3. Editor's Note
This is a special edition.
FIELDS Magazine is envisaged in the light of the ‘One DAR Policy’
in Bicol -- an attack-as-one working strategy, which regional director
Maria Celestina M. Manlagñit-Tam favors to call DARamayan
Bikolnon.
DARamayan Bikolnon is a dictum or slogan purposely being used
to evoke a sense of duty, solidarity, and unity among the DAR
Bicol people. It also persuades everyone to stay loyal to each other
through thick and thin.
It stands for: DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform), whose role
as prime driving force for social reform can never be understated;
daramayan - a Bikol term which means helping each other out,
particularly in times of need; and Bikolnon refers to the region and
its people; the area, and field. Thus, the name FIELDS Magazine.
Under the "One DAR Policy" which aims to provide reinforcement
to the present workforce in the high Land Acquisition & Distribution
(LAD) provinces of Bicol, DARamayan is being called for between
and among the DAR people in Bicol to instigate teamwork and
cooperation, to achieve greater returns of accomplishment.
The name FIELDS comes from the idea of the work of DAR that
has infinite possibilities and borderless dimensions in terms of giving
hope and delivering social justice to the landless. The yields and
gains in the department's fields have been enriching, if not inspiring,
propelling everyone to reach for more and conquer greater heights.
A field is also a place where a battle is fought. In a way, bringing real
social justice to our fellowmen is a continuous battle in these fields
that is the Bicol Region. We in DAR Bicol have been fielded to fight
the good fight. We were given the weapons to win, we have the
maneuvers to win, and we will win!
Hence, with this magazine, which is a collection of experiences,
innovations, best practices, milestones and achievements, we
hope to depict and publish the pains and gains, tears and cheers of
CARPER implementation in Bicol.
Stories are penned by DAR V regional and provincial information
officers, with special contributions from other sectors.
Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno. One for all, all for one! In unity
there is strength!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Maria Trinise Vasquez-General
MANAGING EDITOR
Reuben R. Loria
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS
CONTRIBUTORS
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Atty. Maria Celestina M. Manlagñit-Tam, CESO III
Regional Director
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS
Policy
Policy
Policy
Policy
Policy
Policy
DAR
DAR DAR
DAR
DAR
DAR
DAR
DAR
DAR DAR
One
One
One OneOne
One
One
One One
A
grarian reform often takes the road
less travelled. In the backdrop of
Philippine democratic society, this
highly contentious, social justice program seems
to be in for its most challenging time today since
it was enacted as centerpiece program of the
late Pres. Corazon Aquino in 1988.
The saga of CARP (Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program) would rather tread
in between the trajectories of shades and hues,
of dusk and dawn.
The program despite all revealing
moments in history, slowly glided with the
winds of change, and weathered whatever is
there in store of the present moment without
losing its substance: land to the tiller, and farmer
empowerment.
Designed from the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) or Republic Act
6657 in 1988, it went through different faces
under the term of President Corazon C. Aquino,
President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph
Estrada, and President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo. In the term of former Pres. Arroyo RA
9700 or CARP Extension with Reforms Law
(CARPER) in August 2009 saw the light of day.
Now in its CARPER stage under
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, agrarian
reform implementation sets the final stage
that the President wanted to achieve under
his term. That means gigantic pacing. That
means more efforts to be poured in. And, that
means enormous political will to wrap-up land
distribution in a decades-old, entrenched social
justice program that has been a subject of close
scrutiny all these years.
Would there be more positive turn-out
of distributing loads and loads of hectares in the
country covered under CARP within the time
frame of President Aquino’s term?
One DAR Concept
With Secretary Gil de los Reyes at the
helm, the current DAR dispensation looks at the
macro-work perspective, rather than spreading
initiatives into bits and pieces across the regions.
Through the ONE-DAR Concept, it
tries to unify the DAR bureaucracy regardless
of geographical divisions and administrative set-
up. The purpose is to achieve greater returns
of accomplishment in so little time, before the
five-year term extension under CARPER for
land distribution ends in 2014. Whether there
will be another lease on life for it to go beyond
that, is of no question at the moment while the
The strength of one, the
strength of all
Bicol rides through the CARPER journey
by Eduardo S. Villar
George P. Olayres
Jose D. Co
Eduardo S. Villar
Nilla P. Lagatuz
Gerardo C. Buensalida
Edwin C. Yanzon
Alura A. Jaso
Santiago J. Mirandilla
Susie M. Molina
Cynthia A. Ramos
Lilia I. Villegas
Jocylene N. Naz
Atty. Miguel S. Gracilla
ARD for Operations
Engr. Romulo A. Britanico CSEE
PARO - Albay
Rodrigo O. Realubit, CESO VI
PARO - Camarines Sur A
Alexander T. Teves
PARO - Catanduanes
Atty. Leo Miguel A. Ramos
ARD for Administration
Leonito M. Gaveria
PARO - Camarines Norte
Ramon B. Fuentebella
PARO - Camarines Sur B
Samuel R. Ongcal
PARO - Masbate
Gina D. Bolaños
PARO - Sorsogon
4 Fields Magazine
4. Department focuses at full length on how to hit the target on time, and
in accord with the President’s policy statement in the SONA -- that is to
complete land distribution under his term and, correspondingly, with the
lapse of the extension period provided in the CARPER or RA 9700.
Under the One DAR Concept, the concern of one becomes
the concern of all, shared in the process until it is finally resolved and
accomplished. It encompasses restrictions of place and space. It
encourages teamwork and cohesion while instilling shared expertise and
“backroom” operations.
At a time of Congress’ closely monitoring work accountabilities
of set target under CARPER within its five-year extension period, this
means doubling creative ways to explore and create new paths to get into
the target of land acquisition.
Start it right
Bicol wanted to shoot the message right and clear. In echoing the
Secretary’s call, RD Maria Celestina M. Manlagñit-Tam at the helm, has
taken the quick lane. There are no ifs and buts. That means being more
steadfast to the calling.
“We have to tear down walls, ceilings, and floors,”said RD Waying
Tam whose optimism for Bicol has always been clear to all, especially that
the region remains as one of the high-LAD areas in the country.
We’ve got no quick fix except to respond with great urgency to
make ready for the “big waves”of change. Bicolanos of course, would be
as resilient as ever.
Thankstotheircommunewithnature’sadversities,notwithstanding
the nagging and intermittent contours of economic depravity in many of
its areas; still Bicolanos win every shade of challenge with the lightest
of smiles and hope. It’s where we could anchor the One-DAR concept.
With that spirit, we know we can readily handle a new chapter of agrarian
reform in Bicol. That maybe more novel albeit radically challenging in its
fateful sailing to completion.
Yes, Bicolanos can, as
the good natured RD would
tell her colleagues. We are
at the beck and call of a new
CARPER horizon. Taking it as
a way of life, is getting into the
core of ONENESS that’s never
before seen at prior times of
agrarian reform. This inspiration
gets all of us in Bicol to be ready
to embark on the call to go the
distance in response to the ONE
DAR concept as a strategy.
The Secretary himself
made clear of the same calling
last year in the light of his vow to distribute the Hacienda Luisita within
the mandated period. We heeded right and fast.
In our firm Advocacy, it is aimed to prepare the workforce at the
start of the year to new set of rules and activities under the said strategy,
and for them to assimilate the concept in their work systems.
The ONE DAR CONCEPT urged everyone at the start of 2013
to tag along that work principle and prospects for the Department as our
impetus to move on with zeal, commitment, and propriety to realize the
various goals and targets in our major program components: the LTI,
PBD, and DAJ.
That alone will serve as a beacon for our individual passion to
move on and work with great leaps and bounds this 2013 and beyond.
As we sail on in this journey, we are deeply summoned with
the best of all our efforts to make ready for change and be the best in
whatever we could. We fervently hope for everyone’s warm embrace
of the present and of the future with deep faith, love, and fervor while
building continuously on whatever is there left of unity, understanding,
and teamwork as it is now being advocated this year, the ONE DAR
Concept, “one family dedicated to fulfilling the mandate given us by the
Filipino people.”
Straight from the heart
At the outset, when the Advocacy for ONE DAR Concept
started among the field implementers in Bicol, the message was simple
and pierced through everyone’s desire to make a difference.
In-depth executive conferences ensued later. The talks were
straight from the heart. These were the basics of stepping up change that
indeed tore down the walls of resistance, fears, and doubts. Just plain and
simple business and work.
Banking on the ONE DAR Concept, follow through consultations,
and “readying” of technical men in Bicol were pursued vigorously, giving
them both the psychological and logistical support.
Regional Special Orders (No.06, 11, and 28) clinched the
boundary lines, so to speak. Adjusted coverage of operations involving
both LAD (land acquisition and distribution) and Other LTI (land tenure
improvement) Activities were issued encompassing all Bicol provinces,
with their respective technical workers.
“Touch- down”
The scheme on radiation and re-assignment gained an eventual
“touch-down.” There were re-assigned technical personnel including
newly designated OIC MAROs in Bicol provinces that will serve
the portion of LAD activity, and cutting across their own territorial
jurisdictions. That will ensure work complementation of both resources
and skills, while not necessarily burdening the bureaucracy at the same
time.
Certainly, we’ve got Catanduanes serving Other LTI of Camarines
Sur A, B, and Albay and the DAR Municipalities of Lagonoy, Presentacion,
and Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Albay has adjusted its coverage to as far
as Claveria in Masbate, and Nabua, Balatan, and Bato in Camarines Sur.
