MARPO of DARMO-Masbate City-Mobo Edwin C. Yanzon, OIC-CARPO for PPBDD Floro Espares, and Engr. Jovito O. Rejuso, PPMO-ARISP III Rural Infrastructure Engineer; and NIA officials: Homer E. Diokno, Division Manager, Region V and Helsy Bermudez, Project Manager CARP Irrigation Component, NIA-CO also attended the turn-over ceremony.

In his message RD Bueno emphasized the importance of the CIS to the community. He said, “the Communal Irrigation System brings a big impact to the food security program of the government. It is too important to the people economically. Indeed a worthy convergence of efforts of DAR, Mobo LGU and NIA.”

The turn-over ceremony which included the signing of the certificate of completion and acceptance was highlighted by the actual handing over of the said certificate from the representative of NIA to DAR then to the LGU of Mobo which finally awarded the same to Irrigators Association President Ponciano Tamayo. Led by the top officials of DAR, LGU Mobo, and NIA, a ceremonial opening of the irrigation dam’s steel gate was also conducted during the activity.

According to CARP-NIA Irrigation Engineer Helsy Bermudez, the CIS is capable of supplying water and irrigating as much as 100 hectares of farm land.

With its functionality and extensiveness, the completed CIS is expected to improve the crop productivity of all the farmer-residents in the areas where it could supply water, particularly in the LA UMA EXIN PI Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) composed of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from barangays Lalaguna, Umabay Interior and exterior, and

Pinamalatican.

The CIS will also serve as an avenue for strengthening People’s Organizations (POs) and improving connectivity between and among POs, cooperatives, resource institutions and business partners that are in the locality. (R.A. Lustestica)

Congratulations Maui! Manuel Nebreja, OIC-MARO of DAR Camarines Sur II is a Silver Medalist graduate (Individual Category) in Masters in Public Management, major in Rural Development (MPM-RD) of the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) He was amongst the first batch of 52 scholars who successfully joined the commencement exercise last February 2014.

The MPM-RD scholarship, an 18-month course program is under the Capacity Development component of the NCI-SRD which aims to create a pool of transformative rural development leaders from the middle management, technical staff and field personnel of DA, DAR and DENR. It adopted a Blended Learning Approach which entailed a combination of 75% face- to-face

learning and 25% internet and DVD learning.

It was also a collaborative effort of four academic institutions namely the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Ateneo School of Government (ASog), University of the Philippines (UP) and Xavier University (XU).

Part of the program requirement is the Rural Development Action Plan (RDAP) or the thesis equivalent of the Master’s Degree Program.

Maui’s RDAP which

merited the interest of the examiners during his dissertation defense is titled: ‘Toward Sustainable Knowledge Management (KM) through the Establishment of the Barangay System and Information of Convergence and Development (BaSIC-Dev) using San Isidro-Pacol-Cararayan ARC, Naga City as Pilot Model’.

The Thesis précis talks about a project geared towards sustainable rural development through the establishment of KM, to be known as the Barangay System and Information of Convergence and Development (BaSIC-Dev) at the barangays which will serve as the center repository of all programs, projects and activities of the DA-DAR-DENR in support of the LGUs. This program utility can be accessed and avail of by any farmer-beneficiary by signifying his interest thereon. For example, DA offers training on pest management, an FB who is interested to join can simply click the link and submit his personal information including a snapshot of himself. This hastens access to government programs and the provision of support services to interested beneficiaries.

Maui pilot tested his project in three barangays of the City where he supervises as an OIC-MARO. Out of the P30,000 project support cash extended by the NCI-RSD, he bought 3 computers and installed the software program in each of the barangay halls of San Isidro, Pacol and Cararayan. He assigned a member of the BARC to man it and conducted an info drive about the new system installed. From thereon, FBs from even the remotest areas of the barangay came to access the utility.

Maui’s innovation is commendably exemplary, laudable and worthy. His only wish is for DAR to adapt and use it in order that the same may aid all the technical personnel in their work as well as for the FBS to find out/know government programs and gain access to it.

Hear Ye?Well done Maui!!! (Thundering claps, hollers, whoops

and big hugs for you from us all!) (C.R. Yu)

Take a bow!

