Fields Magazine DAR Region V

'DARamayan Bikolnon'
MagazineMagazine
©Andrey Pavlov/123RF.COM

Contents
Ants carrying a log -- symbolic of hard work, strict discipline, team work, and conformity. It also
represents cooperation and overwhelming obedience to a group.
The picture perfectly depicts the DARamayan Bikolnon theme of the magazine. We derive
inspiration from ants, which may be small and seem insignificant, but they teach us the spirit
of solidarity, collaboration, and loyalty. In unity there is strength, this old adage has never been
more real in DAR Bicol.
The subsequent pages chronicle the determined efforts and sacrifices of DAR Bicol in the
pursuit of its Mission.
The strength of one,
the strength of all
Toughie Lady CADRAYS
Computer aided
drafting
Geodetic Engineer
Richard A. Rayos of
DAR Cam Sur A Survey
Section pioneered and
authored the software
Computer-Aided
Drafting or CADRays
“Unifying the DAR
bureaucracy regardless
of geographical divisions
and administrative setup.”
5
40
On The Cover
Numbers
Programang Agraryo
Iskolar (PAI) grantees
Total ARCs in DAR V
Total ARBs benefited
Subprojects completed
under FAPs
High LAD provinces
in Bicol
hectares of land
acquired and
distributed (LAD)
155
313,250
269
04
448
182,728
16
Foreword
Time may indeed be short and the tasks are still herculean, but the Department of Agrarian Reform is not
daunted. To fully realize our dream of a more equal Philippines, DAR must traverse more valleys and surmount
more mountains. With all its resources and manpower, the Department will triumph with a resurgent purpose.
This purpose is inspired by what our strategy is at core, which is to push for greater unity and cooperation within
and among the members of the Department and its many provincial and district offices: a truly ONE DAR. We
realize that to be able to win the battle decisively, DAR and its committed public servants must work as one.
It is with tempered pride that here in Bicol, we have the fire of DARamayan, through thick and thin, that moves
our hearts and minds to serve and work for the Filipino people; and with this, we are on our way to distributing
the gifts accorded by our laws to the still-landless farmers.
Thus, in this special edition of FIELDS Magazine, see the chronicles of our journey as we “break down walls”
and build truly straight paths to reach the Filipinos who are most in need of our service; discover that our
journey is a journey of evolving commitment, and competence to ensure that the coverage of land reform be
extended to the entire Bicolandia.
Yet, the road we take is still haunted by negative forces, but we do not falter; for we at DAR are not alone. As a
family of our own, through the building of a unified mindset, we at DAR aim to create empowering relationships
with other agencies and the greater Bicolano community.
Despite the challenges, we continue to keep track of our mandated mission under the mantle of agrarian reform.
The Program as it shows in this anniversary issue has practically traversed a meaningful journey. Whatever the
circumstance, we have more stories of triumphs and jubilation, of progress and commitment. This makes a
fitting reminder as we are now in our SILVER YEAR of implementing CARP this June 2013.
I then invite every Bicolano to get to know more about what we do; such is a vital first step to realize genuine
land reform because, after all, it is a fight we all share. To a ONE DAR! To a truly united Philippines!
ATTY. MARIA CELESTINA M. MANLAGñIT-TAM, CESO III
Regional Director
Women can juggle a
career, run a home, raise
the kids, even take care
of a dog and a husband
--- and arrive at the
weekend with their
mind, body, and soul
intact.
The Strength of One, the
Strength of All05
Support Services Ease Life for
Bicolano ARBs20
DYNAMISM: The Staying Power
in Agrarian Justice Delivery34
Land to the Landless Bicolanos08 Bridging Development
Through Partnerships24
DARAB V Opts to Soar Higher36
The LAD Funnel Monitoring
System14
The Table is Ready10 DAR: Reinforcing Alliances26
Novelties on Agrarian Justice
Delivery38
Farmers Paralegal Extend
Helping Hands12
It's Coconut for Life in ARCs28
A Beautiful Legacy39
Making Things Happen15
CADRays Computer Aided
Drafting16
The Power of SPOTS30
Toughie Lady40
Tales in Checkered Hues18
Cartoon Spread: DAR's Vision32
The Rolling Piso Gets Far42
From Bus Station to the Oil of
His Dreams44
Believing in the Power of
Human Resource46
In GAD We Thrust48
©Andrey Pavlov/123RF.COM
Fields Magazine 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.
”

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

“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

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.