Sorsogon had to take the areas of San Jacinto, Batuan, Monreal, and San
Fernando in Masbate.The LAD-heavy Camarines Sur had to be split into
two administrative provinces dubbed as Camarines Sur A extending its
coverage to San Pascual, Masbate, and Camarines Sur B with certain
areas radiated to Catanduanes. Camarines Norte likewise extended its
service area to Sipocot, Camarines Sur.
The first quarter were busy periods for Bicol provinces trying
to consolidate efforts and integrate administrative concerns to ensure
smooth transition period among technical personnel involved.
On the part of radiating personnel, “referencing” activities, field
and database scanning in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur A and
B with respect to Other LTI Activity were already conducted by Bicol
technical workers. Insofar as this activity is concerned, radiating personnel
will have to work on leasehold
operations, re-documentation,
DNYD, DNYP (DBP), and Field
Survey Documentation.
Insum,thereweredistinct
work processes involved to speed
up both LAD and Other LTI
Activities as far as the concept
is concerned, and this could be
categorized into three stages: (1.)
Advocacy stage, (2.) Setting-up
stage, and (3.) Operations stage.
The interlinking of these
three stages are very vital both
in the psychological and physical
drive of technical workers in
Bicol considering the urgency of
achieving set targets come 2014
CARPER deadline. Complementing this overarching objective is a timely
administrative support (resource inventory, funding, logistics, etc.) that
should go hand-in-hand with operational activities.
Specifically, the region has already come past the advocacy level
among frontliners. It has already set up the coordinative mechanisms
required in all concerned Bicol provinces through inter-office talks, and site
scanning, including conferences with respective LGUs (local government
units).
LGUs’ role had been tapped and aggressively linked in this special
operation via ONE DAR Concept. This forms part of the distinct
strategy to boost field-based activities for both LAD and Other LTI work
components.
Mapping it out
After intensive consultations, one-on-one discussions, and deep
organizational analysis pertaining to: driving forces, restraining factors,
resource (physical, funding, and human) requirements and strategy
building, the next crucial step had to be firmed up in an Action Plan for
specific provinces concerned. At least for Other LTI Activities, a firmed-
up Plan was fleshed out in the latter part of the first quarter.
The action plan looked into specific timeline of activities and
projected outputs that will guide the field frontliners in Bicol provinces
involving MAROs, OIC-MAROs, SARPTs /ARPTs.
Insight
At the core of the strategy in effecting change and efficiently
meeting up desired targets are our program beneficiaries. As we proceed
swiftly into the fulfillment of CARPER in its five-year term in 2014, we
are bound by our obligations to fulfill that end with utmost satisfaction of
our people, and those whom we profess to serve.
THE FRONTLINERS. Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs) in deep discussion.
UNITED FRONT. One DAR family headed by Undersecretary for Field Operations Office Jose Z. Grageda (center) and
Regional Director Maria Celestina Manlagñit-Tam (in black shirt).
6 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 7
5. T
he implementation of land distribution program in Bicol Region is
quite a story to tell. A story of landowners crying foul over the
coverage of their landholdings, and of thousands of poor farmers
having lands of their own at last. Story of never-ending court cases
litigations, and of landowners and farmers finally settling their differences.
A story of years of outstanding accomplishments, and of years of setbacks
and ‘drought’. Land distribution in Bicol is an exact story of pains and
gains.
Early on, speculations were centered on how DAR would deal with
the enormous task of implementing land distribution in Bicol, considering
the fact that said region was home to big landlords and old haciendas,
whose landowners were not quite ready to give up their properties.
Given this apprehension together with various technical problems
that went along with it, implementing land distribution in the region
seemed extremely difficult. Skeptics gave this particular undertaking a
slim probability of prospering in Bicol.
But DAR Bicol was more than ready to face the challenges.
Readiness that was anchored on a clear mandate to put into action a social
justice program that starts with acquiring public and private agricultural
lands, and awarding these to the landless farmers.
And so transpired the twenty-plus years of land distribution
implementation in Region V that totally disproved the non-believers’
predictions.
Generally, despite all the adversities it went through, DAR Bicol
has enough reasons to be proud of with its output in land distribution.
To date, a total of 313,250 hectares of agricultural lands have already
been awarded to at least 182,728 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
Ownerships of said lands were already transferred to the recipients thru
Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) and Emancipation
Patents (EPs).
DAR Bicol likewise had made possible the execution of leasehold
contracts between landowners and their tenant-farmers involving 31,885
hectares. Said leasehold contracts led to the eradication of disagreements
between the two parties and the improvement of the tenurial status of
more than 10,000 tenant-farmers.
Land To The Landless
BICOLANOS
ButthetaskinLandTenureImprovement(LTI)component
of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) became
tougher each day especially for the past ten years or so, when
what were left are the contentious and problematic landholdings.
Despite this though, in 2007, DAR V had one of its banner
years when it hit 95% of its target. The 2007 output of 14,190
hectares at 95% ranked 2nd
in the national output for the year.
With this, Bicol was lauded as the 'most improved region' by then
Asst. Secretary for Operations Dominador B. Andres.
In 2008, DAR V followed up the preceding year’s
achievement with even bigger one. At 104% accomplishment-
against-target performance, DAR V distributed 15,554 hectares
of lands to almost 10,000 ARBs regionwide, making said volume
the biggest since 1999 and the percentage highest since 2001 for
the region. Regional Director Atty. Maria Celestina Manlagñit-
Tam, and DAR Bicol in general, attributed this feat to the
appropriate strategies applied and the teamwork within.
But then again, the succeeding years proved to be more
intricate for DAR with the advent of the phasing that is required under RA
9700, known as the CARPer, and the new requirements that fieldworkers
have to deal with. For one, potential beneficiaries shall have to take
their oath before the judge of
the municipality/city court
concerned, a requirement that
somehow caused some delays
in the documetation process,
which evidently occurred
during the transition period.
Then in 2012, a DOJ
opinion ruled that untitled
private agricultural lands
(UPALS) in excess of 12
hectares should be reverted
to the State, in which the
distribution task, as far as
the exceeding hectares are
concered, was handed over
to the DENR. DAR Bicol's
deliverablesunderthislandtype
went for naught. Nonetheless,
subject landholdings will still be
awarded to qualified farmers by the DENR.
DAR Bicol’s quest for awarding more lands to more farmers in
the region is far from done though. The region still has at least 160,752
hectares of agricultural lands for distribution to potential ARBs. Four of its
provinces namely Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon, remain
in the top 20 with high target in Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD).
These lands will still benefit thousands of farmers more.
However, the bottlenecks that have been there for so long still
exist. Uncooperative landowners, properties with pending cases, the
various technical problems and erroneous documents, among others, are
still hounding documentation processes.
But always, the resiliency of the men and women in DAR Bicol is
out to offset these hindrances.
Last year, with barely three
years left to complete LAD,
the region’s top management
had, once and for all, stirred
the workforce to gear up for
the final push.
At the forefront of this
effort to make the difference is
the ‘One DAR Policy’ concept
which is now being practiced in
the region to the fullest. Under
this scheme, workforces in
the high LAD provinces were
augmented by personnel from
almost LAD free areas. "Let
us tear down walls, ceilings
and floors," RD Tam said
figuratively as she emphasized
the importance of helping each other out. "Everyone’s role is vital to the
attainment of our targets," she stressed.
It could be recalled though that in the past, the essence of One
DAR Policy, somehow, had already found its way into the DAR Bicol’s
scheme of defusing bottlenecks in the flow of LAD processes. More than
a couple of years ago, technical personnel from Catanduanes and Albay
reinforced the workforces of Camarines Sur and Masbate in the spirit of
workload sharing. Likewise, RD Tam then created a regional monitoring
by Reuben R. Loria
The Final Survey of the 30-hectare Mison property in Brgy. Cagmanaba, Ocampo,
Camarines Sur.
Ours, Finally! ARBs with their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA)
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Target 18,168 22,429 34,438 35,500 24,705 25,180 45,929 21,254 35,000 35,469 23,000 21,500 25,847 8,702 11,774 9,950 11,000 11,323 15,000 15,000 15,000 8,228 12,153 17,869 16,001
Accomp. 13,668 18,701 8,252 13,206 13,642 24,248 19,627 14,166 17,657 18,332 14,881 12,577 7,952 9,907 11,104 8,082 5,569 10,228 13,260 14,246 15,553 3,432 7,184 7,541 2,828
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
AccomplishmentTarget
2012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921991199019891988
LAD Status, By Year Under CARP (1988 - 2012)
In Hectares
...Continued on page 11
8 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 9
6. The
Table is
ready
C
offee table, dining table, computer table, and whatever
table you call it, the most popular table for the Provincial
Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) is the Table4. In
every conference of Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs),
Table4 is the most in demand. Their conference can not go on without
this table.
Table4 is where the summary information of the province’s
accomplishment on land acquisition and distribution (LAD) can be
seen. This was introduced in 1995 as CARP-LAD Monitoring Report
but there was no database to support it then. It contained only the
total scope, deductibles, cumulative accomplishment, problematic
and workable landholdings, by phase and mode of acquisition. The
whereabouts of the workable balance were also indicated there, all in
numeric form.
