This document provides a summary of several stories: 1) It profiles Rodrigo Bismonte, an 88-year-old farmer in Camarines Sur who was named the Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Family. It details his journey from poverty to success through hard work and sacrifice. 2) It discusses a training conducted by DAR, DA, and ATI on vegetable production that was attended by members of an agrarian reform community. 3) It outlines the work plan approved by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee of Masbate for 2015, including land verification and monitoring of DAR projects. 4) It describes the turnover of water and sanitation

1. PAGES 6-7 Photo NewsPAGE 2 Mang Rodring’s Journey PAGE 3 PAGE 8 DARBO on the go..for all
natural coco suka and toyo
see story on page 2
TOPVIEW of Brgy. Sto. Niño, Pili, Camarines Sur -- part of the expanded ARC-Bagong Sirang (DAR Cam Sur file photo)
DAR Honors Most
Outstanding ARB Family

2. 2
ON THE COVER Cover Story
DAR-DA-ATI Partnership supports ARCCESS Project
Mang Rodring’s Journey
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
“I thank the Lord for all the blessings he has
bestowed on me and my family. There’s nothing more
I can ask except to see that the 3-km unpaved road
in Himaao, Pili that runs from the farm to the main
highway in Pawili, Pili, Camarines Sur be cemented.
When that happens, I can rest in peace.” Wistful
yearnings from 88 year old Rodrigo Balilla Bismonte
of Barangay Pawili, whose family was hailed as the
Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Family
of the Year by the Department of Agrarian Reform
on November 24 2014 at the Bureau of Soil & Water
Management Convention Center, Quezon City,
during the culmination of the 2014 International Year
of Family Farming (IYFF) celebration.
This 3-km unpaved road is where Rodrigo and
15 other Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries trudge
carrying their loads of produce on a carabao sled
to sell to the market. During rainy season this road
is impassable as it is typical of a dirt-road where pot
holes are scattered filled with muddy puddles. For
almost 20 years, from the time Tio Rodring earned his
Emancipation Patent for the 6811 square meters of
riceland from the Department of Agrarian Reform, he
left his footprints on this 3-km stretch every day.
“I was born to an impoverished family where our
only income came from cultivating a 3-hectare
Riceland. I was the eldest amongst eight (8) children,
so I was obliged to help the family. I only reached
the 3rd grade as life was hard so I had to give up
schooling to help my father till the land. I was faced
with the stark realities of life that at a young age I
knew what hard labor was. When my father died, I
left home and left the land to my siblings for them to
nurture it.“
Left with nothing else, except with a firm resolve to
live, he found himself as a farmworker in one estate
in Himaao, Pili, Camarines Sur, where he eventually
became a tenant and which ultimately made him an
Agrarian Reform Beneficiary under P.D. 27 in 1987.
It was in 1952, when he married Gliceria Datoy
Bicaldo. He built a humble adobe for them in the
farmlot and raised their family. Life was tough but
Rodring and Gliceria unceasingly toiled the land.
Both worked hard and saved every penny they could.
They also worked as farmworkers in neighbouring lots
to earn more income for their growing family. They
increased their income by selling only a part of their
produce, keeping the rest and selling them when
prices soared. He was also able to extend credit to
other farmers and the small profit he gained from
them increased their savings. Soon other farmers
were mortgaging their lands, an opportunity which
he grabbed and invested in.
After eight years of painstaking work, he was able
to buy a residential land close to the main road,
where he built a modest home for his family. “The
children were all going to school so I made certain
that they lived close by, as seeing them all through
college became my earnest dream. We hammered
into their minds that there was no legacy we could
leave except to educate them, as it was the only way
with which they could have a bright future”.
It was in 1995 when his youngest son Rodolfo
graduated from University of Nueva Caceres in Naga
City with a degree in Bachelor of Laws. He was the last
student he had to spend on as all the six (6) others
before him had all earned their respective degrees in
college. Today,the couple have two (2) accountants,
two (2) engineers, an agriculturist, a nurse and a full-
fledged lawyer.