Why do projects succeed? Is it because of
the people? Process? Structure? Definitely,
the list of criteria for one undertaking
to succeed is long, and success does not
happen overnight.
In the agrarian reform scenario, the
Department strategizes to lift the
agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)
out of poverty, and transform them into
drivers of rural economic growth. This
is possibly done by providing support
services to the ARBs under the Program
Beneficiaries Development component.
Different interventions like sound projects,
both locally and foreign-funded, are being
implemented with the aim of easing the
ARBs’ lives.
The execution of different projects entails
rigorous process. So it takes tenacious
people at the fore to make it possible.
This picture is evident in DAR Bicol.
Collaborative efforts are demonstrated
and participants agree to work together
to achieve a common purpose. Sharing
of risks, responsibilities, resources,
competencies and benefits is
a common setting to complete
a certain project.
O
ne project that DAR
Bicol is proud to
have gained positive
feedbacks is the ARCP II
implementation. It has proven its
worthintermsofenticingthelocal
government units (LGUs) to fully
take part in the implementation
of rural infrastructures, and it
has so far been the most “time
efficient” region in matters of
fund disbursements necessary to
expedite construction of approved subprojects
as confirmed by ARCP II Deputy National
Director Herman Ongkiko to the DAR Bicol
under the stewardship of regional director Maria
Celestina Manlagñit-Tam, during the Workshop
on Strategic Measures at Villa Caceres Hotel in
Naga City, February 2013.
The momentum of ARCP II
Implementation in Bicol Region was also
attributed to two major factors. One of
which is the provision of support fund thru the
National Government Assistance for LGUs
or NGALGU which covers 25 percent of the
LGU’s equity for every subproject. NGALGU
basically resolved the LGU’s problem on fund
scarcity. And the other is the close coordination
that occurs between and among all the
stakeholders, especially DAR and concerned
LGUs, which plays the key role in making the
project succeed.
Partnerships…transforming the
dream into reality
The province of Camarines Norte is
the first in the country to signify and push
for a policy consideration on the provision of
equity for sub-projects by the Provincial Local
Government Units. This inimitable scheme
is the first of its kind in the history of ARCP
II implementation nationwide as confirmed
by then NPCO Project Manager Director
Homer P. Tobias in a conference held in Daet,
Camarines Norte February of 2012. For a very
long time, unlike in other five provinces in Bicol,
Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) in Camarines
Norte have been very elusive until the advent
of the Second Agrarian Reform Communities
Project (ARCP II). Launched in November
2009, ARCP II covers the five municipalities
of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Basud, Paracale, Jose
Panganiban, and Labo.
However, the road to the realization of
ARCP II implementation in Camarines Norte
was not as effortless as it were implemented in
otherprovinces. Twoyearsafteritwaslaunched,
the Agrarian Reform Communities Project II
faces the risk of cancellation because of the
difficulties encountered in Rural Infrastructure
(RI) development. The RI component which
accounts for 77% of the total project cost has
been burdened with the inability of the LGUs
to provide with the required equity contribution
for the construction of and
rehabilitation of farm to market
roads, bridges, irrigation systems,
post-harvest facilities, potable
water systems, and other social
infrastructure. The
pre-termination was
primarily attributed
to the limitation on
equity which the local
government units
could not afford to
provide. The provision of
equity by LGUs is among
the requirements of ARCP
II for every rural infrastructure
project to be implemented in
by Nilla P. Lagatuz
BRIDGING DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERSHIPS
the agrarian reform communities. The cost
sharing ratio between the national government
and local government unit depends upon the
classification of municipalities as defined in the
Local Government Code.
Within the existing problems and
hindrances, the Provincial Local Government
(PLGU) of Camarines Norte through
Governor Edgardo A. Tallado and the DAR
Provincial Office of Camarines Norte through
then PARO Rod Realubit and now with PARO
Leo Gaveria, worked out an unprecedented
measure designed to ease the burden of the
Municipal LGU in terms of equity provision. In
emphasizing his support to the program, Gov.
Tallado even paid a personal representation
to the Secretary of DAR and the Office of
the President to urge for the approval of the
unique scheme of ARCP II implementation in
Camarines Norte
The joint initiative and beneficial
partnership of the local government units in
Camarines Norte and the Department of
Agrarian Reform through PARO Leo
Gaveria complemented the
realization of a promising
project for the
agrarian reform
beneficiaries
and ARC
residents
when the
National
Project Coordinating Office finally approved
the PLGU’s assumption of the equity in behalf
of the MLGUs who have limitations in raising
funds for the purpose.
TheNPCOnoddedonthe64subprojects
with a total project cost of 450 million pesos for
Camarines Norte. Fifty-six of the sixty-four
subprojectsamountingto450millionhaveequity
provided by the PLGU through Gov. Tallado.
The MLGU o f Paracale and San Lorenzo
Ruiz provided the equity for the eight social
infrastructure
s u b p r o j e c t s
completed in
2012.
T h e
m o m e n t u m
of ARCP II
implementation
in Camarines
Norte extends
even in the
provinces of
Camarines Sur
and Sorsogon
where projects of
the same foreign
donor (Asian
Development
Bank) are being
implemented. The strengthened partnership
of the DAR through Camarines Sur A PARO
Rodrigo Realubit and the Municipal Local
Government Units has indeed complemented
the realization of multimillion projects for the
ARCs of Camarines Sur. These include the
LGUs of Sipocot, Del Gallego, Libmanan,
Milaor, Ocampo, Garchitorena, Tigaon, Buhi,
Baao, Bula and Pili where ARCP II subprojects
are all on-going at different levels. The dynamic
force of the 11 municipal mayors has paved the
way to the pooling of needed equity to mobilize
the preliminary activities for the implementation
of said subprojects in the ARCs.
Undeniably, meaningful partnerships
are the foundation for success. Because of
it, DAR Bicol enables to make continuous
improvements. By sharing, all stakeholders
involved are able to direct their resources and
capabilities to the projects they consider most
important, thus, they grow and expand more
quickly and efficiently.
ARCProducts
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS. (L-R) Former NPCO Project Manager Director Homer P.
Tobias, Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo A. Tallado, PARO II Leonito M. Gaveria, and
Engr. Johnny I. Enova of the Provincial Engineers Office of Camarines Norte.
TOP GUNS. DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes (light blue shirt) and RD Waying Tam
(at the back) together with the nine of the eleven municipal mayors of the ARCP II
covered areas in Camarines Sur.
THROUGH
©ayzek/123RF.COM

C
amarines Sur, ranked number two nationwide with huge CARP
balance and with the largest distributable lands among the six
Bicol provinces, is racing against time working on its main job
to complete substantially the distribution of the remaining 39,790
hectares by 2014. Since the balance consists mostly of privately-owned
landholdings that are more contentious totaling to 39,213 hectares, apart
from the 6,953 hectares made up of problematic landholdings including
the considerable expanse of untitled properties of more than 7,164
hectares scattered in almost all municipalities, the succeeding months will
surely be very tough for the Department.
Camarines Sur B Agrarian Reform Chief Ramon B. Fuentebella
said, "We have very little choice but to turn the pressures on and
consolidate our workforces so the province can deliver its mandated
mission in due time." Fuentebella, together with Camarines Sur A
Agrarian Reform Chief Rodrigo O. Realubit, in their several joint meetings
are ordering their people to double their efforts. The two respected
leaders have pledged to work hard hand in hand but still admitted it will
be very tough.
Working in partnerships drives unity and
performance
Fuentebella, like any other DAR chiefs, says distributing lands
is his top priority, whose first acts when he was installed in office last
year was to hold dialogue-consultations with his co-workers, assistants,
partners and collaborators, which until now he continues doing this thing
to see to it that everything is promptly or always put in place.
Under his watch, Camarines Sur B applied important measures to
ensuretheprovincialofficemeetsthetarget.Foremostisclosecoordination
and consultations with the field personnel through periodic meetings and
LAD validation activities in the municipal level. This is to make certain
that their actions are focused and synchronized. The Operations Division
has employed and put into practice a simple operational transaction
system particularly in the processing of claim folders and review, such as
MAROs commitments are renewed monthly and compliance are closely
monitored using the installed computerized LAD Tracking System and
better-quality control of Claim Folders (CFs) both at the provincial and
municipal levels is strictly observed.
The DAR provincial office has moved beyond its normal call of
business to hosting of extraordinary activities or "special days" to open
up conversations about finding appropriate solutions in leveling down the
barriers affecting Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) processes.
These special days are called NOC Day, VLT Day, Problematic
Landholdings Day, etc., all directed to speed up further the LAD
activities. These activities were created for all concerned personnel to
come together and have facilitated discussions, and turn their ideas into
solid accomplishments.
On the other hand, chief for operations Priscilla I. Imperial said,
“We also created a democracy of information at the operations division.
It means that people at the frontlines should at least be as well informed
as those in the executive suite.” Information transparency not only
results to happy employees, it’s also a key ingredient in building unity and
involvement of employees in shared activities.
When it comes to planning and decision-making, the operations
group always does it in close partnership with all concerned officers,
field personnel, and even ordinary employees. “We also establish an
open and constant communication among our people to ensure that
everything flows accordingly in our division or level,” said Imperial. In
addressing problems, Imperial quickly responded that open and honest
communication is the key to facing challenging situations.
"Open communication has been critical in building strong
partnership or cooperation, and it is clear that the 'team approach' is
working very well for us, evidently seen in the improving performance
results of Camarines Sur B," she added.
“Agrarian reform, especially the land distribution component
will continue to suffer setbacks without the support from the outside,”
Fuentebella declared. Since the process of acquiring and distributing lands
is a complicated and tedious process involving no less than four agencies
--- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and
Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) --- delays in the process of documents
needed for the issuance of land titles cannot be avoided because of the
conflicting policies and programs.
“We continuously look closely at this matter especially at how
As pressures on the Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR) management increase, and
the issues it faces in the implementation of
the government’s agrarian reform program
become more complex, the DAR Camarines Sur
leadership underwent a series of assessments
and consolidation of strategies purposely to
further fast-track the distribution of the vast
tracts of CARP-covered lands in the province.
DAR is also expanding the delivery of support
services in terms of productivity improvement
on these distributed lands.
Reinforcing Alliances
DAR: by Gerardo C. Buensalida
the flow of documents are moving," said Fuentebella, "If we are going
to tackle the scale of challenges that we face now, it is evident that no
agency or individual can do this alone.”
If people are brought together, collective empowerment can result
to something extraordinary. The idea of partnership or collaborating with
other governmental agencies as well as private sector groups and academic
institutions was introduced. The initiative was effected on the belief that
different entities, be it a government, academic or private agency, find it
mutually beneficial to work in partnership to achieve common goals and
priorities especially in pursuing the land distribution and support services
component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. The
initiative, according to Fuentebella, is geared towards “harmonization”
of inconsistencies that may lead to improved coordination of policies,
programs, and service delivery, and, ultimately, better outcomes for each
partner agency.
One notable partnership initiative took place on February 11, 2013.
The DAR called for a One-Day Joint Meeting cum Problem Solving
Workshop of the top management of the three CARP-implementing
agencies that included Narciso G. Villareal, Manager of the Land Bank
of the Philippines-Agrarian Operations Center-V (LBP-AOC V) based in
Legazpi City, Provincial Treasurer Bernardo A. Prila, Provincial Assessor
Felix G. Morandarte, Jr., bringing all his 32 Municipal Assessors headed
by Mr. Edgar M. Bombase, President of the Camarines Sur Association of
Municipal Assessors or CASAMA.The joint effort is just one of the many
ways in which DAR continues to initiate collaboration with other
agencies aimed at building consensus and overcome some of the
biggest barriers to the land acquisition and distribution particularly
the documents preparation that is really the hardest part of the
process in the land transfer program. Earlier this year, the same
partnership meetings were also made with the Registry of Deeds
(ROD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), and also the National Commission on Indigenous People
(NCIP).
Participants focused mainly in identifying the problems to
be addressed, discussed their expectations, agreed on the broad
strategies, and signed in a joint agreement that set out the mutually
agreed practical solutions as well as responsibilities of all parties.
These partnerships, according to Fuentebella, will not only improve
the provinces’ accomplishment at a certain point in time but also
raise the need for more coordinated energy because single parts or
contributions of each partner in the land acquisition and distribution
process had to be put together to a final output.
Facilitating community partnerships and
utilizing fresh entrepreneur graduates
Support services for the farmers is a second critical component
of agrarian reform. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is
committed to support farmers and their communities
to ensure that lands awarded to them are put into
productive use by promoting new and appropriate
agricultural technologies and increasing farm, off-
farm, and non-farm incomes sustained through the
development of viable rural enterprises. The Agrarian
Reform Communities (ARCs) serve as growth points
where partnership and convergence of interventions
between and among stakeholders may bring their
resources and development efforts.
Recognizing the crucial role that women play,
and will continue to play, in agriculture and rural
development, DAR’s poverty alleviation programs in
Partnership Meeting. In photo (from left) are Rev. Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, Director of the
Madrigal Foundation, Inc. of Ateneo de Naga University, Business Development Division Chief
Emerita P. Gomez of the Department of Trade and Industry, Provincial CARP-DTI Coordinator Keith
Hidalgo, and BDCD Chief Maria Gracia R. Sales of DAR Camarines Sur B.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. Women's group in Binanuaanan, Pili, Camarines
Sur learns how to make tablea (chocolate)
The officers and members of Camarines Sur Association of Municipal Assessors (CASAMA) posed for posterity with DAR Camarines Sur B PARO Ramon B. Fuentebella, CASAMA President Edgar
Bombase, Land Bank's Agrarian Operation Center Regional Manager Narciso G. Villareal, and Provincial Assessor Felix G. Morandarte, Jr. of Camarines Sur.
Continued on next page...

