Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office 5 Official Newsletter

1. 1
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 smileOn Page 2
On Page 2

2. 2
“Peace begins with a smile..” -Mother Teresa
If 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 Story
FEATURE
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

3. 3
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
praisedtheofficersofKARCIAforcraftingaMemorandum
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
2
3
Albay turns over P3.4M worth CSFs for rice farming
1

4. 4 PHOTO NEWS
Training 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)

5. 5
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 NEWS
RD 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

6. 6
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.

7. 7
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 graduate
It 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)

8. 8
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 STAFF
MARIA TRINISE VASQUEZ-GENERAL
Editor
REUBEN R. LORIA
Senior Writer/Circulation Manager
PROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENTS
GEORGE P. OLAYRES
Albay
NILLA P. LAGATUZ
Camarines Norte
JOSE D. CO
Camarines Sur A
CARLA R. YU
Camarines Sur B
EDUARDO S. VILLAR
Catanduanes
ROSS A. LUSTESTICA
Masbate
ALURA A. JASO
Sorsogon
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS
LUIS B. BUENO, JR.
Regional Director
RODRIGO O. REALUBIT, CESO IV
OIC-Director III
ATTY. LEO MIGUEL A. RAMOS
OIC-Director III
For inquiries, please write or call the DAR
Regional Office:
(052) 435-0258
480-5180
480-5181
darro5info@yahoo.com
facebook.com/DARRegion5
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.