“I thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed
on us. Life was a sacrifice but I never complained
because I knew He wouldn’t give me any hardship
that I would not be able to overcome. I lived life as a
simple Catholic,without vices as I could not afford it. I
had my wife and children and that made me happy.
At dawn, I walked to the farm and labored intensively
sweating it out through heat and rain focused on the
children’s education. As dusk sets in, I trekked back,
tired and spent after a day’s toil but pleased knowing
I have some good harvests to look forward to”.
As the years passed, his fellow farmers were
not oblivious to how hardworking he was, so it
was that he earned a seat in the barangay council
as barangay kagawad from 1965-1973;as Samahang
Nayon President from 1973-1975;as Barangay Captain
from 1990-1993; as PTA President from 1962-1982; as
Pastoral Council President from 1995-2002; and as
Pawili Farmers’ Cooperative President from 1986-1990.
“As a farmer and as a citizen, I shared what I could
with our community. I knew that tasks became easier
and lighter when you share it with others, and that
more minds are better than one”. Communing with
his fellow citizen with him at the helm, led them to
achieve a 4-km farm to market road which led to
Bicolandia Sugar Development Cooperative, Inc.
(BISUDECO) now known as Penafrancia Sugar Mill,
Inc. (PENSUMIL); a school stage and concrete fence
for Pawili Elementary School; renovation of the Pawili
Barangay Chapel and above all, won a battle for
Barangay Pawili,when he fought for BISUDECO’s realty
taxes to be shared as revenue to their local barangay.
These accomplishments earned him recognition
as the National Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines
in 1988 by the Department of Agriculture. He was
also awarded the Regional Outstanding ARB of
the Department of Agrarian Reform in 2008 and a
Mayoralty awardee during the term of Mayor Alexis D.
San Luis in 2007.
Two decades have passed since he first became
an ARB, his small farmholding of 6811 square meters
hs manifolded 16 times over to an expansive 11.5
hectares which the family now manages. In this vast
area livestock production of carabao and swine
continues; it also boasts of pre and post harvest
facilities of three (3) units irrigation pump, two (2)
hand tractors, two (2) units warehouse and a solar
dryer.
Now that life’s passage has brought him success,
he repays his good fortune by allowing all farmers
within the area to make use of his solar dryer for free.
“I could ask for a fee for its use, but I don’t because
God has been good to me and to my family” teary-
eyed, he quipped.
Indeed, no dream is too big if one works hard to
achieve it. It is not how big your land is, or how easy
life is…It is about the farmer and how he journeys
through life and how he carves his path to achieve a
beautiful life.
(Carla R.Yu)
The Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, and Agricultural
Training Institute conducted a four-day training on Intensified Vegetable Production
last December 16-19, 2014 in Guinobatan,Albay.
The activity was participated in by the officers and members of SARIGAN ARC
MPC whose agribusiness project on High Value Vegetable Production, Processing,
and Marketing was approved and funded under the Agrarian Reform Community
Connectivity and Economic Support Service of DAR.
Among the topics discussed were Cultural Management, Integrated Pest
Management,and Post-harvest Processing of HVC. The resource speakers have also
included special topics such as Organic Farming, Urban Gardening, and Natural
Farming System. The participants were also brought to HVC Center in Buang,Tabaco
City to let them gain more knowledge on HVC production.
According to Albay Provincial Agriculturist Ernesto dela Torre, Albay has not
yet reached the optimum yield of high value vegetable crops. “For example, in
ampalaya, the province has only an average yield of 6.75 mt/ha considering the
potential yield of 14 mt/ha.” Dela Torre cited.
Thus, dela Torre said the activity is very important to ensure that farmers will be
able to increase their production and their household income. He also added that
farmers should be proud of their profession and encourage the youth to go into
farming.