DAR Sorsogon’s PMEU has proven their expertise in database
management since the inception of Table4. The PMEU staff designated
as point person forTable4 Mariam Jamoralin conceptualized and created
a simple database using Dbase named as ProvCon, which means
provincial consolidation of LAD Scope. This database was continually
improved based on the information needs of DARRO, DARPO, and
DARMO. Inputs from different sectors were all considered making it
more comprehensive. Unlike the downloaded system that contains only
the balance or at most the last three years registered EPs/CLOAs, the
ProvCon contains the cumulative accomplishment.Thus, all information
in Table4 are supported by this database. The list of landholdings can
easily be generated. The updated database also facilitated updating,
processing, retrieval and generation of reports, and provided accurate
and reliable information -- a real big help in making planning and
management decisions.
According to Jamoralin, constant updates on the entries and
additional data elements were made on this Database consistent with
operational directive on LAD, such that compliance to periodic reports
required by either DARCO or DARRO were made and submitted on
time. “Various tracking or monitoring systems were introduced from
DARCO and DARRO containing varied data preferences which were
aligned with the operational directives of the Undersecretaries of Field
Operations group, these are LADTracks, MASTLTI, LTIMon, FOFile1
and the recent is CARPER LAD Database. We were obliged to comply
with the directives. Building the database system was no hassle for
DAR Sorsogon because the majority of the needed data can be found
in our local database. So, we just copy-paste the information to the new
system,” she said.
With the advent of new softwares, Cynthia Enesio, together with
the technical assistance of Ma.Teresa Dealca and Gilbert Goingo, data on
Dbase system were converted into Microsoft Access Base System.They
stored additional data which were found in EPIS and CLOAIS, making
this more comprehensive. Then, they gave it a name --- LADSystem-
Sorsogon Version. Enesio meticulously encoded the data elements like
name of ARB, Dates ofTitle’s Generation, Registration, and Distribution,
and all other important information. This development made the system
unique and more comprehensive as far as LAD process is concerned.
Subsequently, they turned it over to Imelda Diones who updated
the report form. Extensive research was made in collaboration with
Shiela Atienza such as the details of each lot from the approved
by Alura A. Jaso Landowner Form page of LADSystem-Sorsogon Version
team led by OIC-Asst. Director for Operations Miguel Gracilla and Chief
for Operations Nida Santiago, who traveled to the provincial and municipal
offices to look over pending documentation and claim folders, and provide
these with speedy and appropriate action.The scheme produced significant
results.
Meanwhile, in support of the recent One DAR Policy, comes
now the computerization of field offices from the provinces down to the
municipal level. The MAROs and key staff were provided with computers
while said field offices were provided access to the Internet in order to
enhance administration and interchanging of data. The LAD tracking
system introduced by former RD from Negros Elmo Bañares is also being
adopted as a tool for monitoring and updating data.
In Camarines Sur, a very high LAD province, data management was
furtherimprovedbythecomputeraided-draftingorCADrays,aninnovative
computer program being used to facilitate in making initial projections, fast
track classification of lands, determine alienable & disposable (A & D)
and timberlands. ARB paralegal volunteers are likewise being utilized in
said province to reinforce the DAR legal officers in providing solutions to
agrarian related cases, which have been obstructing the flow of operations.
Conduct of Claim Folder days is likewise being established in the
region in order to expedite processing of achievable targets. DAR Bicol is
optimistic 2013 could be a banner year again for the region.
To complement these operational strategies, personnel
enhancements are being carried out by DAR V, such as executive
leadership trainings, computer literacy trainings, wellness seminars, team
building sessions and a lot more. The regional management is exploring all
possible avenues just to make certain desired results are attained. “Just let
the management know the assistance you need and you’ll have it”, RD
Tam assures DAR V officials and personnel.
Gains from the recent efforts have become evident already. DAR V
attained 122 percent of its target for the first quarter of 2013, distributing
1,868 hectares to at least 1096 ARBs.
DAR Bicol will surely experience the same ups and downs as
the deadline for LAD nears. But this will never dampen the spirit of a
workforce which has a capable and very supportive regional management
that is leading the pack.
FIELD WORK. DAR 5 team headed by OIC-ARDO Miguel S. Gracilla
(in green shirt) conducts on-the-spot Pre-Ocular Inspection of three (3)
big landholdings in Tinambac, Camarines Sur targeted for coverage
under R.A. 9700 or CARPER. Also in photo are (L-R) Camarines Sur B
PARO Ramon B. Fuentebella, Mr. Antonio Aginillo, a farmer beneficiary
of Tordilla property, and a DAR field technician.
FACILITATING WORK THROUGH TEAM EFFORTS. Sorsogon PMEU staff
putting in entries to the LADSystem-Sorsogon Version (Counter-clockwise) Ma.
Teresa Dealca (red shirt), Cynthia Enesio, Imelda Diones, Mariam Jamoralin and
Gilbert Goingo.
"This land may be profitable
to those that will adventure it."
-Henry Hudson
survey plans on file and the technical personnel or documenter of each claim
folder have been included in the database. All of those were regularly updated.
Because of their initiatives, promptness, consistency, and orderliness of
their report, the team became a national awardee. During the LTIMon (Land
Tenure Improvement Monitoring) System, Sorsogon was chosen as Regional
Help Desk and was awarded with the Undersecretary’s citation. The PMEU
team of Sorsogon assists the provincial offices within the Bicol region in the
build-up and operationalization of the system. Again, during the time of FOF1
(Field Operation File 1), just on its first assessment held at Nawawalang
Paraiso, Tayabas, Quezon, DAR Sorsogon was recognized as having the best
FOF1 files. Once again, the PMEU of DAR Sorsogon became a national
awardee plus they received a Travel Award for the PMEU Head. Another
recognition was given to Sorsogon by FOG during the last FOF1 Assessment
held at Dakak Resort, Zamboanga City.
PARO Gina Bolaños said that with this LADSystem-Sorsogon Version,
it has made research a lot easier for those who would like to access information
from PMEU, as efficiently as possible, with just a click of a mouse.
At any time, the Table is ready in DAR V, thanks to DAR Sorsogon.
...From page 9
10 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 11
7. Finally, the Provincial Assessment
was held on August 30-31, 2012 to review
the different milestones of the program, solicit
feedbacks, gather testimonies and suggestion
on how to enhance the results, and sustain
the paralegals and mainstream the Paralegal
Development Program into the DAR’s thrusts
and initiatives.
Results/Impact of the Paralegal
Development Program
It is too early to quantify and qualify the
benefitsofanyprograminsoshortaperiodoftime
especially if we are after the tangible results (e.g.
number of hectares acquired and distributed,
number of land disputes mediated, etc.) The
results will take time to achieve, especially if
we want to attribute said accomplishments to a
group of volunteers whose motivations need to
be articulated further.
But one thing is imminent and sure: the
DAR was able to effect a different mindset and
behavioral change not only among the farmer
paralegal volunteers, the farmer-beneficiaries,
and the communities they operate in, but also
among the DAR field personnel and DAR
officials.
The DAR has definitely forged a lasting
partnership with the paralegal volunteers based
on the trust developed by working as partners in
development rather than on the basis of agency-
client relationship. We have heard many of the
trained paralegals who echoed the sentiment
that they have finally understood what the DAR
people are doing and trying to achieve! Before
the paralegal training, they had a negative
perception of the CARPER due to lack of
information and misconceptions. However,
since they are now trained with the necessary
knowledge and skills as paralegals, they are
confident that they are equipped to explain the
CARPER laws and issuances to other farmers
and the public, and they are now more than
willing to be agents of change.
Likewise, since the paralegal volunteers
are community-based leaders, the people tend
to believe and follow them and what needs to
be done with the least resistance. They are not
only known to the community and the weight
of their credibility but they also know everyone,
their personal circumstances, and the history of
the land disputes, among others.
On the other hand, the DAR field
personnel will not only work with cooperative
point persons in the community, but also with
the trained paralegals who can help in so many
aspects. The DAR managers are starting to
appreciate the importance of the paralegals
and their invaluable contributions. It may just
be small ripples, but as more success stories
emerge and testimonies are being told, the
ripples will turn into huge waves that could help
the CARPER surge forward!
What we should be doing now is
confidence building. We should painstakingly
document their achievements how minute or
of minor importance they may be. We should
celebrate the milestones by achieving small
victories. We should be learning by doing, and
doing what we have learned from others
Future plans and next steps for the
Paralegal Program in Camarines Sur
1. The formation of the Provincial
Farmers Paralegal Desk to handle all concerns
of the paralegal volunteers, and to regularly
follow-up their activities. It was proposed that
it shall be under the supervision of the Chief of
Legal Division.
The names, addresses, and contact
numbers of paralegal volunteers will be made
available so that farmers who will be needing
their assistance will be informed. The PACS
and the DAR through its Legal Division will
come up with a mechanism to specify their
working relationship.
It was proposed by the Legal Chiefs
that paralegal volunteers will be allowed to
observe the mediation proceedings, meetings,
and other related activities of the DAR’s legal
officers in the DAR offices and in the field, and
of the lawyers in the courts if there is a need
to. The purpose of this strategy is to expose
the paralegal volunteers to the nuances, proper
actuations, and needed skills a paralegal must
possess in order to hone their skills further.
2. Continuing Capability Building of
the paralegal volunteers
This is subject to the availability of funds,
directives, and future plans of BARIE and DAR
Central office. However, the DAR Cam Sur
A intends to include this initiative in its regular
budget.