the ARCs increasingly stress the need to meet
women’sneeds.TheBeneficiariesDevelopment
Coordination Division (BDCD) of Camarines
Sur B recently introduced off-farm activities
as alternative source of income for women
farmers in selected communities. So when the
BDCD group began its initiative, they knew
that the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) and the Madrigal Foundation, Inc. of the
Ateneo de Naga University (AdenU) would be
great resources for the project. It didn’t take too
long for BDCD Chief Maria Gracia R. Sales, to
form a partnership between the DAR, the DTI,
and the Foundation.
“From the BDCD visit in five ARCs,
it was determined that women farmers in
these communities wanted to break into
new productive resources, and increase their
incomes,” said Sales. By going through the
process, meeting with DTI Provincial Director
Edna S.Tejada, Business Development Division
Chief Emerita P. Gomez, Provincial CARP-
DTI Coordinator Keith Hidalgo, and Rev. Fr.
Wilmer Joseph Tria, Director of the Madrigal
Foundation, Inc. at AdenU, a pertnership had
been forged between and among DAR, DTI,
and the Ateneo’s Madrigal Foundation, Inc.The
project would particularly focus on women and
the improvement of their economic status by
enabling them to start profitable income from
off-farm livelihood activities.
The project will concentrate trainings
on product packaging and labelling, up-valuing
of products, and creation of new valuable food
products using organically grown or indigenous
goods found locally in the community such as
cacao for tablea production, cacao bites, etc.
Graduates of the entrepreneurial
course or the entrepreneur scholars of
Madrigal Foundation, Inc. of the Ateneo de
Naga University will be tapped to work as
co-facilitators, provide assistance in product
pricing and costing, and assist in the preparation
of the operations manual, marketing plan and
strategies for the project.
“The Madrigal Foundation, Inc. has a
long tradition of community involvement while
the DTI is a long-time partner of the DAR in
providing necessary technical-management
skills and business trainings to agrarian reform
beneficiaries. The BDCD plays a key role in
facilitating the connection to enhance the
future growth and prosperity of farmer’s
organization particularly the women’s groups in
the communities,” said Sales.
M
any wonder why coconut is not
a nut, actually? Well, coconut
is no nuts. We say, it’s a tree of
life. Agree. Now it comes as a life, literally and
figuratively, for Agrarian Reform Communities
(ARCs) in the DAR. What typifies coconut as
such, would give us the idea that indeed from
tips to roots it gains many beneficial uses. In
fact we have posters in elementary schools
way back then, having a picturesque coconut
depicting its varied usefulness. In the DAR,
we are venturing intense spread of coconut
production and enabling institutional partnership
with Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). On
this note, the Bicol DAR management under RD
Maria Celestina Manlagñit-Tam took the first
step forward in ushering in a vibrant partnership.
Why is this so?
Occurrences of strong typhoons in
2006 have brought massive damage to coconut
plantations in the Bicol Region zeroing the yield
for more than a year. The number of productive
coconut trees has also been declining due to
rampant illegal cutting and incidence of pest
and diseases over the years. This has put the life
of our coconut farmers in vain especially those
who are solely earning from coconut farming.
With this need at hand, the Department
of Agrarian Reform and the Philippine Coconut
Authority have forged agreement to rehabilitate
the coconut plantations of the agrarian reform
communities (ARCs) in Bicol, and provide new
opportunities in coconut farming.
The partnership is in line with the PCA’s
Coconut Seedling Dispersal Project (CSDP)
under the Accelerated Coconut Planting and
Replanting Project granting qualified coconut
farmers coconut seedlings for planting and
replanting in their coconut farms.
In a Memorandum of
Agreement signed between PCA
Administrator Euclides G. Forbers
and DAR Bicol Regional Director
Atty. Maria Celestina Manlagñit-
Tam on September 2012, 700
hectares covered by seven (7)
nurseries distributed in every
province of Bicol were agreed for
inclusion in the program.
Under the program, PCA
provides planting materials such as
coconut seednuts and seedlings,
technical assistance on nursery
establishment and operation,
extension services, and regular
monitoring of the progress of the
project.
On the other hand, DAR identifies
suitable lands where the project can be
implemented in the provinces of Camarines
Norte, Camarines Sur A & B, Albay,
Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. DAR
Bicol also identifies the target municipalities and
barangays with capable Peoples Organizations
and provides local counterpart contribution for
trainings and capacity building for beneficiary
organizations. The beneficiary organizations
provide labor for the establishment and
operations of the nursery project, formulation of
policies on selection of farmer beneficiaries and
roll-over scheme.
As roll-over scheme, DAR Bicol shall
return the same value received in kind equivalent
to 100 good quality seednuts per hectare seven
years after planting which shall be distributed to
the succeeding beneficiaries.
The DAR Provincial Offices of
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay
and Catanduanes, in coordination with the
Philippine Coconut Authority counterparts
and beneficiary organizations have established
coconut nurseries in the agrarian reform
communities (ARCs) while Sorsogon is yet to
conduct pre-activities of the partnership.
In Camarines Norte, 20,000 coconut
seednuts of Laguna Tall variety worth about
three hundred thousand (P300,000.00) pesos
was granted by the partnership to CABILANG
ARC of the municipalities of Daet & Talisay.
The focus area of partnership in the
province of Albay is the Albay Tres ARC
Connectivity Cluster where the bulk of coconut
area plantations are situated. Balogo ARC in the
municipality of Oas thru the PANALA Farmers
Association has also received 20,000 seednuts
from the partnership and 15,000 seednuts from
the Local Government of Oas, Albay.
In addition, 40,000 coconut seednuts
were also granted to Pambuhan, Garchitorena,
Camarines Sur while Sorsogon is in the process
of conducting information campaigns and
orientation seminar to gain support in the area.
The same is true with Catanduanes, where
the different ARCs were able to designate
coconut planting areas courtesy of this regional
partnering with PCA.
Now, when they bloom in the future,
these coconuts will not just give you shade in
the ARCs. They’ll give you lots of stories of life.
It’s
COCONUT
for life in
ARCs
LAID OUT FOR
GERMINATION. A wide
array of seednuts means
more for Agrarian Reform
Communities (ARCs). As
an initiative, the DAR-
PCA partnership for
coconut dispersal and
planting in various sites
brings in not only life for
program beneficiaries,
but also meaningful
reminder of enduring
progress through mutual
cooperation
by George P. Olayres and
Nilla P. Lagatuz

