CLOA and VLPCE Project: LGU & MARO-Irosin’s Christmas Gift to ARBs

The ARBs holding their CLOAs with the employees of DAR Sorsogon,
LGU Irosin, and the Mayor of Irosin.

 Irosin, Sorsogon – back-to-back activity was made by DAR Sorsogon headed by Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II with the Bigkis Farmers Producers Cooperative: the distribution of CLOAs consisting of 47.0527 heactares land to thirty two (32) ARBs  and the signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of Village Level Processing Center Enhancement (VLPCE) Project to engage the ARBs in pili production.

PARPO Gaveria and Mayor Cielo during the MOA  signing.

“We’re so glad and thankful because the CARP Implementing agencies with DAR as the leader are helping the small farmers like our organization. We really need your assistance because we are beginners and we are looking forward for a change,” Jesus Lozada, Chairman of Bigkis said.

Danilo Glipo donated an area for VLPCE Project.  ###

CPWASH, answers many problems in Ogod ARC

PARPO Gaveria and Mayor Alcantara-Cruz toast for Ogod’s potable water

Residents of Ogod ARC in Donsol, Sorsogon had a feeling of gratitude and satisfaction after DAR Sorsogon introduced the CPWASH (Community Potable Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Project and constructed a water treatment facility in their area. Edmundo H. Fulleros, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer saw their great need of potable water so he pursued this project to be materialized.

“With so many problems I’ve encountered in my office, there was a time when a father came to me with his child asking cash to buy water. And he is from Ogod,” Hon. Josephine Alcantara-Cruz, Mayor of Donsol said smiling during the launching of CPWASH Project on November 22, 2016, “Now, here is the project that can answer not only the community’s need for potable water but it might be also the solution to other problems like diseases that was caused by unsafe water.”

Ogod is the biggest barangay in Donsol, Sorsogon. Most Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) lives here. They used to get drinking water from a deep well which is usually surrounded by riceland. So, there is a tendency of contamination with the chemicals used in farming. With the Water Treatment Facility, they will now drink safe water.

“ Ang tubig ay buhay. If this project is truly beneficial to you, replicate this in other area. DAR has already given you the skills and knowledge of doing it,” Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II said.

According to ARPO-II Fe Bailon, Water Treatment Facility is just one of the components of CPWASH. Other components include Biogas and Rain Water Collector. All of these are very useful in hog raising and vegetable production. Water Treatment Facility consists of iron removal filter, biosand silter, and other indigenous materials.

This CPWASH Project in Donsol is the fifth in Sorsogon province. It is implemented through DAR’s partnership with the Barangay Local Government Unit and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization.

“We funded the capacity development trainings so that the farmers may obtain skills and knowledge on how to construct this facility. Barangay Ogod and Ogod Farmers’ Association shared their resources for the purchase of other needed materials,” Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBDD said. ###

Beneficiaries of 120 hectares CARP Land got CLOAs

DAR Sorsogon, LGU Donsol Officials, LBP Representative, and
the new Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

THIRTY FIVE (35) farmers are now holders of Certificate of Landownership Award (CLOA) from the one hundred twenty (120) hectares of CARP Lands in Donsol, Sorsogon.

DAR Sorsogon held a simple ceremony for the CLOA Distribution held at the People’s Hall, Donsol, Sorsogon on November 8, 2016 which was witnessed by Hon. Josephine Alcantara-Cruz, Municipal Mayor of Donsol, LBP Representative, and Municipal Assesor.

“Our mission is to distribute the land covered by CARP, but it does not end here. You will assume the responsibility of the landowner in paying taxes since you’re now the owner of the land. You have to make the land productive to earn more. So, the role of DAR continues in terms of providing support services because our purpose is not only to make you a farm-owners but to transform you into entrepreneurs,” Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II said.

Since these awarded landholdings are formerly owned by private individuals, the farmers should pay their amortization to the LBP. Rollie Dela Peña, LBP Representative, explained to them the manner of paying amortization and reminded them their oaths to the Municipal Judge before taking the responsibility of becoming an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

“It’s just like a cycle. From our taxes, the government purchases the CARP covered land, so you ought to return it by paying amortization and taxes. As the government receives your payments, it is used to fund projects for the benefit of our nation and the communities,” Engr. Noli O. Olitin, CARPO-LTID said.