3. The MAROs are enjoined to utilize
the paralegal volunteers, work closely with
them, and implement their respective Action
Plans
4. Transportation & food allowances,
and other benefits
There are plans to provide the paralegal
volunteers with transportation and food
allowances to facilitate their mobility, or even
hire them as job orders (depending on their
qualifications, the intended tasks to be assigned,
etc). There is also a proposal that they be
provided with Philhealth cards or group accident
insurance, a suggestion that their children be
given scholarships or educational assistance,
and similar fringe benefits just to show them
that the DAR (and the government) appreciate
and value their contributions and its tangible
results.
IN THE LINE OF DUTY. Paralegal volunteer Lito Bignotea confers with farmer beneficiaries.
How paralegal volunteers help in accelerating the land acquisition & distribution efforts of the DAR in the far-flung
barangays of Camarines Sur
extend helping hands
FARMERS-PARALEGAL by Jose D. Co
The Background
Camarines Sur is the largest among the
six provinces in the Bicol Region both in terms
of population and land area. Camarines Sur has
a total land area of 5,266.8 square kilometers
and a population of 2,693,821 residents and
288,172 households based on the 2010 census.
Its territory encompasses two cities and 35
municipalities.
In order to address the huge Land
Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) balance of
the province of more than 45,000 hectares, the
DAR Central management decided in January
2012 to divide the province operationally under
two separate provincial offices. DAR Cam
Sur A comprises Districts I, II, and V whereas
DAR Cam Sur B includes Districts III and IV.
The division aims to focus on accelerating the
acquisition and distribution of the remaining
large landholdings by rationalizing the allocation
of personnel and resources.
Camarines Sur A is composed of
17 municipalities and Iriga City with a total
CARPable area of 21,939.798 hectares under
Phases 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. It must be noted
that under the Paralegal Development Program,
19 trained paralegal volunteers were selected
from the municipalities of Del Gallego, Ragay,
Lupi, Sipocot, Libmanan, Cabusao, and Bula.
The seven municipalities have a total CARPER
balance of 14,540 hectares or 66.30% of the
total CARPable area of Camarines Sur A.
The implementation of the Paralegal
Development Program in Camarines
Sur
Based on the program objectives,
the DAR Camarines Sur A conducted an
Orientation Meeting about the program which
was attended by the respective MAROs,
representatives from the Admin & Finance,
the Operations, and Legal divisions. Mr. Dave
Abogado representing SALIGAN-Bicol,
Ms. Aurea B. General of the DAR Regional
I & E division, and SUARPO Joey Co, the
designated Provincial Coordinator took turns in
the discussion of the rationale, objectives, and
criteria for the selection of paralegal participants.
OIC-PARO II Rod O. Realubit of
DAR Camarines Sur A and OIC-CARPO for
OperationsRicGarciahelpedintheidentification
of the municipalities where the paralegals
will be selected. They intentionally chose the
seven municipalities due to its large CARPER
balances, and for being contiguous except for
the municipality of Bula. Bula has a very large
previous LAD accomplishment being a land
consolidated area that will be needing trained
paralegals in order to address the expected land
disputes and next-generation tenurial problems.
TheTrainingTeam provided the MAROs
the criteria in the selection of the participants to
the Paralegal Training held on March 6-8, 2012.
The criteria were: 1. He/she must be a resident
or based in the barangay/community; 2. Must
be at least a high school graduate (although
25% of the participants have college degree
or at the college level); 3. Must not be more
than 60 years old for obvious reason; 4. Must
be a BARC chairman/member or a respected
or influential leader in the community; 5. Must
be supportive of the CARPER and government
programs.
They must also be willing to work on
a voluntary basis, and must be willing to apply
and share their learning to others. There is
also a conscious effort to include as many
female trainees as possible so much so that
almost 30% of the selected participants were
women. However, the important factor is
that the MARO concerned has to endorse
the participant since he/she is in the
best position to know the person, their
capabilities, and how they will work
together as partners at the field level.
The Paralegal Training was
held at Avenue Plaza Hotel, Naga
City where the participants were
also given their Paralegal Manuals as
ready reference. It was also during the
workshop that their first action plans
were drafted. The 1st Paralegal Clinic
& Tactic Session was held on May
24-25, 2012 and followed by the 2nd
Paralegal Clinic & Tactic Session held
on July 26-27, 2012 respectively at
the Champagne Garden. The Training
Team also monitored the action plans
of selected municipalities on July 18-20,
2012 in order to get an actual insight on
what was happening at the field level.
SHARING THE GIFT. Atty. Ramon SJ Cabañes, chief legal of Camarines Sur B, shares mediation
techniques to the farmer-paralegal volunteers during the Clinic and Tactics Session.
12 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 13
8. L
ibmanan is a 1st class municipality in the
province of Camarines Sur, Philippines.
According to the 2010 census, it has a
population of 100,002, and a total land area of
342.82 km2 or 34,282 hectares. It is composed
of 75 barangays, five of which
are located in the coastal areas
and the remaining 70 barangays
are distributed in the low land
and upland portions of the
municipality.
Libmanan, being
consideredasthebiggestandmost
populated town in the province,
has dramatically prospered in
the recent years because of the
excellent means of transportation
like the national highway, the
railroad, and the Libmanan River.
Libmaman is mainly agricultural
although the coastal barangays
also yield a rich catch. A large
plain devoted to rice production
gave it the distinction as the rice
granary of the province.
Similarly, the upland barangays are
lush mountainous areas planted to coconut,
bananas, root crops, vegetables, and some fruit
trees. Most of the upland barangays have been
inaccessible for a very long time until recently
when farm to market roads were constructed,
and paved the way towards the development
of the far-flung areas. With the road networks,
the agricultural produce were brought down
to the markets, and commanded better prices.
Likewise, basic commodities were made readily
available and affordable to the residents.
The delivery of basic social services like
education, health, and nutrition followed suit as
the people demand better governance from the
local officials. However, it was the government’s
agrarian reform program which has made a
great and lasting impact in the countryside. As
a social justice program it aims to distribute as
many hectares of lands to all qualified farmer-
beneficiaries despite the constraints and
adverse moves of some sectors like the affected
landowners and militant farmers organizations.
Despite the lack of manpower, limited
resources like vehicles for mobility, and the
real threat to their personal security, the
DAR personnel earnestly accomplished their
jobs. Furthermore, the opposition and non-
cooperation of the landowners, boundary
disputes, claims of ownership, and absence of
legal documents among others aggravated the
situation
The DARMO’s initiative at Libmanan,
Camarines Sur
As of November 2012, the total
CARPable area of the municipality of Libmanan
is 3,398 hectares. However, there is a possibility
that 500 hectares more will be added due to
the inclusion of ‘new’ lands which were not
included to the existing data base and targets.
The reasons given are that said landholdings
were inaccessible before, the prevailing peace
and order condition, and there were no available
supporting documents before.
The DARMO Libmanan-Cabusao was
headed by MARO Felina Manjares, 56, who
assumed office only in February 2012. She
was a veteran in the DAR with her working
experience expanding to more than three
decades. She has been assigned in DARMOs of
Pasacao, Pamplona, and San Fernando prior to
her present assignment. Occasionally, she was
assisted in the field work by her spouse Pol who
is also a MARO of DARMO San Fernando.
MARO Felina is a hands on manager who
spearheaded field works and targeted new lands
For 2012 and 2013, she has targeted
a total area of 1,068 hectares. She was being
assisted by Rommel Ortega Bulaong, 47, an
Admin Aide but utilized to do field work. He
has worked in the DAR since 1991, and was
assigned in DARMO-Libmanan ever since and
was well versed with every landholding in the
municipality.
Assisting in the field work is
the lone job order Joel D. Mendoza,
31. He is a resident of Bagumbayan,
Libmanan and an undergraduate
Mechanical Engineering student.
He helps in the interviews of FB,
ocular inspection with Landbank
personnel, and the identification
of landholdings, and conduct of
surveys that lasts for days in a
row. He drives his own motorcycle
for mobility. Also helping in the
field work are two Government
Internship Program (GIP) interns
Mike Brioso and Ryan Guerrero.
Specifically, we have photo-
documented the work of Mr. Lito
Bignotea, the paralegal volunteer
and Barangay Agrarian Reform
Committee (BARC) Chairman from the
far-flung barangay of Villadima, Libmanan,
Camarines Sur. He works with the DAR
personnel, the barangay captain and other local
officials, and the farmer-beneficiaries in the field.
The results are not only commendable but also
worth emulating. Not less than 300 hectares
are expected to be distributed to more than
150 farmer-beneficiaries soon. It only proved
that big things may happen with the concerted
participation of the stakeholders especially
with the helping hands of the farmers paralegal
volunteers.
MARO Felina Manjares specifically
informed Usec Joe Grageda during the Cam
Sur A Provincial Planning Workshop held
on December 13-14, 2012 at Naga City that
without the intervention and assistance of
paralegal volunteer Lito Bignotea, it would
not be possible for DAR personnel to come up
with the substantial LAD accomplishment in
Libmanan within a short period.
Wehopethatbytrainingandempowering
more farmers as paralegal volunteers, they
will be able to effect changes, accelerate land
acquisition & distribution, and secure the
development in the communities where they
are based.
by Jose D. Co
HAPPEN
DREAM TEAM. Libmanan team with paralegal Lito Bignotea
The LAD Funnel
Monitoring System(with Simulation Approach)
by Gerardo C. Buensalida
M
onitoring is an integral and important
part of a management information
system. Managers of an organization,
like DAR, require information to keep track of
its programs and to guide its course of actions.