system and agricultural water supply system to
irrigate small farm lots. These are two separate
packages. The Health Center package included
a Vaccine/Medicine Fridge, Health Center
Lights, and a Portable Lantern.
The AC 10 “Block of Power” is a
component for business endeavor run by a
Cooperative or PO to finance the operations
and maintenance of the whole project. It has
2-volt batteries, solar regulators, inverter,
distributor panel, and electrical wiring that
could supply 10,000 watts with 220 volts
AC of electricity daily in remote areas. It uses
photovoltaic technology that converts solar
energy into electricity.
The said AC 10 included 2 chest-type
freezers, TV set, DVD player, karaoke machine,
mini grocery, and a satellite disc where residents
can view local and foreign programs on TV.
ARC Recipients
ARC MAMANI in Monreal, Ticao
Island is composed of Barangays Maglambong,
Macarthur, and Sto. Nino. Of the three, only
Maglambong, begged off due to its proximity
to the grid of NAPOCOR run by the Ticao
Electric Cooperative.
Macarthur availed of the solar homes,
community lights, potable water supply, school
package, and health center package while Sto.
Nino availed of the solar homes, community
lights, school package, and health center
package.
ARC PIRNO in Claveria, Burias Island
is composed of Poblacion District II, Imelda, San
Ramon, and Nonoc.
Poblacion District II has solar homes,
community lights, school package, and potable
water supply system. Imelda has solar homes,
community lights, school package, health
center package, and agri water supply system.
San Ramon has solar homes community lights,
school package, and health center package.
Nonoc availed of the solar homes, community
lights, school package, and the AC 10.
ARC Cueva in San Pascual, Burias
Island is composed of Barangays Cueva,
Pinamasingan, Laurente, and Dangkalan.
Cueva has solar homes, community
lights, school package, health center package,
barangayhallpackage,andAC10.Pinamasingan,
Laurente, and Dangkalan all availed of the solar
home package.
Stories Unfold
Elizabeth Gernale of Barangay Sto.
Nino, a 68 year old grandmother said that all
her 8 children were born by kerosene lamp or
sometimes by candlelight. Her daughter Lony,
SPOTS
The Power of
by Edwin C. Yanzon
was more fortunate. She has enjoyed delivering
babies in a lighted health center equipped with a
vaccine and medicine fridge and a well trained
barangay health worker. Not connected to the
electric network, the village health center was
installed with solar technology four years ago.
“This makes our work much easier, especially
since most of the births take place at night,”said
midwife Helen Del Rosario.
“The problem as always is water. There
are no taps throughout the village of Sitio
Quilapad. We only have a well, which is 20
meters deep,” said Eulogio Borral, a 70-year-
old widow with two daughters and a dozen
grandchildren. In the past, diarrhea, dysentery,
and amoebiasis are the most feared health
problems in the village due to the absence of
safe drinking water. “We now enjoy potable
water from a faucet in the center of the
barangay powered by solar energy,” said one of
the beneficiaries.
“In my small coconut farm I wait for
my coconuts to mature in three to four months
before it is converted to money,” revealed
Elmer Garnica of Barangay Imelda in Calveria.
Garnica since then applied multi cropping under
the coconut trees. “Thanks to the agri-water
supply system run by solar power, I can earn
extra income by planting different kinds of
vegetables on rotation basis,” he said.
“Thieves no longer roam at night for fear
of being identified and caught,”said Community
Lights and Health Center Technician Agapito
“Lolong” Lidres of Barangay Cueva in San
Pascual. “In the past agri products like corn,
palay, chickens, goats, and even kitchen or
home wares will disappear in the middle of the
night. Now with the street lights, thievery has
lessened tremendously,” revealed Barangay
Captain Nani Amican. Amican also said that he
can now hold council meetings at night because
of the Barangay Hall package which provided
his barangay hall with an incandescent lamp.
“Too early to bed,” answered Barangay
Councilman Jesus Mendenilla of Nonoc in
Claveria when we bade goodbye at 7:00 pm
after a brief conversation at his small but well-
lighted house. Stories of families getting to bed
early before the implementation of the SPOTS
are not unusual in the village where population
is quite big.“We were making more babies in the
dark,” joked a friend of the Councilman.
Selvino Alburo, a solar home technician
of Cueva said that his three children of school
age have more time studying their lessons at
home than before. “My children can now do
their homework with ease and as a result their
grades have improved. Before, we often ate
our dinner before 6:00 pm to avail of the last
blast of daylight and prepared to go to sleep
immediately,” he recalls.
“School attendance has improved a
lot compared to say four or five years ago,”
said School Principal Leticia Cervantes of
Dalaquit Elementary School in Barangay
Macarthur, Monreal. “The school
package of TV set, DVD player,
and educational DVDs provided
by DAR facilitated the learning
process of the students.
We don’t have to produce
drawings ourselves to show to our students
which at times confuse them if the drawing is
not good. Now, they could watch it onscreen,”
the principal added.
“Fiesta in our village is the most awaited
event of the year and I’m sure it is also true
to other remote villages in our municipality,”
revealed farmer and former Barangay Captain
Ben Azares of Macarthur. “In my incumbency
wherethesolarprojectwasnotyetimplemented,
most fiesta activities, like basketball games were
usually held during the day. We usually hire
diesel fed generator for the village dance at night
that also included lighting the perimeter areas
to thwart troublemakers from doing their thing
under cover of darkness,” added Azares.
Incumbent Barangay Captain
Dominador Lambuhan said that basketball
games are now held in the evening in the
barangay center and other festivities since solar
powered lighting were installed. “Thanks to
SPOTS, the center is full of life which used to
be idle at night,” said Lambuhan.
An AC 10 project turned out to be the
source of fund for maintenance and operating
expenses for SPOTS in Cueva ARC. “We are
doing fine here as far as business is concerned,”
said PO Chairman
Elmer Epile who
also oversees
the operation
of the mini
grocer y.
“ T h i s
business provided by DAR through SPOTS
will not make us very rich but gave us the
opportunity and the leeway to sustain the
operation of the project on a long term basis,”
added Epile.
Meanwhile, PO Chairman and Principal
of Cogon Elementary School Roy Pikit-Pikit
who assisted DAR during the infancy of the
project in organizing various sectors in Monreal
said that not a bit of doubt entered his mind
about the project. “It was a noble project, sans
politicking, that will definitely succeed because
of the tremendous benefits it will bring to the
families and the community. Definitely, the
recipients will have to take care of this project
for their own good,” explained Pikit-Pikit.
The success of every undertaking
depends on the willpower of the people involved.
Issues and problems are a normal phenomenon
but they must serve as a strengthening factor
to keep the project going. Discipline and unity
of the individuals in the community are a must
for them to sustain and enjoy the benefits of
SPOTS for a long period of time. Anyway, who
would want to go back to how it was before the
project arrived in the area? Certainly, no one
does.
T
he qualifications for a village to avail
itself of the technology are simple.
First, it must be an ARC, a cluster
of land reformed barangays, which serves as
convergence of government sponsored support
services. Second, it should have no plan to
energize within five years.
SPOTS is a Philippine government
project in partnership with the Spanish
government. Another partner, the Department
ofEnergy(DOE),approvedthesitesforinclusion
in SPOTS. DAR is the lead implementing
agency.
Project Package
The project offered eight packages,
foremost among which were the solar home
systems. It provided a stand alone system
package, consisting of photovoltaic panel
module, a regulator, and a battery for each
household, which can be used for 32 light hours.
Each household pays P170.00 monthly to a
Cooperative or Peoples Organization (PO) for
operations, maintenance, electrician’s honoraria,
and related expenses.
Otherpackagesincludedcommunity
lights, school package which consisted of a TV
set, DVD player, and educational materials.
Water package included potable water supply
In the first quarter of 2008 three Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) in the islands of Ticao and Burias in the
province of Masbate qualified as recipients of the Solar Power Technology Support (SPOTS) from the Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR). In December of the same year the ARCs were lighted. “The best Christmas gift we ever received
collectively from DAR aside from the land titles under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program,” said Emilio, one of
the recipients of the solar homes in Burias Island.
SPOTTED. Children
enjoying the benefits
of Solar Power
Technology Support
(SPOTS)