He also explained that upon the LBP’s issuance of Certificate of Full Payment, they should bring the original copy of CLOA and the certification back to DAR so that they may be assisted in the removal of the encumbrance annotated in the title.

Likewise, Engr. Helen A. Garay, Municipal Assessor of Donsol explained to them how the Tax Declaration will be transferred in their names and that their paying of real property tax started at the date of registration of the CLOA. If the tax payment of a land is not updated, the taxes will be deducted from the proceeds of the payment in LBP.

“You are very lucky for having this opportunity. I wish I can also be an awardee of CARP land. Hopefully, this land can really help your family to move forward,” Mayor Alcantara-Cruz said.

To give them more ideas on how to make additional earnings, Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBDD told them to join in ARB Organizations so that they can avail the support services which DAR offers. She had mentioned the Village-Level Processing Center Enhancement Project in Bulan and other projects under the program beneficiaries’ development as example of how the DAR transforms the ARB and ARB Households into entrepreneurs.

“That’s why, do not ever sell the land awarded to you because that will be your passport to access more blessings,” Edmundo H. Fulleros, MARPO of Donsol-1 said.

“Money is easily lost. If you sell the land, and the one who buys convert it to other usage which is not agricultural, time will come that your children will have no more food to eat eventhough they have money, because if land is insufficient, how will the country produce food that will suffice the need of all the people? Definitely, you cannot purchase food if nobody produces and the land to grow food is very limited,” Alvin Luces, MARPO of Donsol-2 told them as a sort of advice.

Unlike the previous CLOA Distributions wherein the MARPOs just have the ARBs signed after taking the CLOAs, this ceremony was made so that both the ARBs and other stakeholders will have a deeper understanding of their roles with regards to the implementation of the three major components program of CARP. Particularly, for the ARBs to be aware of their responsibilities.

“I am so thankful to DAR because I got this land. Let’s make our land productive, let’s pay our dues. So what if it is not given free? Even though we have the capacity to buy it, without the DAR we have no way to have it,” Fe Tan, one of the ARBs told her fellows. ###

PBD Staff Writeshop

Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBDD gathered her staff for a writeshop in order to prepare the 2017 targets particularly the requirements for regular and partnership programs. The activity includes the preparation of activity and project proposals for Social Infrastructure and Local Capability Building; Sustainable Agri-business and Rural Enterprise Development; Access Facilitation and Access Enhancement Services; Support to Rural Women; and Support to Landowners.

Goats crossed the sea for SRBCC

PARPO Leonito M. Gaveria with Gov. Rodrigueza’s arrival

on site of goat distribution.

Upper Photos: (Left) DAR Sorsogon and 

Magallanes LGU Officers  poses with the governor of Sorsogon.

(Right) The ARB Cooperator of Goat Production Project.

ANOTHER ten (10) healthy goats were distributed to San Rafael Bagatao Consumers Cooperative (SRBCC) on October 6, 2016 by the DAR Sorsogon headed by Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer – II and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) under the leadership of Dr. Asley De Castro.

It is part of the Sorsogon Agro-Livestock Project implemented by DAR and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Sorsogon. Thomas Diesta, Agricultural Extension Services Point Person saw the potential for goat production of the coconut land tended by Agapito Tordillos, Sr., member of SRBCC, that’s why he coordinated with Ms. Evelyn Aurellano of the Sorsogon PVO in order for the coop to avail such project.

Through the support of Hon. Roberto A. Lee-Rodrigueza, Governor of Sorsogon, and the effort of Lope Galindes, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) of Magallanes, these farm animals were transported to the Bagatao Island.

“We have chosen Tordicillos to be the cooperator of this project because he is an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary and a member of the cooperative,” MARPO Galindes said.

Tordicillos’ initial goal is to multiply the goats until he is able to give ten (10) kids from these to the cooperative. ###

New Realty Tax Payers emerge in Magallanes

The five new CLOA Holders with the

 DAR Sorsogon Officials and the 

Municipal Assesors after the 

CLOA distribution ceremony in Magallanes.