Information is a critical resource in the operation
and management of an organization. Timely
availability of relevant information is vital for
effective performance of managerial functions
such as planning, organizing, leading, and
control. Thus, Manuel Nebreja, a civil engineer
and currently OIC-Municipal Agrarian Reform
Officer in Naga City has developed some type
of monitoring and evaluation tool called “LAD
Funnel M & E System”. The term “funnel” is
used because most often, the number of data
entering the model is larger than the number of
accomplishments kept in the accomplishment
bin.
The LAD Funnel will generally provide
relevant information to DAR managers on
the overall standing of Land Acquisition and
Distribution (LAD) activities in the municipal
and provincial levels, and guide them identify
problems calling for action, outlines alternative
solutions, and forecast possible outcomes for
each landholding.
The LAD Funnel is specifically designed
to visualize the progress of Claim Folders
(CFs) as they progress from the initial stage
(Workable Balance Bay) through the final phase
(Accomplishment Bin). By manually plotting
the survey status and milestone codes from the
LAD CARPER Database, the LAD Funnel
automatically filters the data entering the
system and keeps track of the present actual
CF status particularly Survey status as they
pass (descending) through its various stages,
and provides the user with options to view
the different situations and movement of each
landholding.
It has several components or storage
bins such as Workable Balance Bay, Deducted
Bin, Deductible Bin, Problematic Bin, Funnel
and Accomplishment Bin. The funnel has two
categories, the Left Side category contains the
VOS, OLT, GFI, LE, SE, VLT landholdings,
and Right Side category containsthe CA
landholdings.
Engr. Nebreja suggests that a user should
undergo training and lecturing to familiarize with
the system and method of this innovative LAD
monitoring tool.
Below is an illustration of the LAD
Funnel.
ForSurvey(W/oMARORequest)
ForSurvey(W/MARORequest)
Validated/Moduled
OnGoingSurvey/Bidded
FieldWorkcompleted
AtDARRO
AtLMS
ReturnedbyLMS
AtLMS(ResubtoLMS)
WithASP(LMSapproved)
AtLMS(Rejected/DisapprovedbyLMS)
SurveyNotNeeded
WithASP(NoLMSapproval)
WithASP(NoLMSapproval)
SurveyNotNeeded
AtLMS(Rejected/DisapprovedbyLMS)
WithASP(LMSapproved)
AtLMS(ResubtoLMS)
ReturnedbyLMS
AtLMS
AtDARRO
FieldWorkcompleted
OnGoingSurvey/Bidded
Validated/Moduled
ForSurvey(W/MARORequest)
ForSurvey(W/oMARORequest)
LAD FUNNEL : CAMARINES SUR - B
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 14 14 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Code FOR LAD-CARPER BALANCE : 31371.0951
As of April 30, 2013
99 98 Yes 453 235 70.1 157 186 28.2 55.5 69.9 30.1 950.7 0 631.4 0 0 530.3 0 856.13 33 143 4.54 0 129 184 4.98 303 3000.2 = 8055.3663
1 143 0 0 30 38 0 9 17 24 179 0 238 0 0 110 0 344 0 47 0 0 7 10 0 10 1526 1 2731.6306
2 143 61 0 31 38 0 0 17 0 72 0 173 0 0 42 0 39 33 15 0 0 21 46 0 133 1314 2 2179.4534
3 0 15 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 19 3 82.1228
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0.6705
5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
5.a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 22 34 5.a 104.9845
5.b 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 6 0 2 0 0 1 0 11 0 0 0 0 15 77 0 26 0 5.b 168.0933
5.c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5.c 0
6 85 91 70 39 15 0 10 6 0 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 5 106 3 6
497.25
Serve NOC/Acceptance Letter personally or substituted service (one for each co-owner)
Request Other PAROs/BLAD to serve NOC/Acceptance Letter or publish NOC/Acceptance Letter
Post NOC in 3 conspicuous places
Conduct Preliminary survey activities (list of LHs for survey, prepare modules/conduct bidding;
assign modules to Admin Survey Teams)
CA WB
MILESTONE
Research/Gather Documents
Conduct Pre-OCI
Project Landholding on LC Map
Review and accept/reject VOS (skip for other land types)
Issue NOC (CA)/Acceptance Letter (VOS)
VOS, OLT, GFI, LE
Deducted
Deductible
Problematic
Code
F
L
O
W
6 85 91 70 39 15 0 10 6 0 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 5 106 3 6
7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
7.a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.a 0.64
7.b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.b 0
7.c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 7.c 33.3114
7.d 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.d 0
7.e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.e 0
7.f 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.f 0
7.g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.g 0
7.h 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.h 0
7.i 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.i 0
7.j 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.j 12.1398
8 20 0 0 7 77 0 0 0 0 4 0 9 0 0 2 0 66 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 1 8 231.3244
9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 20.6558
11 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 224 0 39 0 0 36 0 150 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 11 471.0322
12 45 12 0 37 10 28 15 2 0 211 0 59 0 0 155 0 38 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 22 12 674.6364
13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 13 13.8603
14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 11.1274
15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0
15.a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 81 0 4 0 0 8 0 97 0 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15.a 230.6569
15.b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15.b 2.5016
15.c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 45 0 0 14 0 21 0 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15.c 124.2608
Prepare survey returns & PLUM (for multi-crops)
Review and submit Survey Plan to LMS for IVAS
Complete the CF and transmit to DARPO
Prepare for conduct of FI (arrange schedule & serve notices)
Conduct Joint DAR-LBP Field Investigation
Transmission to LBP
Conduct DAR-LBP Pre-Processing & submit CF to LBP
Returned to PARO
AOC for Valuation (VOS and CA)/DARRO for VLT Approval
Receive ASP and transmit copies to offices concerned.
Conduct screening of potential ARBs
Prepare Masterlist of ARBs
Obtain BARC Certification and PARO's approval of Masterlist
Post Masterlist of ARBs
Serve copies of BARC-certified Masterlist
Conduct compulsory arbitration in case of protest/petition
Post Amended Masterlist
Prepare APFU and arrange/accompany ARBs in oath-taking before a city/municipal judge
Conduct survey field work
assign modules to Admin Survey Teams)
Conduct ARB ID, Screening and Selection
Conduct Info Dissemination
Prepare & Post Preliminary List of ARBs
2188.9486
5575.99
8815.4223
15.d 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15.d 7.3042
16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 55.2052
17 0 12 0 0 0 0 11 10 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 69.8889
18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0
19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19
0
20 18 20 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 105 0 29 0 0 61 0 48 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 20 332.6159
21 44 76 34 107 128 11 55 137 0 1357 3 4002 32 0 309 3 227 17 41 0 0 7 26 0 7 111 21 6735.3679
22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0
= TOTAL EP/CLOA REGISTERED
Region V
Province: CAMARINES SUR - B
HO Valuation
Receive MOV, serve copy to LO and post Notice on NLVA
Receive COD, transmit to ROD and request for RP Title
Prepare Land Distribution Folder
Generate EP/CLOA and have it signed & sealed
Register EP/CLOA
Distribute LBP-certified photocopy of EP/CLOA to ARB
6735.3679
Take physical possession of the land and serve notice to ARBs of individual allocation of lots
The Author: Engr.Manuel A. Nebreja
Making things
Fields Magazine 15
9. Background/Evolution of
CADRays
CADRays starts from simple to high end
programmable calculators to Lotus 123 and
Excel Application. While still studying in college
and working with a private engineering firm,
Richard already had the knack in programming.
With Casio FX 602, 603, 4500, and 7400G
Plus Power Graphic, he was able to develop
survey applications on subdivision, traverse,
settings, etc., which helped him do his school
assignments while making his work tasks easier.
In 1998, he was hired as a Job Order
(JO) employee by DAR Camarines Sur
assigned at the Survey Section. Undersecretary
for Field Operations Jose Z. Grageda who was
then the PARO of Camarines Sur, provided
the Survey Section with a licensed version
R14 of AutoCAD before he left his post in
the province in 1999. Geodetic & Civil Engr.
Marlon de la Cruz, another JO, was in charge
of the AutoCAD and helped Richard learn how
to use it. With diligence and creativity, Richard
eventually designed a simple application that
fast-tracked the preparation of Sketch Plans,
Land Use Maps, Survey Returns and its
Analysis on the Personal Computer or PC.
Richard dreamed of buying a licensed
AutoCAD for himself so he can further develop
application softwares on his spare time at home.
But he realized that the price is too steep and
it was beyond his means. In August 2000, he
passed the Geodetic Engineering Board Exam
and continued working as JO until 2003, for
it was only in 2004 when he was appointed
permanently as Clerk III in the DAR.
In 2004, Richard attended the Geodetic
Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (GEPI) Bicol
Regional convention where he learned about
the CADian™ CAD software imported from
South Korea. Its features were presented in the
said occasion by GE Juan Vito Genson whose
Genson Enterprises or GENT was designated
as its sole distributor in the Philippines. Richard
learned that CADian™ CAD software is a
powerful application for engineers, architects,
designers, and drafters. CADian has set the
standard for affordable CAD (Computer-
Aided Drafting) software that offers full DWG
(a drawing extension file) compatibility and
a familiar easy-to-use command set. Since
Richard has used AutoCAD, he believed he
can easily learn how to use CADian in no time.