In line with the department’s thrust to support the major strategy of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) which is to improve food security and increase income, DAR Cam. Sur II PBD headed by OIC-PARPO Maria Gracia Sales accessed through the Department of Agriculture a flatbed dryer with a 40-bag capacity, a 420 sq. m solar dryer and a palay shed of 32 sq. m for the Ayugan-San Antonio Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Ocampo, Camarines Sur.

The FBs need for it was quite important as the unpredictable weather which now besets the country affects the quality of grains being demanded by markets. Also there is an increase in harvest and if all the fbs dry at the same time, the multi-purpose dryer cannot accommodate the grains. More often than not, the grains germinate before it could be even dried.

Sun drying was the common practice, but it cannot dry at night, during overcast days and on unpredictable weather. Sun drying is also labor intensive and challenging. Grains may crack. Sun dried rice may also be contaminated by dirt and stone and can be infested by fungi which can produce poisonous substances such as mycotoxin.

Delayed, incomplete and ineffective drying leads to the deterioration of grain seeds which affects quality. The wetter the grain, the faster the loss of quality. Ideally, grains should be dried within 24 hours after harvest.

Hence, the need for these dryers as an imperative post harvest facility for end users and consumers can not be ignored. (C.R. Yu)

Dryers in the Sun

Convergence effort on communal irrigation project realized

Manuel Nebreja OIC-MARO of DAR Camarines Sur II.

DAR Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. and Hon. Mayor Percival Castillo lead the ceremonial opening of the CIS dam steel gate.

“A sign of success.” Key Officials of DAR, NIA and LGU Mobo with the members of the Sagawsawan-Mobo Irrigators Association. (First row from L to R) Edwin C. Yanzon OIC-MARPO DARMO-Masbate City-Mobo; Engr. Alan N. Fabricante Acting Irrigation Management Officer of NIA-Sorsogon-Masbate; Engr. Homer E. Diokno Division Manager of NIA R.O. V; Luis B. Bueno, Jr. Regional Director DAR V; Hon. Percival Castillo, Mayor of Mobo; Helsy Bermudez Project Manager CARP IC, NIA-CO; Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr., OIC-PARPO II, DARPO-Masbate, Rodrigo O. Realubit Assistant Regional Director for Operations, DARRO V.

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The Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry through the leadership of Marissa Nate-Estrella, Ph.D.,conducted a 2-day Enhancement Training on Geo textile Processing and Marketing for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations particularly the Mount Bulusan Farmers’ Association (MBUFA) of Bulusan, and the Sorsogon Coco Coir Producer Cooperative (SCCPC) of Irosin.

The training includes performance test and evaluation on the use of decorticating machine, twining machine, and geo-net weaving machine which was handled by Prof. Estrella A. Calpe after presenting to the participants the coco coir and coco peat products. Though the participants were already familiar with the different products derived from the coco husks, they were not yet well-versed on how to make said products, and how to use the machineries. Thus, said training will be of help in equipping

them new knowledge in earning additional income for their family.

To develop their capacity in operating and managing profitable agri-enterprises, they were taught simple bookkeeping and accounting, as well as development of CSF Management Plan by Prof. Daniel Sadia. Furthermore, Engr. Virgil B. Bilaro gave the overview of the coconut manufacturing process and machinery. He also discussed the EO25 and DPWH standard for coco coir geo textile to serve as guide for the ARBOs, likewise, the utilization of coco peat as organic fertilizer since

the province of Sorsogon is starting to adopt organic farming system.

This activity is part of the DAR and BU’s partnership in the implementation of Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) which aims to increase farmers’ agricultural productivity and household income through sustainable agri-based enterprises to help reduce poverty incidence among ARBs and other small farmers. (A.A. Jaso)

Final set of PAI scholars graduateIt was a momentous scene as the last batch of DAR scholars composed of nine grantees of the Programang Agraryo Iskolar (PAI) finally marched the stage to receive their diploma at the Sorsogon State College in Sorsogon City, March 28, 2014.