FIVE (5) farmers of five (5) hectares agricultural land in Sta. Elena, Magallanes, Sorsogon owned by Isabel Judit was transformed into landowners after DAR Sorsogon headed by Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer – II distributed the CLOAs. A simple ceremony was prepared for them by Lope Galindes, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer of Magallanes which was attended by Joeme A. Balonzo, Municipal Assessor who sees them as new realty tax payers. He reminded them that the paying of land tax start at the date of the registration of CLOA.

“The taxes go to the LGU but these are also returned to the people. It is where the government gets fund for the construction of facilities like irrigations, farm-to-market roads, solar dryer, and other rural infrastructures,” the Municipal Assessor explained.

Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr., OIC PARPO – I also told them that they can show their cooperation in the program through their productivity because the purpose of CARP is the betterment of their life.

“Your life will not become better if there is no plantation in your farm. Endeavour to join in ARB Organizations and attend trainings for your economic growth,” he said. ###

Expedition provided to APCP learners

The Officers of ARBOs who join the Learning Expedition poses at the grounds of CADECO.

Upper Photos: The group’s stop-over at the SAFADECO MiCoop and Consumer’s Store.

SORSOGON – after the series of trainings related to the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) under the Capacity Development Program of DAR-LBP, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) have had a Learning Expedition. Although the activity was made only within the province of Sorsogon, the ARBOs appreciated it because they were able to see the different products and services of other ARBOs.

The ARBOs they visited were the Salvacion Farmers’ Development Cooperative (SAFADECO) in Sorsogon City which has a Consumer’s Store, Copra Trading, and microfinance services; the Capuy-Basud Multi-purpose Cooperative (CABAMUCO); and the Sorsogon Agro-Aquatic Development Cooperative (SAADECO) located also in Sorsogon City and both are devoted to rice milling and rice trading; the Castilla Development Cooperative (CADECO)  is a producer of Geonet, Geotextiles, and ropes. Lastly, they went to Bigkis can mga Paraoma sa Bulan, the first successful recipient of APCP. Their business is palay production and rental of Common Service Facilities from the ARCCESS program. ###

Capacitating the ARBOs in Sorsogon

Gubat, Sorsogon – series of trainings to capacitate the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) are being conducted by DAR Sorsogon under the Capacity Development Program.

Last July 14-15, 2016 seventeen (17) cooperatives enjoyed the Effective Communication Skills training the way it was delivered to them by Jenell P. Paghubasan, Chairperson of South-Luzon Federation of Cooperatives (SIDECO). The training focused more on how to deal with people from different walks of life. According to Maribel J. Lubiano, the training facilitator, it is essential for the cooperatives because they made transactions everyday, so they should know the proper way of communicating with people to achieve their goal.

This was followed by Internal Control training on July 28-29, 2016 wherein the same cooperatives were taught about the financial flow in an organization, how to audit based on existing policies, and the critical responsibilities of the Committee on Audit.

These trainings were conducted under the cooperative strengthening program of DAR in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) where the DAR is directed to provide free CDA mandated trainings to the ARBOs.

Meanwhile, trainings in preparation for the application of Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) have also started. This is a partnership program of DAR with the Land Bank of the Philippines which aims to provide the ARBOs an access to finance for production purposes. Last August 10-12, 2016 thirteen ARBOs were trained on Financial Management.

“We would like you to learn how to handle the finances of your associations or cooperatives. We would like you to know how to prepare financial reports properly. If your members are confident with the way your officers manage the finances, better camaraderie will be developed in your organization,” Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr., OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer-I told the participants.

On August 24-26, 2016, another APCP-related training was provided to forty-four (44) representatives of fifteen (15) ARBOs. Through the expertise in entrepreneurship and management of Edward N. Divinaflor, Roselyn O. Oliva, and Maria Edelyn S. Lovedario they were imparted with the knowledge of becoming an entrepreneur (its difference with businessman), agri-business, and marketing. During their workshop, the participants found opportunity to link the meat processing which they learned in a separate skills training, as a way to make income during the “waiting season” in farming.