Vision
"A nation where
there is equitable
land ownership
and empowered
agrarian reform
beneficiaries who
are effectively
managing their
economic and
social development
for a better quality
of life".

A
grarian justice, which is being
delivered by the legal department
of DAR, evidently, has a very
vital role in program implementation, and its
contribution to the entirety of the Department’s
achievements is indispensable. If there is a word
or phrase that would aptly describe the Legal
Sector in DAR Bicol, it is the ‘dynamism’ that
runs through it! Instinctively, the people behind
are by far -vibrant, self- motivated, and always
determined to be at their best.
For all time, the DAR V Legal Sector
conquers its goals with pride and confidence.
Its exemplary performance, which is always
motivated by the constant challenges
encountered in the execution of its task, has
reached an unprecedented high by consistently
topping the chart nationwide. It is noteworthy
that beginning 2007, it has become a prime
mover of the program in terms of agrarian
dispute resolution and agrarian justice delivery.
Records available demonstrate a pleasing
average percentage of accomplishment for the
past six years (2007-2012). Topping the list
of high average percentage is Agrarian Law
Implementation (ALI) case resolution reaching
116.16% and Mediation attaining 110.16 %. On
the other hand, Judicial (Court) and Quasi-
judicial (DARAB) cases, where lawyers and legal
officers generally perform FBs’ representation
accomplished 63.5% and 87.33% respectively.
Generally, the mandated yearly target for ALI,
Mediation, and Quasi-judicial is undeniably
delivered and of course always at its percentage
peak.
Looking back, 2008 was regarded
the best year for the Legal Sector attaining
the highest percentage of accomplishment
- Judicial-91%; Quasi-Judicial-108%; ALI-
176%, and Mediation-132%. As recalled, the
hardworking group was allowed to do some
‘learning expedition’ to search out wide ranging
ideas on how to fast track case resolution.
Unknown to others, ageing of cases is one
battlefield that challenges the Legal Sector.
Justice delayed is justice denied as they say!
The succeeding years did just as
well. The high-time performance continued
as the Legal Sector did it once again in 2010.
Despite major amendments, modifications as
far as implementing rules and regulations are
concerned, still Quasi-Judicial managed to
accomplish 120% vis-à-vis the target; Agrarian
Law Implementation (ALI) Cases with 115%;
Mediation with 113%, and Judicial (Court)
Cases with 80%. Agreeably, the task was
amazingly done!
Also for the past years, protest actions
against DAR Bicol involving flashpoint cases
have laid low. This is a clear indication that
said cases have somehow gained positive
developments, and the parties involved have
finally realized that all possible interventions
to resolve the cases have already been done
by the office. The relatively calm condition
of the flashpoint cases in the region could be
mainly attributed to the potent quick response
operations (QRO) DAR Bicol has. The QRO
is being manned by the quick response officers
both in the regional and provincial offices.
All of these are attributed largely to
the efforts exerted by the top management
under the leadership of Atty. Maria Celestina
Manlagñit-Tam, Regional Director, to improve
case resolution by improving the system itself.
The DAR-Legal sector has developed and
adapted strategies which can be pinpointed as
the best practices ever employed since the onset
of the CARP implementation.
For one, it has regularly conducted
assessments and conferences during which
DYNAMISM
The Delivery of Agrarian Justice (DAJ) is one of the three key
components of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Thru this, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is vested with
the primary jurisdiction to determine and adjudicate agrarian reform
matters, and extend free legal assistance to farmer-beneficiaries
affected by agrarian disputes. Furthermore, DAR upholds the peaceful
co-existence of the farmers and landowners, and ensures the efficient
and orderly implementation of CARP.
The staying
power in
agrarian justice
delivery
by Cynthia A. Ramos &
Maria Trinise V. General
problems, issues, and concerns
not only of the regional office but
of the provincial offices as well,
have been thoroughly threshed
out and answered. In the same
forum, new Administrative Orders,
Memorandum Circulars and other
issuances were studied and discussed to come
up with a common stand for the Bicol Region,
leaving little room for compartmentalized
interpretation.
For faster, enhanced, and more
streamlined legal work, information and
communication technology was tapped.
Lawyers and legal officers were provided with
laptop computers, and have access to wireless
fidelity (wi-fi). Making this essential aid easily
available, the legal sector maximizes the use
of DAR-LIS (Legal Information System) and
cdasiaonline (jurisprudence online). At the
moment, it benefits from a painless research
of the law, rules, and guidelines needed.
Easy updating of the E-LCMS (Legal Case
Monitoring System) is also made possible and
truly within reach.
Moreover, the DAR Legal keeps track of
its cases with the aid of two monitoring systems.
The first system ever devised is the Legal Case
Tracking System which is useful when electric
power is out and the computers cannot be used
to answer follow-ups made by clients. On the
other hand, the LCMS was downloaded by the
central office both to the regional and provincial
offices purposely to enable the Legal Sector
monitor the cases.
A favorable working environment –
affording them individual work cubicles- has also
been placed to minimize distraction at work,
and eventually producing gratifying output. Best
references have been made available to them,
including the yearly subscription to the Lawyers’
Review, plus a Law Library at the regional
office is being maintained and updated with the
acquisition of new books.
In enhancing the writing capabilities of
the group, write-shops are regularly undertaken.
This has greatly helped improve their writing
styles and adequately addresses agrarian reform
challenges.
In cases where there are similarities
in the cause of action and the relief sought
(transfer action, DAR Clearance, etc.), the
legal sector devised uniform order templates to
expedite its resolution.
These and
many more are just
some of the strategies
being adapted by the
Legal Sector that led
to its commendable
performance for the
past years now. And
with the inception of
the One DAR Policy
which DAR Bicol
resolutely pursues as
a one for all, all for
one strategy to finally
put CARPER into
completion, the Legal
Sector finds itself playing
a key role in a wider perspective. Gone are the
days when tasks are just limited to resolving
cases and representing the farmer-beneficiaries.
The horizon becomes wider and varied –
effective involvement both in LAD activities
and PBD lawyering are crucial without mental
reservation.
Certainly, dynamism and hardwork
reaps success and impressive accomplishments.
In paving the way to peace and social equity,
the Legal Sector in DAR Bicol has established
its standing as alive, active, and ready to take
chances -- no matter what.
BRIGHT MINDS, BRIGHT IDEAS. DAR V legal chiefs brainstorm in a meeting (clockwise, foreground)
Atty. Zaldy Monilla, Atty. Ramon Cabañes, Atty. Jaime Resoco Jr., Atty. Leo Miguel Ramos, Atty. Antonio
Ricardo Tejada and Atty. Gilmar Nasayao.
TECHIES. DAR Masbate legal chief Atty. Cidarminda A. Catamora with
paralegal officers during the E-LCMS workshop.