Upon inquiry, Richard also learned that the price
tag of the said software was Php13,000 at that
time.
In 2007, Richard married and started
raising a family. He knew that his meager salary
as a lowly government employee would not
suffice. This compelled him to work harder to
find ways to improve his lot in order to provide
a better future for his family. He planned to
develop a program that will consolidate his past
efforts that helped him in his job at the Survey
Section, while dreaming of establishing a small
business of his own someday. He realized that
he needed the CADian to power his envisioned
software.
In November 2009, through the help
of Engr. Alex Genio, the GEPI Bicol Regional
president, Richard was given a complimentary
CADian software by Engr. Genson of GENT.
Immediately, he started working on it and he
discovered that CADian’s native file format
is DWG, so when he opened an existing
Autodesk AutoCAD file (R11 to R2011)
there was no file conversion and no data
loss. CADian also provides a high degree of
compatibility with the AutoCAD command set,
as well as the AutoLISP and SDS or Solutions
Development System. That means he can get
to work immediately using the AutoCAD files,
commands and applications.
Richard meticulously studied and
put long hours in his endeavor just to be able
to develop the Computer-Aided Drafting or
CADRays software. In doing so, he spent
precious time away from his wife Gen and two
growing kids. He would occasionally wake up
at two o’clock in the morning since he cannot
do it during office hours. What further prodded
him to pursue his dream amidst the difficulties
was his desire to make a difference in his own
field and help the DAR Survey deliver its tasks
through cutting edge technology.
Finally, in November 2010, he presented
the CADRays during the GEPI South Luzon
Area conference at the Avenue Square, Naga
City where he discussed its features and what
it can do for his colleagues and fellow geodetic
engineers. Richard was very happy that not only
was he able to get their attention, but he also
got several inquiries.
In July 3, 2011, Richard was asked to
present CADRays at the DAR Central office
to BLAD, FOO, FMAO officials. The other
presentorwasMechanicalEngineeringGraduate
Samuel Alicante with his NMAX software
CADRaysCOMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING BY JOSE D. CO
G
eodetic Engineer Richard A.
Rayos of DAR Cam Sur A Survey
Section pioneered and authored the
software Computer-Aided Drafting
or CADRays which is powered by
CADian™ CAD software with the
support of Digital Classification
Map (LCMap). At present, the
computer program is exclusively
used in Camarines Sur and helps in
making initial projection, fast tracks
the classification of landholdings,
and determines whether they are
Alienable and Disposable (A & D) or
timberlands.
“
using the AutoCAD. Eventually,
DARCO decided to purchase 13
units of AutoCADs and NMAX
softwares (amounting to Php4.4
million) for distribution to regions
nationwide. DAR Camarines Sur
A, according to Richard, was the
first one to get the AutoCAD on
January 3, 2013, excluding the
NMAX since its Survey Section
is already using CADRays.
Richard conceded that at the
time of his presentation, he
was still developing further his
CADRays that is why it did not
includeyetthenarrativetechnical
description or NTD as one of
its features. He also accepted
the fact that Mr. Alicante was
more eloquent than him. His
consolation though was that
DAR Camarines Sur eventually
bought thee (3) units of CADian
software with CADRays
amounting to Php90,000 or
Php30,000 a piece.
How does CADRays
help land surveys and
accomplishotherLADactivities?
The CADRays powered by CADian is
so versatile that it can accomplish the following
myriad functions: Cadastral Processing,
Comprehensive Land Use Planning, eTD or
electronic Technical Description on PHILARES
of the Land Registration Authority (LRA),
geodetic labeling & plotting, Land Information
System (LIS) gathering, mapping, plotting &
analysis, polygon closure analysis, subdivision
& scheming, and Survey Returns, etc. With
the myriad and variety of tasks that can be
accomplished, it will definitely save DAR
not only of money but also of time. It also
enhances the capability of the DAR personnel
while maximizing manpower and its technical
capability.
What is in store for the future
and how can CADRays be
improved further?
Richard has pointed out what are in store
for CADRays powered by CADian software as
he continues to improve and look for many other
applications and other inherent innovations
that help facilitate the Land Acquisition &
Distribution (LAD) functions of DAR in the
field level. Among them are:
CADRays will facilitate researches
digitally on Approved Survey Plans (ASPs),
and Cadastral maps in order to determine the
Cadastral Map Number for all the lots per
landholding. At present the tedious process is
to manually browse into the files, survey plans,
cadastral maps, and other documents being
kept and filed in the DAR’s repository and other
places. It is not only tedious but it also takes
a great number of man-hours and patience
in sorting, studying, and discerning the dusty
documents.The storage of said documents right
now proved to be insecure as it is vulnerable
to fire, typhoon, flood, and theft. The loss of
which is irreparable and will cause further delay
and more difficulty in the implementation of the
CARPER.
The process
is to have all
available survey
plans, maps, ASPs,
etc., scanned. It is
for this reason that
DAR 5 Regional
Director Ma.
Celestina Tam
and PARO Rod Realubit of Camarines Sur A
promptly provided a large format scanner for this
purpose. The scanned output will be uploaded
to the computer and processed by CADRays
and CADian softwares.
Since 2011, the CADRays is accredited
and electronically linked to PHILARES system
of the Land Registration Authority (LRA).
CADRays now has the capacity to generate
a landholding’s electronic narrative technical
descriptions (eTDs) which are accepted by the
LRA, thus, facilitate land titling. This is because
CADRays’ XML file output can be read by the
PHILARES system.
Itmustbenotedthatthemanualencoding
of the narrative technical description is not only
tedious and time-consuming but also prone to
errors. In a test-run made by Richard involving
800 lots, CADRays was able to generate the
electronic NTDs within 20 minutes!
Through the GIS or
Geographical Information
System, the CARPER
database can be linked to the
Digital Map which is linked to
the Land Classification (LC)
maps provided by the DAR
Central office for the province
of Camarines Sur. Cadastral
maps will be plotted in the
Digital Map sinceCADRays
has the capacity to handle
huge map information similar
to the Swede Survey which is
no longer functional.
This initiative
will definitely facilitate in
the projection of specific
landholdings specifically for untitled land, or
titled lands covered by CARPER the respective
land titles of which were not yet secured by the
concerned DAR field personnel.
RichardrevealedthatotherAutoCAD
based softwares cannot get post-sale service
from the supplier and software developer
once it breaks down. This was experienced by
DAR Regional office as relayed to him by the
CARPO for Operations. Furthermore, the
other AutoCAD based softwares cannot be
transferred to another computer as you have
to buy a new one if you want it installed in the
new unit. On the
other hand, all you
need is to submit an
affidavit to CADian
distributor or main
office and make a
request that you
need to transfer the
CADian software
into another computer. CADian manufacturer
then will send for free a new authorization code
in order to run the software.This facilitates easy
maintenance and after-sale services.
Richard also reiterated that CADRays
is being continuously updated and improved
based on new inputs, experiences encountered,
and felt need by the DAR personnel at the
Survey Section in particular and the Operations
Division in general, and as a direct and prompt
response to the demands of DAR’s mandate to
acquire and distribute lands.
Bill Gates said, “Software is a great
combination of artistry and engineering. When
you finally get done and get to appreciate what
you have done it is like a part of yourself that
you’ve put together. I think a lot of the people
here feel that way.” Richard said he thinks the
DAR management and its IT people should also
feel and act similarly. •
Engr Rayos while scanning maps of landholdings at the large format
scanner which will be uploaded to the computer and processed by the
CADRays as database for easy retrieval.
CADRays will facilitate researches
digitally on Approved Survey Plans
(ASPs), and Cadastral maps in order to
determine the Cadastral Map Number
for all the lots per landholding.
”
16 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 17
10. Epifania Garcia
Bibincahan, Sorsogon City
Most Oustanding ARB, 2007
Former MARO
BARCChairperson
ARB turned Vice-MayorDARMO, ARPT/DF
DARMO, ARPT/DF
Most Outstanding ARB2009 Gawad Saka Provincial
Outstanding HVCC Farmer
“I am very grateful for all the
projects that have been poured in
our area. Likewise, for all the skills
I gained because of the trainings
provided to me by DAR. Now, I am
able to share all of these blessings
to other farmers as well.”
“Our family owned an almost forty hectares of agricultural land in
Donsol. Since I knew that our landholdings ought to be covered by
agrarian reform, I explained to my mother that we had to offer it to
the DAR. However, rebel groups had learned about it. They seemed
not to accept the idea of land reform. When the schedule for survey
came, we were held captive at the house of the BARC Chairperson
for some hours. We were thinking of our family but we can’t go home. It was the longest night. We can’t
sleep because of fear. How could you sleep when your mind is troubled and the muzzles of their guns are
pointed in our heads? What if it accidentally fired? On my side were two amazonas.”
It’s great working for the Program. As PARCCOM Chairperson of
Catanduanes since 1996, it has been an honor for me to engage with
the challenges that come in the course of time in implementing CARP
insofar as PARCCOM is concerned. When I was appointed in 1996, I
must admit, I was met with reservations on the role I have to take
therein.IwasconsoledthoughwiththesympatheticencouragementofthelateTonyDelluzawhowasthen
the CARPO of BDCD. The rest is history when today I look back with pride on how we were able to sink into
the real world of social justice through CARP and the PARCCOM.