“We assumed that the reason why you are here is because you are interested to avail our Agrarian Production Credit Program. That’s why, we would like to capacitate you through these trainings. So that in times that you already access this credit service, you will know how to manage your finances in order to prevent loss, but to make it grow, instead,”  Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer-II said.

Finally, on September 14-16, 2016 eighteen (18) ARBOs participated in the 3-day training on Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants. Again, this is part of the APCP which is their last training for the year under the Cap-Dev’t Program. ###

Meat Processing: ARBOs’ ideal farming partner

Gubat and Barcelona, Sorsogon – Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) and some women in the community feel lucky for being invited in the Meat Processing Workshop conducted by DAR Sorsogon under the Gender and Development (GAD) Program and Support to Rural Women Program.

“They can use this skills to obtain income specially during the ‘waiting season’ of farming when they are waiting for the forty-five days to harvest again of coconuts, or waiting for the four months to harvest palay,” Leila B. Halcon, GAD point person said.

Confident of their processing, the participants purchase their own produce right after the workshop. The sales become now the ARBO’s capital to start the business. Aside from the skills, they will be provided also with materials and equipment.

“To see them appreciate the projects and services that we offer is enough consolation to our effort,” Julie L. Encinas, Training Facilitator said as she saw the smiles of satisfaction from the participants after the activity. ###

VLPCE Project in Bulan, blooms

Bulan, Sorsogon – two (2) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) is now enjoying the Village-Level Processing Center Enhancement (VLPCE) Project of DAR.

After series of trainings which began with pili candy making, packaging, labeling, marketing, and other related skills the Fabrica Women’s Association (FAWAS) in Bulan, Sorsogon is now producing Mom’s Best Pili Candies and Pastries. Recently, they were taught and informed about a set of sanitation guidelines for the physical and processing operations by Fe G. Bailon, the Resource Speaker in the training on Current Good Manufacturing Practices. The main goal of the training is to ensure the consumers that the manufacturing plant of the food they patronize has an ideal working environment with clean, safe and high quality of food products.

Also in Brgy.Nasuje, Bulan, Sorsogon after series of trainings on food processing, the dried fish products of Antipolo-Namo-Nasuje-Inararan-Calomagon (ANNIC) Multi-purpose Cooperative is now ready for market. The Food and Drug Administration had awarded the cooperative the license to operate. DAR expects that this occasion marks the beginning of economic growth of the five barangays. ###

DAR inks partnership with Sorsogon provincial government

Castilla, Sorsogon – Goat Production Project was launched on August 11, 2016 seven days after Hon. Roberto A. Lee-Rodrigueza signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Mayon Farmers’ Association (MAFA). Allan Marchan, member of MAFA was fortunate for being chosen as ARB-Cooperator.

According to Thomas Diesta, Organic Agriculture Point Person of DAR Sorsogon this is not the first time that a project was entrusted to Marchan.

“Since 2013, he has been my partner in organic vegetable production, ‘babuyang walang amoy’, and poultry or chicken rearing. We saw that each project we hand over to him, do well. That’s why, we have chosen him again for this goat production project,” Diesta said.

Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II who visited Allan’s farm was also convinced that they have chosen the right farmer for this project.

“Allan’s diligence becomes his passport to access a project like this. He is a model farmer for you to imitate. Your challenge is to multiply Allan here in Castilla so that you may also benefit like him,” PARPO Gaveria told the members of MAFA and other farmers who attended the launching in San Vicente, Castilla, Sorsogon. ###

ARBOs, trained on Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants in support to APCP

Gubat, Sorsogon –3-day training on Basic Accounting for Non-Accountant was conducted by DAR Sorsogon in support to the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP). Facilitated by Maribel J. Lubiano, the training was attended by eighteen (18) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) who learned more accounting basics from Virgelene S. Ebdani and Evelyn B. Peña, resource speakers from South Luzon Federation of Cooperatives (SIDECO).#

DAR, proud of SAFADECO

“I am proud to inform you that in Bicol region, only two provinces have ARBOs that reached level five, the highest rating in the latest ITeMA. One of these is Sorsogon, and it was SAFADECO that brought us in,” Liza B. Repotente, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) for the Program Beneficiaries Development Division proudly announced to the employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) the recent result of Information Technology enabled Maturity Assessment (ITeMA).