DARAB V opts to
Soar Higherby Santos J. Mirandilla
F
or instance, the 2012 DAR
V accomplishment reports
show that DARAB V has
accomplished more than 100%
targeted cases for resolution. During
our recent regional assessment,
RD Atty. Celestina Manlagñit
Tam has acknowledged the overall
accomplishment of DARAB being
one of the three qualifiers for the
mandated cash PBB reward. In search
for what may effectively work to
sustain the effort for this year and
onwards, adjudicators and staff led
by OIC-RARAD Al Besinal identify a
simple but vital difference maker, that
is, to repeat performance.
Notably, a confluence of certain
reinforcing factors falls in place. For
one, DARAB V existing staff density
at around 78%
c o m p l e m e n t s
its need for
a relatively
balanced staffing.
It has reached the
critical mass from
the previous three
to the current
five adjudicators.
With almost one
adjudicator for
every province,
s u p e r v i s i o n
Equipped with a fresh and dynamic breed of adjudicators, the right perspective for DARAB Region V is
drawn:castingclearvision,willingnesstowork,opentolearning,biastowardsactionandresult.Tracing
back what works for DARAB V is critical not only in “doing the things right but more importantly,
doing the right things” at the outset. Probably, this “right” mix of positive attitude serves as motivator
and enabler for DARAB V to conveniently embrace change, learn, hear and evidently accomplish more
around our expected major final output--case resolution, mediation, post judgment, and execution.
capabilityimmenselyimproves.Sofar,the
quantity of “conflict”decreased while its
quality increased. Lately, DARAB V also
participated in the cascading program,
retooling DAR employees in the area of
motivation, training, and systems. This
retooling was conducted only through
video recordings which showcased
uniform law interpretation and best
practices, for less. It also has the
leverage of maintaining the
purity of information that
can readily be
h a n d e d
o v e r
anywhere
a n d
anytime
e v e n
simultaneously.
As in rowing the
boat, there is now a
balanced clout between
performance and
performers’ aptitude.
Just in time, another
vital tool takes place
with the launching
of the Legal Case
Monitoring System
(LCMS) digitalization.
Consequently, this data
stream management
transforms the DARAB
records and performance
tracking “routinized,”
progressing from tedious
manual reports generation
into easy and automated
ones. Being new and
untreaded, the LCMS
dry run which we learn in
groups and teams turns a
perfect practice makes perfect
and its learning more desirable
to embrace. Looking at it more
closely, this new data stream
managementhasalsocreatedanother
vicarious experience that transported
staff work into a multifaceted lever
called “automated online.” Using it as
the standard work template every
day, the task is connected to the
staff's intrinsic satisfaction
especially so that it is just like
a game with a score card.
T h e
regular
conduct of DARAB
V assessment is equally important as
a structural enabler for performance
reward and accountability. The
mainstream DAR generally gives
out extrinsic reward for the job well
done. During assessment, DARAB
V recognizes supplemental rewards
POWER CAST. DAR V Regional Director Waying M. Tam with the Adjudicators (L-R) PARAD Raddy Tolentino, PARAD Romer Montales, PARAD
Virgilio Sorita, RARAD Alberto Besinal, PARAD Gene Villareal and PARAD Renato Borromeo (not in photo).
anchored on the precept that it’s often
the thought not always the gift that
counts for the real performers. Of
course, mature interaction harnesses
problem solving more vividly through
actual case modeling. This way, it proves
more productive to see the glass half full
rather than half empty.
There is indeed more to it as
we are motivated to hold a growth
mindset. A glimpse from our 2013 third
quarter performance which is above par
thus far, our target is on sight and our
performance on track. While DARAB
V continues learning by doing, it is
envisioned molding a servant model type
“of whose existence," according to Lao
Tzu, "the people are barely aware.” In
short, more efforts will be redirected for
DARAB’s qualitative and quantitative
case resolution capability. All this
rightsizing, retooling, new data stream
management, regular propinquity
and servant leadership modeling are
vital synergy at work to reinforce our
identified positive deviant--to repeat
performance.
©www.goodfon.com
I am a member of a team,
and I rely on the team,
I defer to it and sacrifice for it,
because the team,
not the individual,
is the ultimate champion.
- Mia Hamm -
"
"
Fields Magazine 37