The DA and ATI are the extension service providers commissioned by DAR for
ARCCESS Project to do the technology transfer for HVC as agribusiness project of
SARIGAN MPC.
(George P.Olayres)

3. 3
Pursuant to the directive of the Presidential Agrarian
Reform Council (PARC) during the National Conference
of PARCCOM Chairpersons in Binalonan, Pangasinan
last October 7-10, 2014, the Provincial Agrarian Reform
Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) of Masbate
approved its Work Plan for 2015 during a special
meeting on December 15, 2014 at the DAR Masbate
Conference Room.
According to Florencio P. Iway, PARCCOM Masbate’s
acting Chairperson, all the PARCCOMs in the country
were instructed to come up with its respective Work Plan
which should be geared at refocusing its activities and
programs and designed to
cope up with the emerging
challenges and future
developments on CARP
implementation.
One of the important
activities included in
PARCCOM Masbate’s work
plan is the conduct of
joint DAR-PARCCOM field
verification of landholdings
for inclusion in or deduction
from the CARPER LAD
database. Also the
PARCCOM wants to ensure
that the posting of the list
of the said landholdings
is made following the
provisions of DAR Memorandum Circular No. 4,
Series of 2014. These activities will guarantee that the
requirements and procedures under the guidelines are
strictly followed in relation to the committee’s signing
of the resolution for deduction and/or inclusion and
eventually its submission to the Regional LAD Balance
Evaluation Team (RLBET).
Other important activities set to happen in 2015
are: Election of the new set of officers of PARCCOM
Masbate who will serve a term of office from 2015
to 2018; Monitoring of DAR projects to ensure their
efficient and prompt implementation; Visits to ARCs
and ARBOs in order to ascertain the progress and
status of DAR’s development programs in these areas
through the various CARP components on land tenure
improvement, support services and beneficiaries
development; Participation to line-agencies activities
and PCIT meetings to strengthen the relationship of DAR
with the LBP, DA, DENR and other CARP implementing
offices; and yearend Assessment and Planning so
that the committee together with the DAR Masbate
Provincial Office could identify the operational problems
and policy issues that affects the overall function of
PARCCOM.
During the finalization of the new and revitalized
PARCCOM Work Plan, Herald R. Tambal, OIC-PARPO I/
PARCCOM Head Secretariat and his staff provided
assistance to the members of the committee,
particularly in the critiquing process and the
determination of the budgetary requirement for the
aforementioned activities.
The incumbent Sectoral Representatives of the
PARCCOM Masbate are: Florencio P. Iway, Acting
Chairman,PSR-Agricultural Cooperatives;Ernesto Delfin,
PSR-Farmworkers; Justiniano C. Trogo, Sr., PSR-Farmers
Organization; Avelina B. Guese, PSR-FBs/Farmworkers;
Gregorio Esquillo, Sr., PSR-Landowners; Honorio L.
Gigante, PSR-Landowners; and Jheric Estudillo, PSR-
NGO.
(Ross A.Lustestica)
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
DAR Camarines Sur II lauds Rodrigo Bismonte
and family in a simple ceremony last December 2014
at the DARPO Conference Room, where a Plaque of
Recognition and a birthday cake to commemorate
his 85th birthday were given to him. The ceremony
was attended by the Regional Director Luis B.
Bueno, ARDO Rodrigo O. Realubit, DAR Camarines
Sur II’s management and staff, and leaders of
agrarian reform beneficiary organizations.
In his speech, Rodrigo Bismonte recalled that at
the tender age of seven, he was already tilling the
land when other children his age were busy playing.