“When my family received the
CertificateofLandownershipAward
(CLOA) from DAR during its 10th
year CARP Anniversary Celebration
June 1998, it gave us more reasons
in Curvada ARC. The CLOA covers
a 1.8 hectare agricultural land
formerly owned by the Eusebio
State. The once cogonal lot is now
planted with banana, jack fruit,
mango, and coconut trees aside
from the root crops that abound in
the area.”
“In my 17 long years in DAR, I’ve had the
pleasure of working with various stakeholders,
majority of whom are agrarian reform
beneficiaries. In the call of duty as DF, I can still
vividlyrememberoneinconceivableexperience
I had early this year where I was figured in
a road accident that almost threatened my
life and the life of an innocent pedestrian.
However everything was settled immediately
and things turned out well because of my
extremely helpful DAR family.The incident
made me realize more that working in the
DAR is indeed self-sacrificing. Despite the odds
however, it never crosses my mind to falter and
waive my duties as development facilitator for
agrarian reform communities."
“Agrarian reform really works.
I can never think of any other
government program as noble
and as people-oriented as
with this because it helps the
poor farmers, which comprises
a big portion of the country’s
population.”
“My dream of a better life for my
family started when DAR awarded
me the title for the piece of land we
tilled for may years. My being an
outstanding ARB was a result of my
desire to show my appreciation to the
people of DAR.”
Through the years, working in the
field as ARPT, has been so tough - life
threatening at times and rewarding
sometimes. Exposure to risks such as
dog and snake bites, harassment from
both the landowners and disgruntled
farmers are things which I consider
part of my job. Despite the challenges,
I still find my work gratifying and
fulfilling. The ARB-farmers whose lives
have changed positively because of
the lands awarded to them through
CARP program serve as my trophies
to work harder with commitment and
dedication.
“Despite all of these, living a simple
life is still important for us. But of
course my family is thankful to
have experienced the comforts in
life after years of sacrifices. We’re
lucky to have been awarded land
and assisted by the government
through its Agrarian Reform
Program.”
My friend. a DAR engineer, who’s in charge of survey section, would always say with
gusto, “I love DAR,” which, I would return with a jest, “Amen, amen.” Both of us would
heartily belt out later a loud and crisp laughter.
Nope, we’re not in for a joke. Just a heck of saying, we’re just too happy at DAR.Then
we’d get more bits of giggles, smiles and soon, laughter again. That makes us more upbeat
when, shall we say, the stressors are soaring high. Well, that’s a fine way to beat THEM.
Then back to work again, with a two thumbs up of my friend, as if to re-assure me once again
of his branded words, “I LOVE DAR.”
This is the other side of a story, or maybe your story too, or sort of other stories out
there way back then and now. Everyday.
Sometimes that paints the backdrop with checkered hues, peppered with varying tales
of drama, struggles, dreams, and maybe just plain craziness on the side. In an imperfect world,
we can’t always get the whole side of a coin. We’re doomed to cross from either side at certain
times and intervals that often we’re not in control of.
These are stories of pains, and gains. This may be my story. This may be your story,
too.
That’s where we paint CARP canvass with checkered hues, with lights and shadows.
The mixed recipe of experiences that we savor in years, are built just like that. That’s destiny
and fate. We can’t say stop when the going gets tough. We can only enjoy the ride or jump
by Eduardo S. Villar
Talesin “I was thrilled to till another
2.5 hectares. It was my
biggest break. As I held
the Certificate of Land
Ownership Award, I caught
a glimpse of a fruitful
harvest”
overboard. Or just be plain naïve with it. Whatever, whenever.
At the end of the road, we can only account on how we’ve become through those
pains and gains, or how we’ve responded maybe. The result? Life itself.
Or, taken in that context, that’s DAR-life. My story. Your story, too.
As “CARP-apostles” in interest, we’re workers and missionaries at the same time
going by the tenets of social justice mission that’s more of taking the hard-line, often unpopular
trek.
Through the decades-old journey, we may have gained both a parable of Sense and
Non-Sense. To which side we belong sometimes is just a matter of choice, or may be-- just
maybe, we love to travel at either side, back and forth. That’s life. But then again, what makes
life more meaningful is when we drop the worn-out hues altogether, and try emboldening the
shadows with a mix of newer hues. Rise in every fall, my friend. That’s the gain after the pain.
The same stroke of fate and life with the DAR rests with our clients. They are our
program beneficiaries (FBs, landowners, or whoever CARP meets its ends).
We may be surprised at how the program continues to touch lives here and there.
Albeit, gainful tales from the waysides where CARP matters continue to inspire us through
our various ups and downs in program implementation. Stories that make us say,“I love DAR.”
And so, it’s worth a note, taking some inspiring thoughts, tales of checkered hues from them
who are our backbones, the plot where our own DAR stories were hemmed.
checkered
HUES
Manuel A. Magistrado
Virac, Catanduanes
PARCCOM Chairman
Visitacion Racho
Libon, Albay
Adolfo Galvez
Asid, Masbate City
Marianita Suson
Cataingan, Masbate
TOBIAS Q. ARANA
Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte
Domingo Sazon, Jr
Libon, Albay
MA. ELDA N. SERRANILLA
Daet & Talisay, Camarines Norte
Amado M. Masarate
Casiguran, Sorsogon
Myrna Dimanarig
Camarines Sur
18 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 19
11. “I can no longer think of any reason why we can’t improve the living condition of our farmer beneficiaries, with the
various assistance that have been coming in for them”, Regional Director Maria Celestina Manlagñit-Tam enthused
as she expresses gladness in taking note of the present and upcoming interventions under the Program Beneficiaries
Development (PBD) component of CARP.
RD Tam has every reason to be in high spirits with the development
occurring as far as the welfare of the agrarian reform beneficiaries
(ARBs) is concerned.
Forone,theSecondAgrarianReformCommunities
Development Projects (ARCP II) implementation in
the region is doing very well as its funding could
make it to a whopping one (1) billion pesos
worth. The Agrarian Reform Communities
Connectivity Economic Support Services
(ARCCESS) had already passed the crucial
stages, and been gaining momentum after
turning over various common services
facilities (CSFs) or farm machineries to
agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations
(ARBOs) regionwide.
For 2013, the national government
has allocated one (1) billion pesos for crop
insurance equity of the ARBs nationwide.
Another one (1) billion-peso funding was
likewise earmarked under the Agrarian
Production Credit Program (APCP).
Agrarian Reform Infrastructures Support Projects (ARISP III) in the region still has many subprojects being implemented in the ARCs. Rural
infra projects being financed under the agrarian reform fund (ARF) are also continuing.
All these interventions are geared towards increasing the income of the ARBs being one of the major goals under CARPer, as further stressed
by Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes when he took over the headship of DAR a couple of years back.
A Booming ARCP II
A total of one hundred forty two (142) subprojects, amounting to almost half a billion pesos have already been approved for implementation
under ARCP II in Bicol, practically making said region the most efficient nationwide in terms of enticing the target local government units (LGUs) to
fully take part in the implementation of rural infrastructures. Another half a billion persos worth of subprojects, likewise, is expected to get the nod of
the National Subprojects Approval Committee (NSAC) soon.
ARCP II Deputy National Project Director Herman Ongkiko acknowledged that Region V has so far been the most ‘time efficient’ in matters
of fund disbursements, which is necessary to expedite construction of approved subprojects. Ongkiko lauded DAR Bicol for its performance and said
he believes it has set the momentum that need to be emulated by other regions, in order to bring the benefits of the subprojects to the end users as
fast as possible.
ARCP II, which implementation is expected to be completed by 2014, is funded mainly thru loan assistance by the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) with the support of the national government. It covers the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.The approved 142
subprojects range from farmer-to-market-roads, multi-purpose buildings and post harvest facilities to social infrastructures such as school buildings,
health centers, day care centers and level II potable water system. Irrigation systems will likewise be one of the subprojects to be implemented as
ARCP II progresses.
Support services
ease life for Bicolano ARBs
Eight (8) subprojects in Cam. Norte are already completed, with additional five (5) in Cam. Sur and
two (2) in Sorsogon. Five (5) of these were already turned over to the recipient ARCs. In the pipeline are 55
subprojects more. Fifteen (15) of which are in Cam. Norte, 29 in Cam. Sur and 11 in Sorsogon.
Breakdown of the 142 subprojects per province: Cam. Norte - 47 subprojects spread in the towns of
Labo, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Basud, and Jose Panganiban; Cam. Sur - 80 subprojects in the municipalities
of Sipocot, Del Gallego, Libmanan, Milaor, Ocampo, Garchitorena, Tigaon, Buhi, Baao, Bula and Pili; and
Sorsogon – 15 subprojects for Castilla, Matnog, Irosin, Juban, Casiguran and Bulan towns.
The noteworthy performance in ARCP II implementation in Bicol can be attributed to two major factors.
One of which is the provision of support fund thru the National Government Assistance for Local Government
Units or NGALGU, which covers 25 percent of the LGUs’ equity for every subproject. NGALGU basically
resolved the LGUs’ problem on fund scarcity.
And the other one is the close coordination that has been occurring between and among all the
stakeholders especially, DAR and the concerned LGUs. The efforts being untiringly exerted by the regional
and provincial project management are finally reaping its reward. ARCP II’s allocation, in all probability,
can zoom up one (1) billion pesos. RD Tam cited the key role being played here by the regional subprojects
approval committee (RSAC).