A
Beautiful
W
hen the emancipation of farmers
was declared, and Operation Land
Transfer was put in place, my Dad
was one of those hardest hit. We were so
unlucky to have the most obstinate and hard-
headed, misinformed tenants who thought they
had to fight us for a slice of the land they tilled.
Life for us became one big contest. I developed
a great fear for tenants and farmers. I would
hide in fear whenever they would come to the
house. They became a threat to us. They
became our enemies. But not Tiyong Masuy!
He was the Chieftain of a small tribe
of “aetas.” My Dad, who owned a tract of land
in the mountains adopted his entire tribe and
installed Tiyong Masuy as “encargado,” and
his sons (who all had families of their own) as
tenants of the entire property. From then on,
Tiyong Masuy became an important figure in
my life. He became a faithful, loyal friend.
To me, an impressionable little girl,
Tiyong Masuy was slightly larger than life.
This had nothing to do, of course, with the fact
that he looked like a fairer version of Og in the
comedy flick “The Gods Must Be Crazy.” To
me he was a strong ally against the farmers I
feared. He took our side and he never gave us
any problems. His was the hand that held mine
whenever the farmers would troop to the house
with their demands.
One morning, on a hot summer day, a
number of farmers came to the house looking
for my Dad. As usual, not long after, I could
hear raised voices. I was in the kitchen with
Tiyong Masuy, who was now a frequent visitor.
As soon as I heard them, I ran out with Tiyong
Masuy hard at my heels. He caught me at the
door staring at the people in the room, shaking
with fear. Tiyong Masuy never said anything.
He just took my hand and together we went
out. Outside, he told me it wasn’t my fault that
they were all angry. He said not all farmers are
enemies. Some of them just need to understand.
This remains etched in my memory because it
meant a lot to me. He understood my fear. I
didn’t have to say anything. I never talked to
anyone about it for fear that if I do, things would
get worse. Tiyong Masuy changed all that. He
encouraged me to talk about my fears. He told
me it was okay to be afraid. Being afraid only
gives us the chance to be brave.
A few weeks later, he brought us a
turtle. I played with the turtle the whole day.
By the afternoon, the turtle hid in his shell and
refused to come out. I told Tiyong Masuy the
turtle didn’t want me anymore. He told me he’s
hiding maybe because he was tired and also
afraid. He said he brought me the turtle because
it reminded him of me. He said sometimes, it
is okay to hide from things. It prepares us for
what’s coming. True enough, by morning, the
turtle was ready to play again.
From time to time, Tiyong Masuy
would bring us lobsters, vegetables, and fruits
which he caught and grew himself. He never
entrusted those gifts to anyone. He always
brought them himself. And he himself cooked
those for us. I thought he just wanted to feel
important. As I grew older, I understood. In his
“nothingness” he gave us something priceless –
a part of himself!
More than being brave and giving,
Tiyong Masuy taught me to accept that certain
things just happen. It happens even when we
don’t want them to. It happens even when it
will cause pain.
One of the last few gifts he brought
us was Bambi, a baby deer he caught in the
mountains during one of his hunting trips. It had
the most beautiful eyes, and I instantly fell in love
with it. We became inseparable friends. I would
feed him myself. I found him a special place in
the kitchen. And I made a basket especially for
him to sleep in. I would get up in the middle
of the night to console him when he cried for
his mother. In the morning, he would get up to
greet me, nuzzling my hand. This went on for
a few more weeks. Then one morning, Bambi
simply couldn’t get up. He was so weak. The
following morning, Tiyong Masuy returned.
But he was too late. Bambi died in the night. I
cried buckets. Again, Tiyong Masuy never said
anything. He just hugged me and let me cry.
Then he said it was okay to cry; it washes off
the pain. I said the pain was still there. He said,
“then cry some more.”
Days turned into years. I was growing
older. I became too busy in a world of my own
I almost didn’t notice that Tiyong Masuy’s visits
came farther and farther between. Eventually,
he stopped coming. News reached us that he
died in his sleep.
Tiyong Masuy and his philosophies:
In his innocent, untutored stoicism, he taught
me in ways unimaginable. He opened my eyes
so I could see there was a world far different
from that within the walls of my home. He
taught me love for the farmers, the poor and the
defenseless. He prepared me for work in the
DAR.
Tiyong Masuy left me a Beautiful
Legacy. He taught me to be brave and strong.
He taught me to fight in life just as he taught me
to accept the inevitable as we live through the
pains. And most of all, he taught me humility.
I am writing this piece as a fitting tribute
to a great man! To Tiyong Masuy, Godspeed,
wherever you may be!
Legacyby Susie M. Molina
on AGRARIAN JUSTICE DELIVERY
n o v e l t i e s
by Lilia Villegas
E
XPEDITIOUS delivery of services
is the mandate of public service. This
is true in all government agencies,
including the Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR). To be able to provide the needed
assistance, certain rules and guidelines were
designed if only to ease up implementation
of the three (3) indispensable aspects of
agrarian reform, to wit: Land Acquisition
and Distribution (LAD), Delivery of Support
Services and Agrarian Justice Delivery (AJD).
EASY ACCESS is the keyword in this
year of technology and innovation. We have
to adapt to the fast paced and ever changing
atmosphere, whether political, social and
economic aspect, locally or worldwide. Our
environment today is even far beyond constant
as change comes so often than expected, even
at a wink of an eye.
This being so, it is necessary for us to
transform not only on a personal level but on the
policies being implemented. It poses a challenge
upon us to possess an imaginative mind and
undoubted courage to take a bold leap from the
usual.
This development is not foreign on
matters affecting Agrarian Justice Delivery.
New ideas were conceptualized and old ones
modified, if not totally abandoned. Toward
this end, certain guidelines and processes
were introduced and adopted, starting at the
municipal up to the regional level.
One of the innovations that marked a
significant impact on accomplishment is the
process on the investigation of cases affecting
agrarian law implementation. Customarily, data
gathering is done at the municipal level.Then the
case folder is forwarded to the provincial level
for the collation of information gathered and
preparation of investigation report. If the data
provided by the municipal level is incomplete
or inadequate, an order is made requiring the
municipal office to complete the data needed
together and the entire case folder is returned.
This process is a bit taxing on the part of the
municipal offices resulting in the enormous
delay of providing the information, and worst
ageing cases.
To expedite the process, all agrarian
law implementation (ALI) cases received at
the municipal level is immediately elevated
to the provincial office for the preparation
of investigation report and immediate
endorsement to the regional office. The officer-
on-case will personally conduct data gathering,
ocular inspection or whatever activity he may
deem proper geared towards a comprehensive
investigation report. With this process ALI
cases are immediately resolved.
Pooling of personnel to handle numerous
affected farmer-beneficiaries, in just one setting,
in far flung barangays was also adopted. This is
to address problems of farmer-beneficiaries who
are similarly situated as those in landed estates
or problematic landholdings, in a way, reaching
out to those who cannot even afford to go to
our office.
Designating a POINT PERSON on
specific legal concerns, as preparation of certain
legal pleadings in bulk was made not only for
purposes of documentation but also of making
sure that pleadings are properly prepared as to
conform to legal sufficiency.
The foregoing were but some of the
many modifications introduced to expedite
agrarian justice delivery and the office is
committed in continuously conceptualizing
ideas toward this end.
With these, I believe the saying that
goes, “justice delayed is justice denied”will soon
be put to rest.
All men are created equal,
it is only men themselves
who place themselves
above equality.
-David Allan Coe