He knew that life wasn’t fair but he accepted it
without complain. He started dreaming and his
dream unfolded when he became a recipient of
an Emancipation Patent from DAR. Life changed
thereafter and with hard work and painstaking
sacrifices his dream slowly blossomed before his
eyes. He thanked DAR for nominating him for the
prestigious award. “This is the reward for sincerely
upholding the ideals of what an Agrarian Reform
Beneficiary should be. I knew land was capital which
could help me improve my lot. I and the rest of the
ARBs are lucky to be given land; we owe it to the
government and to the people of DAR to make it
productive and useful. Without it, I would have
still been a farmworker today or perhaps a farm
labourer struggling to make both ends meet.
No one wants to struggle through life, so let us
appreciate and nurture what has been given
us. Let us not forget that for every painstaking
sacrifice, there is a reward”.
OIC-PARPO Maria Gracia R. Sales in her
message thanked Mr. Bismonte for inspiring
DAR people to continue working to give land to
the landless. “This is a day for us to appreciate
our work and how it affects peoples’ lives. Each
of us can act responsibly to make life better for
our farmers. Work becomes more purposeful
if we have goals to achieve. Let’s look forward to
that. To all the ARBs present here, no matter what
situation you are in now, you have a choice. It’s all a
matter of thinking of what you can or cannot do. It
is never too late to realize that you too can achieve
an award someday”.
Indeed, life is beautiful. It is about overcoming
challenges and working responsibly for one self and
for others. Sacrifices and difficulties are episodes
which are essential to make us stronger. These
are the old verities and truth of life, which Rodrigo
Bismonte has proven to us all.
(Carla R.Yu)
2015 PARCCOM Work Plan Finalized
TheAlbay Dairy Cooperative is working on the new packaging and label design of
their freshmilk products after attending the two-day seminar on Product Packaging
and Label Design sponsored by the Department of Agrarian Reform under the
Product Development Component of the Up-valuing of ARB Products last December
16-17, 2014 at Charisma Restaurant, Guinobatan,Albay.
The activity assisted the cooperative to figure out the most appropriate packaging
materials and label design for their products to attract more buyers.
The resource person has stressed the importance of expiration date and other
product information that must be indicated in the label to ensure quality for the
safety of the consumers.
The activity is part of the trainings under the product development component of
Up-valuing of ARB Products wherein Albay Dairy Cooperative was selected as project
recipient.
(George P.Olayres)
Albay Dairy Cooperative to enhance freshmilk packaging and label design
DAR Honors Most Outstanding ARB Family
PARCCOM Head Secretariat Herald R. Tambal with the PARCCOM members
during the critiquing process.
Mr. Bismonte receives his Plaque of Recognition
from RD Luis Bueno, Jr. and PARPO Gigi Sales.

4. 4
DAR turns over CPWASH Facilities to ARC in GuinobatanThe Department of Agrarian Reform in Albay has turned over the water &
sanitation facilities constructed under the Community-managed Potable Water
Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) to the Barangay Local Government
Unit of Sinungtan, Guinobatan, Albay last December 5, 2014.
In a simple turnover ceremony, 1 unit of rain-water collector, 2 units of
biogas digester, and 6 units of iron-removal filter were formally turned over
to the barangay.
Present during the ceremony and signing of the MOA were DAR Bicol
Assistant Regional Director for Operations Rodrigo Realubit, DAR Albay
PARPO II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico, DAR Albay PARPO I Estreluna G. Ante,
DAR Albay CARPO for PBD Engr. Herbert Tengco, DAR PBD Staff, LGU
Guinobatan Representatives, and the Barangay Council of Sinungtan.
Certificates of Training were also awarded to five local masons who were
trained in the construction of the facilities. They are now referred to as
CPWASH Para-Engineers and authorize to offer CPWASH construction services
in their area.
This project is a collaborative effort of DAR, Philippine Center for Water and
Sanitation (PCWS) and the Local Government Unit of Guinobatan to provide
safe drinking water, and promote environment protection especially in the
upland areas with high incidence of water-borne diseases.
