The benefits of being federated

PARPO II Gaveria expresses his appreciation to the assistance of BARC in DAR’s activities.

DAR Sorsogon’s Legal Division headed by Atty. Gilmar S. Nasayao sponsored the BARC Training on Mediation and Negotiation on April 2, 2018 for the fifty-four (54) Officers of Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) in Sorsogon City. 

PARPO II Leonito M. Gaveria expressed his deep appreciation to the BARC Officers for their acceptance in this noble duty of a CARP implementing partner in the barangay level. Most people thought that their function is just similar to the Barangay Lupon who facilitate in resolving local disputes. Some are unaware that they have also part in the effecting and facilitating in the land transfer, and in accessing provision of support services. 

Unfortunately, BARC is a self-help organization. Despite their important functions which sometimes is also risky, the government has no fund allotment for their salary or honorarium, or any other allowance and supplies. However, there are many ways to raise fund or to access support, but only when they are federated. That is what MARPO Norberto D. Laguna realized, so he took the initiative of forming them into federation in coordination with MARPO Lucy G. Bailon. 

“When I saw the opportunity to provide the BARC Officers with trainings through the Grassroot Participatory Budget (GPB) in partnership with Sorsogon City LGU, I called the fifty-four BARC Chairpersons within the Sorsogon City which includes Bacon District to attend the Basic BARC Orientation Seminar and Leadership Training. Right after, we set the learning journey on May 27-28, 2014 for the first batch, then on October 13-14, 2015 for the second batch where they personally heard the BARC Federation’s experiences in Pili Camarines Sur, so that they may be inspired to form their own federation,” MARPO Laguna said. 

On the 28th anniversary of CARP, June 10, 2016 they finally registered their group in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the name Sorsogon City Barangay Agrarian Reform Council Federation, Inc. As a federation, they were able to secure a BIR license to operate business and opened a Bank Account. On April 27, 2016 they started to generate fund by sponsoring a Baraylihan. As a result of this endeavor, they were able to conduct regular meetings and enjoyed Christmas party with their colleagues. Most of all, they now have a voice in lobbying for trainings, just like this Mediation and Negotiation Training where they learned some techniques in resolving local agrarian disputes. #

PARCCOM-PCIT meets

“We’re thirty years by June 2018, our accomplishment is a result of your collaborative support. Let us promote continuously and implement CARP for better quality life of Filipino community living in the rural areas,” PARPO II Leonito M. Gaveria said during the Joint PARCCOM-PCIT Meeting on April 25, 2018.

Attended by different CARP implementing agencies in the province of Sorsogon, this event was a success. 

PARCCOM Chairman Vicente Balbedina presented their latest resolutions and the report of their monitoring activities. 

Planning Officer Ma. Teresa B. Dealca presented the first quarter accomplishment of DAR Sorsogon on Land Tenure Security (LTS); Agrarian Justice Delivery (AJD); and ARB Development and Sustainability (ARBDS). 

From the Cooperative Development Authority, Provincial Coordinator Danilo L. Mendizabal presented the Status of Cooperatives under the DAR-CDA Partnership Program. 

Lumen L. Afun showed the status of the irrigation projects of National Irrigation Administration in both CARP and non-CARP areas. 

From the Department of Trade and Industry, Leah Mapagdalita informed the group that their focus is on developing products including its packaging, labeling, and marketing assistance like promoting. But she emphasized that the product to be developed must be resilient and green economic. 

Marilyn Luzuriaga, Provincial Field Officer of the Department of Labor and Employment discussed DOLE’s services and programs like TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage wherein they provide kabuhayan starting kit. 

Alma C. Rosas of Philippine Coconut Authority introduces their banner development program which is Accelerating Coconut Planting and Replanting Project (ACPRP); and their priority project which is the National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System. 

Daryll G. Habulin from DPWH presented the report of infrastructure program in second district such as flood control and drainage projects; roads; buildings; and water supply system. 

From the Office of the Provincial Assessor, Domingo L. Martus, Sr. gave information that there is already result for the problem of landowners whose area of landholdings on the tax declarations are not yet updated or changed.

PARPO I Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr. expressed his appreciation for the responsive participation of the Provincial CARP Implementing Team which made this PARCCOM meeting more meaningful. Overall, this joint meeting was conducted to develop a better quality of service to the CARP beneficiaries. #