The same feeling was expressed by Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II as he reiterated the inspiring news to the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) in Sorsogon. 

ITeMA is a tool used by DAR in determining the level of development of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs). It has six (6) major indicators: organizational management; resource management; social enterprise operations; financial performance; alliance building and sustainability; and environmental and social responsibility.

There is another reason for DAR and SAFADECO (Salvacion Farmers’ Development Cooperative) to rejoice, that is, a year after the launching of their satellite office in Irosin, the cooperative celebrated the satellite’s first anniversary meaningfully by applying the seventh Cooperative Principle which is Concern for Community. SAFADECO with the help of Hon. Deogracias “Ding” Ramos, Mayor Pidoy Cielo and Gov. Roberto “Bobet” Rodrigueza, sponsored Health Awareness Campaign in Irosin, Sorsogon on July 23, 2016. Dr. Michael Galan and Dr. Helen Teves; the Rural Health Unit; and the Barangay Health Workers supported their action by volunteering their time and effort. Twenty-eight (28) members, forty-two (42) member-households and twelve (12) non-members from Irosin, Juban, Bulan and Sorsogon City were benefited of this activity. ###

GSARCFA – Newly created ARBO

Gubat, Sorsogon – a new Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) was born in Bentuco, Gubat, Sorsogon as Nelson F. Espaldon, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) met the ARBs and their households on August 10, 2016. The newly organized ARBO was named GSARCFA (Gubat Special ARC Farmers’ Association) with an initial membership of twenty-nine (29) ARBs and farmers, covering five (5) barangays of Gubat, Sorsogon which are Bentuco, Tigkiw, Naagtan, Bulacao, and Tugawe.

Last August 24-26, 2016 they have attended their very first training on Capacity Development Program of DAR which is Entrepreneurship and Basic Management under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP). According to Julie L. Encinas, Technical Assistant in Gubat, the training was very timely for GSARCFA which is starting Tocino and Longganisa Business. ###

Sericulture: new source of income for ARBOs

DAR Sorsogon saw new source of income for ARBOs through Sericulture as Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II guests in the last day of Sericulture Training of Sorsogon Sericulture Farmers’ Association (SSFA) in Juban, Sorsogon, courtesy of the Sorsogon Provincial Agriculturist Office.

“This is an indispensable technology which we would like for our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations to learn,” said PARPO Gaveria.

Sericulture is the rearing of silkworms for the production of silk through their cocoons. This knowledge was introduced by Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union whom Fidel S. Orense, Jr, PARCCOM Member in Sorsogon invited to impart the technology to the association.

Juban and Lajong ARCs ready for climate adaptation

DAR Sorosogon conducts orientation on Climate Change Proofing in Juban and Lajong Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) under the partnership development program with LGU-Juban.

A need to update their existing ARC Development Plan prompts them to undergo this orientation.

“Juban encounters environmental and socioeconomic pressures exacerbated by climate change, adaptation is ultimately an issue of sustainable development. That’s why we have to integrate climate considerations into planning,” said Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II.

Participated by barangay leaders of Lajong, Calateo, and Sipaya; they highlighted the risks and opportunities brought by climate change in their area.

By viewing development through a climate change lens, appropriate steps can be taken to decrease vulnerability and ensure that project or programmes progress in a way that pays due consideration to the implications of environment change.

ARB urged fellows to give to Caesar what is due to Caesar

Tula-tula Barangay Chairperson, Municipal Assessor, LBP Representative, and Sorsogon DAR Provincial Officers poses with the ARBs who have just got their CLOAs.

MAGALLANES, Lope Galindes, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer held a CLOA Distribution on April 5, 2016 which was attended by ARBs from Barangay Tula-tula, Barangay Chairperson, Municipal Assessor, LBP Representative, and Sorsogon DAR Provincial Officers.

In this activity, thirteen (13) ARBs of 20.1021 hectares landholding in Brgy. Tula-tula, Magallanes, Sorsogon formerly owned by Macario King, received Certificate of Landownership Award (CLOA). Engr. Noli O. Olitin, CARPO-LTID discussed the do’s and dont’s of a recipient of CLOA and the only three ways to transfer the awarded land just in case they can no longer tend it.