(George P.Olayres)
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
ARBs Take Their OathSeven Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) took their oath last December 3, 2014
before Judge Ricky Begino at the Municipal Trial Court of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur
after they signed their Application to Purchase and Farmer’s undertaking.
The ARBs are actual farm tillers in the 15-hectare cocoland property of Enrique Pilapil
who offered his property under the Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) scheme last January
2014.
Judge Begino in a cheerful mood reminded the ARBs of the significance of the oath
taking and the fidelity that each of them needs to bear. “It signifies a pledge that once
taken, the oath maker agrees to abide and be bound by the rules and conditions as
an ARB,” he said. “Therefore, you cannot mortgage, sell or abandon your awarded
land; else it will be taken back by the government and you lose your right over it before
the law”.
MARO Rodel Martirez reiterated the importance of the oath taking and further said,
“you are all lucky to be here now, soon you will be landowners in your own right and
can design your future without a chain tied to your feet. The piece of land which DAR gives
you is a symbol of hope that you can have a bright time ahead. I ask each of you to please
love this moment, and hold true in your heart the words that would you utter and live by it.
Remember that not everyone can be as lucky as you are, so be grateful for it and be very
grateful by keeping your land and making it productive. One day, you will look back on this
day and I hope you will remember this with fond memories”.
Taking oaths became a symbolic concept in law practice that developed over time in
different cultures. The vow is not as simple as it is, but it is about a declaration of a promise,
where God as a witness, binds the promise they make.
(Carla R.Yu)
Salvacion Farmers’ Development Cooperative (SAFADECO) successfully finished four (4) training courses such as the Cooperative Management and Governance; Financial Management;
Leadership and Values Re-orientation; and Parliamentary Procedures, which are all mandatory trainings of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
SAFADECO, once a fledgling cooperative, is now raring to fly as it turns fourteen with growing businesses. It started with a copra trading and consumer’s store, then branching out later on into
Savings and Credit Services, in partnership with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO). The partnership continues to strengthen as it ventures into other programs such as Regular
Loan, Micro Loan, and Commodity Loan for Credit Services; Savings, and Time Deposit for Savings Services. And not long ago, they have started another endeavor – a Kiddie Savings for the
children of their regular members. Way to go, SAFADECO! (Alura A. Jaso)
SAFADECO completes four CDA mandatory trainings
Maribel J. Lubiano, CAO Espinosa, Cristina L. Jasareno, & Alice Salvacion NunezCARPO Liza, PARPO Felix, Salvador Dugan, and Imelda Jaraba

5. 5
In line with the Government’s promotion of Gender and Development (GAD) in the
country,the DAR-Masbate Provincial Office together with the Philippine National Police
(PNP), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and Provincial Social and Welfare
Development (PSWD) conducted women empowerment on-site activities in MAMIA
ARC in Dimasalang, Masbate and IGANG ARC in Masbate City.
The symposium in MAMIA Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) entitled:“Empowered
Women in ARBOs – Increasing women’s involvement as leaders and members in
ARBOs” was held on November 25, 2014. While the activity in IGANG ARC was part of
the national observance of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women
(VAW), with the slogan:“End VAW Now! It’s Our Duty” was held last November 26, 2014.
These activities were primarily aimed at enhancing the participation and
involvement of women as pro-active leaders and members of Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in the province of Masbate.This will enable rural
women to gain knowledge,and enhance skills and confidence that they need to take
part in crucial decision-making and leadership roles in their respective ARBOs.
“Besides educating the rural women about the laws that protect their rights and the
State policies that promote gender sensitivity in the society, this kind of undertaking
could also help them become responsible parents and conscientious members of
the community,” said Police Inspector Vina Zarina M. Zaldana, Crime Lab Chief, PNP
Masbate Provincial Headquarters.
The contingent of resource speakers and organizers of the said activities were
composed of: Police Officers Rowena N.Hermosa,Jasmin B.Duran,Mehana F.Banculo
of the PNP-Women and Children Protection Unit; Police Inspector Vina Zarina M.