Two (2) of the scholars came from Castilla Campus: Rodolfo P. Dato finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and Christian M. Lotino graduated in Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology. The other seven (7) came from Sorsogon City Campus: Angelo E. Canon earned a degree in Bachelor of Technology major in Electronics Technology;Ailyn R. Dollison and April P. Domasig both completed Bachelor of Technology major in Food Service Management;Jhonalyn E. Estonanto finished Bachelor of Technology major in Garments Technology; Cherry B. Habitan graduated in Bachelor of Technology major in Electrical Technology; Erika L. Matabuena acquired a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Pilipino degree; and Leovic D. Rodriguez graduated in Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Physical Science.

The PAI scholars have been thankful they were able to finish college which is one step closer to achieving their dreams. On the other hand, they feel sad for some other youth who still expect they can also avail of such scholarship program from DAR. This year’s graduates have been the last batch of PAI scholarship grantees, and though the government offers similar scholarship programs, PAI’s requirements were easier to comply.

“This program is one of the most beneficial programs being carried out by the Department since 2003 when it was then named President Diosdado Macapagal Agrarian Scholarship Program (PDMASP)and later,Programang Agraryo Iskolar (PAI),”said Mr. Antonino B. Labrador, the Provincial PAI Coordinator in Sorsogon.

Since its implementation from June 2003 to March 2014, Mr. Labrador continued, Sorsogon alone was able to produce six (6) batches of graduates in March 2007, March 2008, March 2009, March 2010, March 2012, and last March 28, 2014. Said program was able to produce a total of sixty nine (69) graduates, sixty five (65) of which were graduates of a four (4) year course and four (4) of them were at least able to finish a two (2) year course in Diploma in Agricultural Technology (DAT). Grantees of the program were but children and grandchildren of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. Now, that the program has ended, I can say that this kind of endeavor we have ventured in for almost Eleven (11) years, is such a goal of accomplishment for the Department; it has contributed a lot in uplifting the economic condition of the families of our ARBs whose children or grandchildren were benefited a college degree or diploma by the program. This is worth fulfilling for us all - -both for the DAR and the grantees with their ARB parents.

Indeed, in this world where competition among job seekers is so severe, graduating in college is already something for a person to have confidence to face his contender with the faith of winning. (A.A. Jaso)

Graduation day of the last batch of PAI Grantees with the Sorsogon Provincial PAI Coordinator Mr. Antonino Labrador (center).

Geotextile Processing and Marketing for MBUFA and SCCPC

The BU DAR-ARCCESS LOT A. In photo are: Dr. Marissa N. Estrella, Dean, BUCAF, the team leader; Engr. Nancy M. Espartinez, on-call expert; Prof. Sevella G. Tabayag, the training coordinator; Angelica Shiela J. Hamol, Area Field Technical Staff;AlethaLeny Z. Luces, Area Field Technical Staff; Prof. Estrella A. Calpe, on-call expert; Engr. Virgil B. Bilaro, resource speaker; and Lito D. Tuprio, Area Field Technical Staff.

The participants in action

Women’s Month celebration in DAR Camarines Norte

The epitome of an accomplished woman herself former DAR Region V Regional Director Atty. Maria Celestina Manlagnit-Tam graced the celebration of Women’s Month in DAR Camarines Norte on March 25, 2014. Also in photo are OIC-PARPO Jess de la Rosa and DARPO personnel, and Police Officer Rosalinda B. Tenso, (seated, front) PNP Provincial Women’s Desk Point Person, who discussed the Laws Protecting Women during the Women’s Month Celebration in Camarines Norte. (N.P. Lagatuz)

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As part of its steadfast advocacy to improve the lives of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), the Department of Agrarian Reform Masbate Provincial Office, through the efforts of its Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD), initiated a pilot project aimed at developing a model farm to promote the potential of Sugar Industry, particularly the production of “muscovado sugar” in the province. Integral part of the project is the establishment of a farming system that utilizes crop waste products that are mixed with molasses (a by-product of sugarcane processing) as cattle feeds.

The project was conceptualized sometime in November of 2013 when a group of PBDD personnel, headed by PARPO I Herald Tambal, went on a learning expedition to Bacolod, Negros

Occidental. Their goal was to have a firsthand look on its sugar industry and sugarcane hacienda operations. The highlight of their trip was their visit to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in La Carlotta City wherein they were granted seeds and sugarcane plant-lets to be planted in the model farm.