“Land is life, this is a blessing that comes from God. Therefore, you should value it by making it productive. In that way, you will be able to pay tax and amortization,” Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II said in his message.

The CLOAs were registered in 2014. That means, the payment for land tax will start in year 2014 even though the titles were received by DAR for distribution to ARBs only this year, 2016. The good thing according to Joeme A. Balonzo, Municipal Assessor of Magallanes is that the transfer of tax declaration from the landowner to the ARBs is free.

Felimon H. Gabuyo, Barangay Chairperson of Tula-tula reminded them to do their obligation to pay.

The CLOA which the ARBs received are scanned copy of the original which is kept by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).  Francisco M. Corcuera, LBP Representative explained to them how they can get the original copy. He also discussed the LBP’s system of paying amortization.

“As per record, this landholding amounts to ninety seven thousand pesos per hectare which you are going to pay in not more than thirty years. But because of the subsidy from the government, this will not be the amount to be paid by the ARB. Upon full payment, the LBP will issue a Certificate of Full Payment. Thereby, you can already get the original copy of your title, then the DAR will assist you in the cancellation of the encumbrance,” Corcuera said.

Pablo B. Belardo, an ARB of Melina Aldeguer was also there to received his Certificate of Full Payment from Corcuera for a parcel of coconut land with an area of 2.9996 hectares.

The work of DAR does not end in the distribution of land titles but it follows with the provision of support services.

“It is you who can help your LGU to become progressive through paying tax. DAR will assist you how you can make your land productive,” Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr., Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I said. In support to what he said, Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBDD assured them that their group is going to be their next regular visitors in the farm in the coming days to give them technical support so that they will be able to make their land productive.

The activity ended with the message of thankfulness by Henry Gabuyo, ARB representative. “DAR was through with their obligation of distributing the land title to us. Now, it’s our turn to make it productive so that we can pay taxes and amortization. Give to Caesar what is due to Caesar. That is the way we can thanked the government for their effort,” he said.

DNYD Day in DAR Sorsogon

Beth Sentes, ARPO I mentoring the two new ARPTs.

Inset Photos: PARPO Leo, CARPO Nida, CARPO Noli, and ARPO Lory.

Engr. Noli O. Olitin, CARPO-LTID called the Agrarian Reform Program Technologists (ARPTs) and Senior Agrarian Reform Program Technologists (SARPTs) together with the LTI and Legal Division staff for a one-day review of the Distributed Not Yet Documented (DNYD) landholdings to familiarize the new ARPTs  of the guidelines in the documentation and processing of DNYD Folders. The activity is also aimed to review, validate, and identify lacking requirements and problems, issues and concerns affecting each landholdings; and to identify landholdings which are potential for submission to DAR Provincial Office.

“At least you are ready,” PARPO Leonito M. Gaveria said during his message after asking the new ARPTs how their MARPOs coach them.

Now that the DARMOs are complemented with technical personnel, it is expected that the work on OLT Landholdings will be completed. “Just do the OLT so that it will be finished,” Lorena M. Gutierrez, DNYD Point Person advised the DARMO participants.

The DNYD Day was complemented with an exchange of questions and answers between the participants and staff of LTI and Legal Divisions on related issues to clarify things. CARPO Nida Santiago discussed also some important matters in relation to DNYD landholdings. “If you have difficulties, always ask your MARPO or the LTI Division staff,” she added.

To orient the DARMO participants in some recent developments, CARPO Noli presented the Target-Budget-Procurement linkages as an important guide in implementing and monitoring the different Land Tenure Services (LTS) activities. He emphasized the need for higher physical accomplishment to be able to maximize utilization of funds.

ARBs in Bentuco got their CLOAs

PARPO Leo & Joseph Lim, the Landowner’s representative shakes 

hand as they handed

the CLOA to the ARB

“This land is very sentimental to us because we inherited it from our parents. Hopefully, you will also value it and make it productive,” this is the statement of Joseph Lim, the landowner’s representative, during the distribution of Certificate of Landownership Award (CLOA) to the farmers of Bentuco, Gubat, Sorsogon.