Zaldana; Provincial Director Myrna L.Guban of the NAPOLCOM; and Marialuz P.Azares,
ARPO I/GAD Point Person of DARPO-Masbate.
(Ross A. Lustestica)
Three (3) series of Organic Vegetable Production Training cum Hands-on
Application of Organic Technology through setting-up of farms in eight (8)
barangays of Castilla, Sorsogon - San Isidro,
San Rafael, Pili
Poblacion, Miluya, Mayon, San Vicente, Maracabac and Monte Carmelo, had been
conducted by DAR Sorsogon through the leadership of Felix E. Fruto, OIC PARPO
II.
Said trainings which were attended by sixty (60) Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries, aimed at establishing a 200-square meter farm for the fifty one
(51) participants and a 1000-square meter farm for the nine (9) participants,
in connection with the implementation of the Partnership against Hunger and
Poverty (PHP) program in Castilla, Sorsogon.
The Mayon Farmers Association (MAFA), an agrarian reform beneficiary
organization in Bgy. Mayon, Castilla, will take lead in supplying the daily vegetable
needs of the day care centers once the farms have been established. On the
other hand, other farmers who have embraced Organic Vegetable Production
were urged to join the organization. “They were taught how to apply different
organic concoctions on land preparation; seed sowing, transplanting, coop
management and other technologies to prepare them as future food
suppliers of day care centers,” said Anna Mae Ebuenga, member of
the PHP Team in Sorsogon.
The trainings were accompanied with the provision of good
seeds such as squash, papaya, water melon, pechay, tomato,
eggplant, upo, okra, ampalaya, and beans. “So far, there are
already ten (10) ARB-Cooperators who have received these
seedlings while we are still distributing the others to the rest
depending on the preparedness of their planting area. We
are also providing Vermicast, an organic fertilizer produced
by composting earthworm known as African night crawler
or ANC,” said Thomas Diesta, Organic Agriculture Provincial
Point Person of DAR Sorsogon. He has also accessed organic
seeds from the Bureau of Plant Industry in Los Baños, Laguna
which he distributed to the farmers in Castilla.
According to Ms. Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBD of DAR
Sorsogon, more trainings and support materials are coming
in Castilla since it is one of the pilot areas of PHP program in
the Bicol region. Later, these ARB-Cooperators will not just engage in vegetable
production but in livestock as well. With the organic agriculture coming from
local farmers, there is an assurance that the children-recipients of PHP program
will get the proper nutrition they need.
Meantime that the ARB-Cooperators for organic agriculture are on their first
stage of vegetable production, one member, Allan Marchan, who has already
established his farm prior to the inception of the PHP program, will continue to
supply the organic vegetable needs of the day care centers.
(Alura A. Jaso)
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
PHP program blends with Organic
Agriculture in Castilla
Women Empowerment Activities Conducted in ARCs
The Organic Seeds and spray distributed by DAR Sorsogon to ARBO-Cooperators for the PHP Program

6. 6 PHOTO NEWS NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
The Stakeholders Conference cum Workshop of Project GROWTH to be funded
by theWorld Bank was held on Nov.27,2014 at DAR Camarines Sur Conference Room,
Naga City. Participants include the farmer’s organizations from the municipalities of
Bula, Baao, Tigaon, Pili, and Ocampo and their respective LGU technical staff. In
the photo are PARPO II Leo Gaveria, DTI representative, CARPO Lerma Dino of DAR
Regional office V as resource person, and PARPO I Raquel Claveria. Project GROWTH
is the acronym for “Gearing Rural Organizations for Wealth Creation towards
Household Income Improvement.” (Joey D. Co)
DAR Cam Sur I’s Anti-Violence against Women campaign. In the photo are DAR
Cam Sur I personnel headed by PARPO II Leo Gaveria joining the “Campaign to End the
Violence against Women “ on November 25-December 12, 2014. Symposia on relevant
laws on women’s rights and protection were conducted in Districts I, II, & V of Camarines
Sur. (Joey D.Co)
Ten agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) composed of
irrigators associations and cooperatives in the province of Albay attended
the two-day training on Negotiation Skills last December 16-17, 2014 at Casa
Basilisa Resort, San Rafael, Guinobatan, Albay.