At present, the sugarcane farm project is already being implemented. The hub or growth centers are located in Lantangan, Mandaon and Curvada, Cataingan, 2nd and 3rd congressional districts respectively.

The model farm in Lantangan is a partnership project between DAR-Masbate, Abelita Ranch and Lantangan People’s Organization (LAPO). There is also an

existing “paiwi” from Abelita Ranch numbering to more than 100 cattle heads which started in 2007. LAPO also owns 35

heads of cattle distributed to its members. In this farm, LAPO, an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO), works hand-in-hand with DAR-Masbate and the cattle raisers in developing the model sugarcane and corn plantation.

Through DAR’s Farmers Field School, the partner ARBs/Farmers and cattle raisers are supplied with much needed knowledge and technical skills. This includes the process

of producing and stockpiling through silage cattle feeds out of crop wastes gathered after the harvest season and organic fertilizers from cattle manure. At present, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Units (DA-RFUs) has granted LAPO a shredder machine for organic farming.

On the other hand, the project in Curvada, Cataingan is a tie-up between DAR-Masbate and QUENSCUP. This

is an ARBO which is composed of ARB-members who are residents of Barangays Quezon, Nadawisan, San Jose, Curvada and Pitugo. Lantangan and Curvada are both recipients of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) of DAR. In these areas ARBs/Farmers work as a group and practice the Block Farming system to maximize the utilization of their agricultural lands.

Although the said project is only at its early stage, PARPO I Herald Tambal believes it is a worthy endeavor. This is because it will play a vital role in reviving the “economies of scale” concept in Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) when it comes to their agricultural and livestock enterprise. He said that this will not only increase the household income of ARBs/Farmers, but will also help elevate the overall economy of Masbate province.

The project adheres to the “ridge to reef” approach under Natural Resources Governance with emphasis on proper crop and animal waste management. It also subscribes to gender and development equality wherein Rural Women are accorded fair and equal services and opportunities. (R.A. Lustestica)

Bicol’s Agrarian Reform Information Service

A bi-monthly publication of the Department of Agrarian Reform

Regional Office 5, Lakandula Drive, Gogon Legazpi City

EDITORIAL STAFFMARIA TRINISE VASQUEZ-GENERAL

Editor

REUBEN R. LORIASenior Writer/Circulation Manager

PROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENTS

GEORGE P. OLAYRESAlbay

NILLA P. LAGATUZCamarines Norte

JOSE D. COCamarines Sur A

CARLA R. YUCamarines Sur B

EDUARDO S. VILLARCatanduanes

ROSS A. LUSTESTICAMasbate

ALURA A. JASOSorsogon

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

LUIS B. BUENO, JR.Regional Director

RODRIGO O. REALUBIT, CESO IVOIC-Director III

ATTY. LEO MIGUEL A. RAMOSOIC-Director III

For inquiries, please write or call the DAR Regional Office:

(052) 435-0258 480-5180 480-5181

darro5info@yahoo.com

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Integration of Sugarcane Farming to the Cattle Industry: A Viable Source of Wealth for Masbate

Up-close with Sugarcane plantlets. PARPO I Herald R. Tambal with his PPBDD staff during their learning expedition to Negros Occidental. These sugarcane plantlets are grown in the growth center of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in La Carlotta City.

PARPO I Herald R. Tambal with a cow that belongs to a herd of cattle raised by the Lantangan People’s Organization (LAPO). Some 35 heads of Cattle raised in the Abelita Ranch in Mandaon, Masbate are owned by LAPO members and is now being part of the pilot project “Cattle-based Farming” that is being undertaken by the PPBDD, DAR-Masbate.

Growth plots of Sugarcane plantlets. The first growing areas of sugarcane plants in the cattle-based farming-model farm project. The first of these sugarcane plantlets grown in this ARC farm is through the efforts of LAPO and DAR-Masbate. The ARC in Lantangan, Mandaon, Masbate is a recipient of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) of DAR.