On March 22, 2016, a simple CLOA Distribution Ceremony was held at the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office of Gubat/Prieto Diaz Cluster, Gubat, Sorsogon. The occasion was attended by the representatives of Municipal Treasurer’s Office, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the landowner who personally handed the CLOAs to the new Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of the 23-hectare Simon and Jose Lim Estate.

“This is the fruit of our labor, to be able to distribute CLOAs,” said Nelson Espaldon, MARPO of Gubat/Pto. Diaz Cluster, in his welcome message.

Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, explained to the ARBs that it is the government through the LBP that paid the landowner. Thus, it is their responsibility to pay the amortization to the LBP within 30 years and the land tax to the Treasurer’s Office. He also emphasized that the awarded land can only be transferred through hereditary succession or to other qualified beneficiaries pursuant to existing guidelines. He also explained the role of the ARB Organizations and he encouraged them to become a member.

“I don’t want to see that the land we awarded to you is lying idle. Make it productive,” said PARPO Gaveria.

Likewise, Engr. Noli O. Olitin, CARPO of Land Tenure Improvement Division, explained to them how the landholding was acquired from the landowner and, finally, its distribution to the ARBs. He added that the Municipal Assessor can already issue tax declaration in the name of the ARB using the copy of the approved survey plan and the CLOA provided to the Municipal Assessor.

DAR Officers, Representatives of the Municipal Treasurer’s Office, LBP, 

Landowner, and the ARBs holding the copy of their CLOA 

“Your obligation to the government as taxpayers start upon the registration of your CLOAs,” said Engr. Olitin. “In the other hand, arrearages in the realty tax prior to the registration of the CLOA will be deducted by the LBP from the proceeds of payment due the landowner and issued with a check in the name of the LGU concerned.”  

CARPO Liza B. Repotente of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division informed the ARBs of the support services that the government is providing through ARBs’ organization or cooperative. She encouraged them to join one and further mentioned its significance towards making the land productive.

In behalf of the ARBs, ARB Rolando Bagasala expressed his gratitude to DAR Sorsogon for their support to the landless farmers.

Kislap sa Dilim

Mula sa kadiliman, unti-unting lumitaw ang tila diamanteng mga bituin kasabay ang pag-ihip ng malamig na hangin. Hindi maiwasan ni Tio Paya ang maalaala ang kaniyang mga magulang. Katulad ng kalangitan na kanina'y madilim dahil sa pagbuhos ng ulan, nagdaan din sa masalimuot na karanasan ang kaniyang mga magulang bago nila natamo ang kislap ng tagumpay.

            Rolando Jaso ang kaniyang tunay na pangalan, ngunit nakasanayan na sa kanilang lugar na tawagin siyang Tio Paya, kamag-anak man o hindi. Siya ang kapitan ng Barangay Ticol, Sorsogon City. Mula pa noong maupo siya sa katungkulang ito noong 2007 ay hindi na siya napalitan dahil naibigan ng mga tao ang kaniyang pamamalakad.

            Parang kailan lang, isa lamang siyang batang walang muwang noon na nagmamasid sa kanyang paligid. Kahit payak ang kanilang buhay, tahimik at masaya ang kanilang tahanan. Isa sa mga magsasaka ng malawak na Hacienda ng mga Jesalva ang kanyang ama. Pagkokopra at pagtatanim ng palay ang kanilang ikinabubuhay. Bagama't hindi nila pag-aari ang lupang sinasaka, wala silang problema dahil mabait ang may-ari nito. Hindi gaya ng ibang mga panginoon ng lupa na ang mas malaking bahagi ng produkto ang kinukuha, sila'y 1/3 lang na bahagi ng produkto ang binibigay sa may-ari, sa kanila ang 3/4. Nauunawaan ng may-ari na ang mga magulang ni Tio Paya ang s'yang namuhunan sa pagtatanim kaya't marapat lamang na sa kanila ang mas malaking bahagi.