According to Engr. Luis Bragais, the commissioned resource person of
the activity, one of the reasons of organizational collapse is poor resolution
of disagreements that arise within the organization. He added that through
proper negotiation skills, farmer organizations are assured of success and
opportunity to achieve beneficial results.
DAR Albay Provincial Director Engr. Romulo A. Britanico has also delivered
his message for ARBO Officers emphasizing that DAR envisioned for an
industrialized farming communities. He encouraged each ARBO to utilize the
new skills learned in the training in their daily business transactions.
The activity is part of the seven trainings offered under the capacity
development component of the Agrarian Production Credit Program of DAR.
(George P.Olayres)
Negotiation Skills - secret to successful business transaction
Final Inspection of the Junction National Road/Farm-to-Market Road
(JNR-FMR) from Sitio Luksohon to Sitio Bayanihan, Cueva in San Pascual,
Masbate held on December 11, 2014. The members of the inspection team
were: Engr. Danilo C. Cea, Infrastructure Engineer of DARRO-V; Engr. Ramon
A. Reorizo, Municipal Engineer; Engr. Jovito O. Rejuso, PPMO-ARISP III; Engr.
Danilo Sabaldica, DAR-Masbate-M&E Specialist; DPWH Engineers Egan Nuñez,
Rolando Layco and Nestor Vallon. (Ross A.Lustestica)
DANCING DUO. PARPO I Quelly and PARPO II Leo are the dynamic tandem of DAR
Cam Sur I that brought its accomplishment to new heights by synchronizing their
moves, and steps....even on the dance floor!
(Joey D.Co)
MASBATE
ALBAY
CAMARINES SUR A
CAMARINES SUR A
CAMARINES SUR A

7. 7PHOTO NEWSNOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
Three (3) series of APCP – CAP-DEVT related trainings had been successfully
conducted by DAR-Sorsogon to seven (7) ARBOs. Photos show the training facilitators,
speaker, and participants during the final day of courses on Financial Management, Basic
Accounting for Non-Accountants and Financial Management.
(Alura A.Jaso)
SORSOGON
SOCIAL MARKETERS. (left) RD Boy Bueno appearing as a guest on DAR-Albay’s radio
program “Tingog Kan Paraoma” over PBN-DZGB Legazpi. With him are the program’s anchors
PIO George Olayres, Weng Dia & Ancie Lawenko;(right) RD Boy Bueno recording a radio plug on
DAR 5’s 2014 accomplishments as well as his Christmas message to the ARBs and other CARP
stakeholders.
(MTVGeneral)
CFDeductibleDay.DARROandDAR-MasbateOperationsGroupconvokeforthedocumentation
of deductible landholdings in Masbate.
(MTVGeneral)
DARRO V CHRISTMAS SPORTSFEST 2014.The spirit of joy prevails where the spirit of camaraderie (feeling of mutual trust) exists. (MTVGeneral)

8. 8
The San Antonio Farmers Irrigators Multi-
purpose Cooperative (SAFIMCO) of Buhi, Camarines
Sur was awarded as the “Most Progressive Agrarian
Reform Organization for Bicol-Visayas” on
November 24, 2014 at the Bureau of Soil & Water
Management Convention Center, Quezon City
during the celebration of the 2014 International
Year of Family Farming. In the photo (from left to
right) during theAwards & Recognition Ceremonies
are SAFIMO Vice-Chairman Elvis O. Macasinag (2nd
from left), DAR Usec Rosalina Bistoyong, SAFIMCO
Chairman Loreto B. Ceneta, CARPO Augusto SA
Medina, Jr. and ARPO I Monalyn C. Abelinde of
DAR Camasines Sur I, and Asst. Regional Director
Rodrigo O. Realubit of DAR V.