More rural infra from ARISP III and Tulay ng Pangulo
Five (5) more road subprojects under the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) -
funded ARISP III are already completed in the region. One (1) in Albay, three (3) in Camarines Norte
and one (1) in Catanduanes. These are included in the 34 subprojects scheduled for implementation
under ARISP III, which sites are found in eight (8) ARCs located in 10 municipalities in the covered
provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Masbate. Subprojects in ARISP III include
farm-to-market-roads (FMR), potable water supply, irrigation system and post harvest facilities.
Implementation of these subprojects is on-going.
Meanwhile, five (5) bridges measuring a total of 132 meters are likewise completed under
the Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo. Two (2) of which are located in Pamplona and
the two (2) others are in Pasacao, both in Camarines Sur and one (1) in Labo, Camarines Norte.
Tulay ng Pangulo, which is a project being implemented in cooperation with DPWH, has
24 bridge projects in the region with the total of 658.8 meters in length. Breakdown of which
per province is as follows: Albay - four (4); Camarines Norte – four (4); Camarines Sur – nine
(9); Sorsogon – five (5) and Masbate – two (2).
Funding Source
No. of Projects
Completed
No. of ARCs
Involved
No. of Ongoing Subprojects/
For Implementation
No. of ARCs
Involved
ARCDP-WB Phase I 38 9 Project Finished
ARCDP-WB Phase II 41 16 Project Finished
ARISP-JBIC Phase I 10 2 Project Finished
ARISP-JBIC Phase II 28 8 Project Finished
ARSP-EU 65 17 Project Finished
ARCP-ADB 8 4 Project Finished
SPOTS-SPAIN Phase II 54 3 Project Finished
ARISP-SICA Phase III 5 4 29 7
Tulay ng Pangulo 5 5 19 19
ARCP-ADB II 15 6 127 24
by Reuben R. Loria
ARCDP - Agrarian Reform Communities Development Projects
WB - World Bank
ARISP - Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Projects
JBIC - Japan Bank for International Cooperation
ARSP - Agrarian Reform Support Projects
EU - European Union
ARCP - Agrarian Reform Communities Projects
ADB - Asian Development Bank
SPOTS - Solar Power Technology Support
JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency
Status of rural infrastructure projects implementation.
20 Fields Magazine
12. facilities; bio-gas digester septic tanks and rain-
water collector.
At least 16 municipalities in Albay, Cam.
Norte, Cam. Sur and Masbate have CPWASH
projects already. Found in there are the following:
iron removal filters – 20; bio-sand filters – 70; rain
water collector – 9 and bio-gas digester – 22.
These facilities are already benefiting more than
140 households. Several CPWASH projects more
are scheduled for installation in Mercedes, Cam.
Norte and Garchitorena in Cam. Sur.
More than 120 individuals had already been
trained on CPWASH development and installation.
They will take charge of the livelihood enterprise
component of the project that will be centered
on setting up low-cost, culturally acceptable and
appropriate water sanitation technologies that can
be managed and sustained by the community.
DAR has found instant partners in
propagating CPWASH projects in the local
government officials of Ligao City, Mercedes and
Canaman towns in the provinces of Albay, Cam.
Norte and Cam. Sur, respectively. Said officials
were so impressed with the project that they
committed to allocate funding for its replication in
barangays in their respective areas that need to be
provided with potable water supply.
Meanwhile, a diverse group of farmers
or para-engineers from San Francisco Fundado
LinagaCanamanIrrigatorsAssociation(SFFLCIA)
have developed brilliant innovations in perfecting
some features in the design of CPWASH project,
specifically its iron filter and biogas facilities.
CPWASH, a DAR-funded project, is being
implemented thru partnership with Philippine
Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) and the
LGUs.
CARP funded projects
At least 758 million worth of farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems and other rural infrastructure projects
have been implemented in different ARCs regionwide, in coordination with DPWH and NIA.
ARCCESS means business
'ARCCESS…success!' This is the catchphrase of the farmer beneficiaries whose organizations have been
chosen to be recipients of CSFs provided under the ARCCESS program. Last March, the recipient ARBOs already
received the farm machineries as they look forward to an increased farm production.
Generally, ARCCESS aims to improve the net income of ARBs by providing strategic subsidies in form
of professional business development services and revenue-generating farm machineries to ARBOs that are
organizationally-mature and ready to undertake agri-enterprises.
ARCCESS propels the ARBs to engage in consolidated farming utilizing CSFs, an approach that entails lesser
cost of production, but of bigger volume of output.
At least 60 units of various farm machineries, with the total cost of 17 million have already been turned over
to 15 ARBOs, which include such equipments as 90 HP 4WD tractors with implements, combined harvesters-
thresher, hand tractors with implements, corn shellers, threshers, reapers, water pumps, fiber dryers, mechanical
transplanters and power tillers. These CSFs will be utilized for the production of crops and products such as rice,
corn, vegetables, sugarcane, pineapple, abaca and coco coir.
More CSFs will be coming in as ARCCESS is designed to benefit more ARBOs and cover more areas potential
for block farming in order to establish a hub that will showcase the impact of the project.
DAR V ARCCESS coordinators are now having their hands full in the bidding processes and negotiations with
the institutions that will handle the Agri-Extension Services (AES) under the business development component of
the program. The trainings for the ARBOs on how to operate and maintain the serviceability of the farm machineries
were already completed.
The Agricultural Insurance Program (AIP) & Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP)
More financial assistance have been coming in for the ARBs as of this date. For this year, the national
government has set aside 1 billion pesos allocation for crop insurance under the agricultural insurance program (AIP)
that will be jointly implemented by DAR and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
The AIP aims to enhance agricultural productivity of ARBs, mitigate agricultural losses due to pests, diseases
and natural calamities, and improve access to credit. This insurance assistance covers rice and corn, high-value
crops, and livestock production. It generally covers the total premium requirements of ARBs covered by ARCCESS,
borrowers in APCP and other farmer beneficiaries.
Trainings for ARBOs as underwriters are underway. RD Tam said that there is a need for the immediate
completion of the needed requirements in order to set the program in motion in time for the start of the upcoming
cropping season.
APCP on the other hand is intended to provide loans for the ARBs who were not given the chance to access
credit from other lending institutions.
APCP aims to provide credit assistance to ARBs in order ensure sustainable production of crops and increase
their income. Priority recipients will be ARBs who are settled in high LAD areas.
The CPWASH
One of the basic social services being provided by the Department to the ARBs is potable water system.
Under this, DAR had introduced the community-managed potable water supply sanitation and hygiene or CPWASH
projects. CPWASH aims to enhance ARB household’s access to safe drinking water and set up appropriate system
for this by improving the water supply sanitation.
CPWASH has four water sanitation techniques - the iron removal filter and bio-sand filter as water treatment
ARCs as centers of development
It can be noticed that interventions, basically, are being implemented in areas that are
already receiving prior assistance, which are the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). The
manner is being done deliberately. The DAR management maintains that the ARCs are still and
must be the growth centers for farmers. RD Tam herself believes that interventions must not be
implemented too thinly.That it must be poured in to areas where development programs already
exist in order to bring in substantial impact on the lives of the ARBs.
As centers of development, ARCs’ positive economic effects on the neighboring areas
are expected to come next.
Bicol Region has already a total of 155 ARCs spread in 101 municipalities, and covers 661
barangays.
I N D I C A T O R ALBAY CAM. NORTE
CAM. SUR
A
CAM. SUR B CAT'NES MASBATE SORSOGON TOTAL
No. of ARCs 29 15 21 19 20 22 29 155
No. of Municipality 18 10 16 16 11 16 15 102
No. of Barangays 176 51 73 83 106 53 122 664
LAD Scope (Working) 30,517 14,556 19,882 25,150 8,262 25,979 17,749 142,095
Area Distributed 24,222 13,941 15,866 21,215 8,215 21,066 14,279 118,804
% Accomplishment 79.37% 95.78% 79.80% 84.35% 99.43% 81.09% 80.45% 83.61%
No. of ARBs 16,197 6,234 11,360 10,523 6,009 9,238 8,768 68,329
Leasehold Scope 2,889 373 2,932 933 4401 942 4,806 17,276
Contract Executed (Ha.) 1,779 338 927 748 3380 766 4,523 12,461
No. of ARBs 1,121 159 1,181 633 1,291 - 3,676 8,061
Total No. of ARBs (LAD & Leasehold) 17,318 6,393 12,541 11,156 7,300 9,238 12,444 76,390
No. of Organizations in ARCs 67 27 27 34 36 41 42 274
Total Members 10,063 1,967 5,032 3,664 3,405 5,835 4,204 34,170
Total ARBs in Organization 6,412 1,282 3,466 2,396 2,511 2,910 2,338 21,315
Total Capital Build-up (CBU) 5,685,436 1,063,561 7,556,842 8,236,367 599,592 6,533,372 3,426,895 33,102,065
Savings Mobilization 8,051,359 183,574 2,026,058 1,554,993 49,714 1,975,425 954,927 14,760,049
ARC UPDATES As of March 31, 2013
90 HP 4WD Tractor
Thresher
Combined harvester
Corn Shellers
CPWASH Project Turnover at Paulba, Ligao City
with Albay PARO Miles Britanico, City Mayor Linda
P. Gonzalez, RD Waying M. Tam, and BDCD Chief
Luna Ante. Below are the CPWASH facilities.
22 Fields FieldsMagazine Magazine 23