            Subalit nagbago ang lahat nang humina na ang kalusugan ng may-ari ng lupang sinasaka ng mga magulang ni Tio Paya. Ang pamamahala ay kinuha na dito ng mga anak at sapilitang pinaaalis ang lahat ng mga magsasaka sa koprahan at binago na nila ang hatian ng produkto sa palayan, naging 50-50 na. Sa umpisa'y nagmatigas ang kaniyang ama dahil hindi sasapat ang kita sa palayan lamang para maitaguyod ang pag-aaral nilang walong magkakapatid, lalo na't mababawasan ang bahagi na kanilang makukuha.

            "Nagsampa noon ng kaso ang mga anak ng may-ari ng lupa laban sa lahat ng mga magsasaka sa Hacienda kasama na ang aking ama. Nagdulot iyon sa aking ina ng matinding sama ng loob na ikinabagsak ng kaniyang kalusugan. Para matapos ang problema ay pinili na lang ng aking mga magulang na iwanan ang koprahan," pagbabalik-tanaw ni Tio Paya.

            Ngunit parang anghel na bumaba sa lupa ang Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) na nagbalita sa kanila na magkakaroon na sila ng karapatan na maging may-ari ng lupang kanilang sinasaka. Dahil sa agrarian reform program, natapos ang suliranin nilang mag-anak, hindi lang sila nagkaroon ng karapatang maging may-ari ng lupang sinasaka kundi nabawasan din ang paghahari-harian sa kanilang komunidad ng mga anak ng may-ari ng lupa.

            Nakatapos din sa kolehiyo silang walong magkakapatid at may kani-kanila na silang hanapbuhay ngunit naiwan si Tio Paya sa bukid upang pagyamanin ang lupang muntik ng pagbuwisan ng buhay ng kaniyang mga magulang.

            Ilang taon lang ang lumipas, napili din siya ng DAR na pagkalooban ng 2 hektaryang niyugan  sa ilalim ng GOL scheme (paraan ng pamamahagi ng lupa na Government Owned Land) kaya't tulad ng kaniyang ama, siya rin ay tinaguriang Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB).

Ang Barangay Chairperson ng Ticol, Sorsogon City na si Rolando Jaso kasama ang kaniyang pamilya.

Ngayon, isa na rin siyang ama at masaya siya dahil ang isa sa apat niyang mga anak ay nakapagtapos na rin sa kolehiyo habang ang dalawa ay nasa sekondarya pa, at ang bunso ay magkikindergarten na rin sa darating na pasukan. Dahil sa magandang reputasyon na ipinamalas ng kanilang mag-anak sa komunidad, napili siyang maging Chairperson ng Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) sa kanilang lugar noong 1990 hanggang 1999.

            "Nag-resign na ako noon sa pagiging Chairman ng BARC dahil marami akong natuklasang bentahan ng lupa na ginagawa ng mga kapwa ko ARBs ngunit mahirap kumilos dahil alam kong kaya nila iyon nagagawa ay dahil sa kakulangan ng puhunan, marami akong masasagasaan kung sakali, kaya umalis na lang ako," wika ni Tio Paya.

            Ipinagpatuloy na lang niya ang pagtulong sa kaniyang mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng pagtakbo bilang Barangay Chairperson.

            "Kapag naririnig ko na mawawala na ang DAR, nalulungkot ako dahil malaki ang naitutulong nito sa lipunan. Paano kung bawat BARC Chairperson ay hindi rin umaksyon tungkol sa mga maling ginagawa ng mga ARBs at landowners? Kung wala ang DAR, sino na ang lulutas sa problema?" aniya, "walang problema sa DAR kundi yung batas ang dapat baguhin, kailangang maging angkop ito sa pangangailangan ng pagkakataon. Iba na ang panahon ngayon, hindi na lahat ng magsasaka ay inaapi ng may-ari ng lupa at hindi rin lahat ng mga may-ari ng lupa ay malulupit. Walang problema sa programa, ang problema ay nasa ARB mismo,"
         Kapag tinatanaw niya ang kalangitan at walang natatanaw na kislap ng mga bituin, hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa si Tio Paya. Malamig man ang simoy ng hangin na humahampas sa kaniyang katawan,  alam niyang hindi siya nag-iisa. Hangga't naririyan ang DAR na kaagapay nila sa pag-unlad, may kayakap sila.