(Joey Co /Photo Credit Joy Pamittan)
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
JAKE L. ROLDAN
Lay-out/Graphic Artist
SENIOR WRITERS
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:
480-5180 local 198
480-5181
darro5info@yahoo.com
facebook.com/DARRegion5
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014
Theall-naturalcocovinegarandtoyowereamongtheARBOrganization
products commended by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Review
Mission during its visit in Camarines Norte in 2014. According to the
mission team, the DAR has to take a closer look on the potentials of
the coco vinegar and toyo as ARBO micro-enterprise considering the
demands of these products in the market especially today where most
consumers are into healthier options. Congruently, the outcome of the
synchronized Target setting and Planning by Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR) and Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) surfaced the need
for enhancement of coco vinegar production considering the abundance
of major raw materials in the province, the coco water. Along this line,
the DAR took a step further by distributing equipment to Daguit Agrarian
Reform Beneficiaries Organization (DARBO) to improve the technology
and boost the production of all natural vinegar and toyo (sauce) made
from coconut water.
The equipment includes an Acetator Set composed of Jacketed
Kettle 40 Litters Capacity including high pressure burner, 1 drum & a
2hp compressor. Other equipment include digital PH meter, large plastic
containersandbluecarboncontainers,1unitdoubleburnergasstovewith
LPG cylinder tank, large casseroles, working table, hot-air gun, seals and
capscostingabouttwohundredthousandpesos(P200,00.00).Inhanding
over the equipment, PARO Olayres of DAR Camarines Norte enthused
that the DARPO finds no reason for the ARBO-recipient to slacken
off the production and halt their micro enterprise venture considering
further that
even a sack of
sugar and 30
liters mother
v i n e g a r
h a v e
been
provided to the organization to instantly produce quality all-natural vinegar
and toyo.
Prior to the provision of said equipment, the DAR in partnership with
DTI packaged various technology trainings for the ARBs such as the One-
day Learning Expedition for Coco Vinegar and Coco Toyo Production on
November 27, 2014 with resource speaker Mr. Medardo Noscal.
The training aims to expose the ARB-vinegar producers to the
actual utilization of the acetator set, show them the latest farming
innovations for coconut, as well as equip them knowledge
on the production of various coconut by-products. A
follow through Skills Upgrading and Exposure was also
undertaken on December 16-18, 2014 to backstop
the initial production of coco vinegar and toyo using the
equipment provided by the office. The speaker said the
project seeks to maximize the use of coconut to increase
household Income of farmer-beneficiaries and help
generate jobs for local residents, particularly women.
The product commands better price in the market
especially for health-conscious individuals. Coconut
vinegar is rich in minerals. The sap contains phosphorus,
potassium, iron, magnesium, sulfur, boron, zinc,
manganese and copper. It is especially rich in potassium
which is important in balancing electrolytes, controlling
high blood pressure and metabolizing sugar. According
to the DTI, these products are one of those saleable
items during the 2014 trade fare in Manila. At present,
the Daguit ARB Organization has already produced and
disposed of 200 liters all-natural coco vinegar using the
acetator set from DAR.
(Nilla P.Lagatuz/Hannah Mendoza)
DARBO on the go..for all natural coco suka and toyo
Photo shows the ARBs of Dangit, Labo, Camarines Norte with the equipment
provided by DAR, and the DARBO finished product.
MOST PROGRESSIVE ARBO
(1) CARPO Salve Noami A. Lo of DAR Camarines Norte handing over the PHmeter kit
to DARBO President Ramon Iligan.(2) PARPO Olayres of DAR Camarines Norte turning
over the acetator set worth P105 thousand to the DARBO President Ramon Iligan.
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