Being a lady boss has many advantages.Thanks
to the gifts of intuition and tenacity, gifts that
naturally come with being a woman, a lady for
a boss is a precious package treat.
Women can juggle a career, run a home, raise
the kids, even take care of a dog and a husband
--- and arrive at the weekend with their mind,
body, and soul intact. That's how women are,
no matter what's going on in their lives, they
go over and around roadblocks to get what
they want. They confront fears in high heels
and mini skirts. Nothing can stop a determined
woman.
That is exactly how the lady boss of DAR V
can be described --- intuitive, tenacious, and
unstoppable.
Ladyby Maria Trinise Vasquez-General
TOUGHIE
W
hen Atty. Maria Celestina M.
Manlagñit-Tam became the regional
director of DAR V almost six years ago,
she knew that the challenges ahead were enormous.
She also knew that the journey would not be easy, it
would be long and bumpy. But as a soldier geared for
combat, she was prepared. She was and still is, tough
and confident.
DAR V can never be underrated, the lady
director knew this from the start. The list is long:
whopping balances of agricultural lands to be acquired
and distributed, winning and sustaining the support
of stakeholders, resolving agrarian cases, manning
the workforce, resolving and managing crises, like a
survey equipment commandeered or a fieldworker
kidnapped. The pressures she gets everyday are
boosters to pump her adrenaline. She keeps a positive
outlook on things, happy with the knowledge that all
her efforts will be recompensed.
RD Waying, the name she prefers to be called,
is a woman of action. She is a hands-on boss. She
does not tolerate dawdling nor is she content with
plain statements, she upholds everything beneficial
to the program and wants swift execution. She
never runs out of ideas which she freely shares with
her subordinates but at the same time encourages
free thinking and open discussions to come up with
sound management system development programs
to enhance productivity in the workplace. For her,
having the best ideas is not enough, helping one
another assess and find collective meaning and
commitment to new ways is equally important.
Now and then she has something new to
share. It could be an honest initiative to put into
practice or just anything she deems essential to the
growth of the organization and its people.
RD Waying cannot be anything but be on
her toes always. Region V has one of the biggest
LAD balances still for delivery. With time playing
an important factor, she considers it top priority to
come up with effective strategies to have day-to-
day results, bring into action strategic intents,
and address the basics needed for continuing
operational success.
On top of her priorities is keeping in
constant touch with her people, especially
those in the field, where the real action is, and
that’s why RD Waying initiated the monthly
Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers Executive
Committee (PAROs-EXECOM) meetings in
the DAR Provincial Offices, not limiting the
meetings in the regional office. She believes that
provincial hopping is a learning experience. It
broadens the managers’ perspectives and gives
them wisdom, too.
Visits to the Municipal Agrarian Reform
Offices (MAROs) also boost employees’
confidence and provides her a good scenario
of field operations. Indeed, immersing in the
grassroots level keeps her grounded and in
touch with reality.
RD Waying expresses her all out support
to the PAROs and gives them enough leeway
to exercise their own judgments and prove
their competence in their own realms. Her
confidence in their abilities and expertise comes
from her awareness of their long years in the
field. She respects these veterans in the agrarian
arena.
To sustain the improvement of
performance and systems in the workplace,
RD Waying adheres to the strict compliance
with the Civil Service Commission’s rules and
regulations at all times. She does not hesitate
pushing the corresponding disciplinary measures
to those who violate the rules.
She also encourages every unit to come
up with the Annual Procurement Plan (APP),
and to firmly stick to it to avoid unnecessary
expenses. RD Waying wants everyone to
exercise prudent and practical utilization of the
government’s funds.
To maintain “peace and order,” she
keeps everybody abreast of what’s happening
with the regular ManCom Meetings with the
Section and Division Chiefs. Likewise, a general
Assembly is done regularly.
Because of the
growing demands and
pressures involved in the
implementation of the
program, RD Waying
believes that everyone
must be physically and
mentally fit for the job.
“All work and no play makes John a dull boy,” is
an old adage that makes DAR people conscious
of their well being. Thus, engaging in sports two
hours a week is encouraged in DAR.
“Sports play a vital role in the
enhancement of one’s personality and positive
body image,” reiterates RD Waying time and
time again. Sports equipment like treadmill and
stationary bicycle were purchased for everyone’s
use. Provincial and regional sportsfests are
undertaken to promote solidarity and esprit de
corps among employees.
Moreover,sheadvocatesandparticipates
actively in the Gender and Development (GAD)
programs to help in the advancement of gender
equality and empowerment of women in the
region. She initiates and supports personnel
economic development activities like trainings-
seminars on livelihood that do not only equip
employees new skills and technical know-how,
but also help them be more self-reliant.
In her more than five years of vigorously
striving to attain DAR's Vision, RD Waying
has learned a great deal both as a leader and
as a person. Though she is into mastering the
intricacies of the program (CARPER), she
always makes room for new learning because
she believes that learning is a continuous
process, that constant learning drives employee
development and organization performance.
This is one reason she supports professional
and career development programs for DAR
employees. Further, a Career Executive
Service Officer (CESO) III holder herself,
she encourages qualified employees to apply
and undergo the process of
becoming CESO holder
themselves. Similarly,
leadership trainings for
the executives and
enhancement skills
for the rank and
file are regularly
c o n d u c t e d
to sustain
energy and
commitment
level that
will lead
to excellent quality output. Through these
programs she said, employees’ strengths and
weaknesses, attitudes and behaviors, values and
future aspirations, and skills and competencies
are defined, thus the organization is able to make
better use of their skills and put them at the
right place. Consequently, promoting deserving
individuals in the future is quite trouble-free. To
boost, it is during RD Waying’s lead that several
commendable individuals have been promoted -
evident was in 2010 when ten Chief Agrarian
Reform Program Officers (CARPOs) and two
Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs)
finally obtained their much long-awaited
deserving promotion. Definitely, it is really giving
credit where credit is due --just what she says,
at all times.
As part of the Modernizing Outlook
of the Department, RD Waying supports
maximizing the use of Information Technology,
encouraging employees to enhance their IT
skills to keep up with the fast technology
times. Internet connections are upgraded and
websites are created for faster, more efficient
communications inside and out. She believes
in the importance of providing DAR employees
with updated/upgraded computers and the
latest useful gadgets to improve service and
help in the technological transformation in the
office. Along with this is the improvement of
the work environment by creating a conducive
atmosphere with functional but pleasing
office equipment to boost people’s morale and
productivity.
Her First of Many. RD Waying-Tam
during the ground-breaking of project
under the ARCDP II in Polangui, Albay,
in her early days as DAR Bicol Regional
Director. With her are (L-R) Polangui
Ex-Mayor Jesus S. Salceda Sr., former
Albay PARO Salve C. Tongco, ARCDP
II-AED Consultant David T. Santos and
Albay Governor Jose Maria S. Salceda.
...continued on page 50

Thus, they selected a treasurer among
them to whom they entrusted their piso or the
one peso share of each other. Later, that piso
rolls and gets far. So far that it had provided
jobs to eight unemployed, energetic, and smart
youths. And still more individuals have been
helped financially.
That is the Salvacion Farmers’
Development Cooperative or SAFADECO
for short. Way back in 1992, they called
their group as “Pag-urupod,” a Bicol term
for camaraderie. They are neighbor-farmers
who peacefully live in Barangay Salvacion,
Sorsogon City, a part of Sorsogon ARC
Cluster. After a few months, their one peso
share got a total of Php1,000.00.
In those times, the Department of
Agrarian Reform was organizing the Agrarian
Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). It was very good
timing for the Pag-urupod especially when
a diligent Development Facilitator from the
Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial
Office of Sorsogon learned about their objective.
“She invited us to attend Pre-
Membership Education Seminar so that we’ll
become an official organization under the
assistance of DAR,” said Tita Desquitado, one
of the twelve pioneer members.
However, one peso contribution per
day takes too long to become a big amount.
Thus, after attending PMES, they thought of
launching a raffle draw to raise funds.
“We just solicited the prizes from the
employees of DAR whom we met during the
PMES. Somebody gave a roll of textile. There
was also a priest who donated a sack of rice.
Then we bought groceries for consolation
prizes,” said Desquitado.
From the raffle tickets, they earned
Php17,000.00 which they kept in a bank.
But after a year, it only gained an interest of
Php100.00. The group was disappointed, so
they thought of venturing in Rice Retailing.
Unfortunately, it was just borrowed by the
members resulting in the very slow return
of investment. So they stopped the Rice
Retailing business and instead went into
Relending. But the same thing happened.
In their third attempt to succeed in
business ventures, they decided to open a
variety store. By that time, they were already
twenty in the group but only fifteen of them
were active. These fifteen had contributed
labor and construction materials for the store’s
structure. Eventually, their small business began
to gain.
In 2001, DAR helped them prepare
to be a registered cooperative in the CDA
(Cooperative Development Authority).
They were given various trainings such as
Simple Bookkeeping, Leadership Training,
Para-Technician Training, Participatory Area
Planning, and Crop-Based Farming Technology
Seminar with tours to demo farms. These were
sponsored by Agrarian Reform Communities
Project or ARCP, a foreign assisted project
of DAR which was being implemented in the
provinces then.
Not long after, they were renamed
SAFADECO, to identify them as a farmers’
development cooperative in Salvacion. Then,
the variety store that they have established
was named SAFADECO Sari-sari Store. As
a recipient of ARCP, DAR made its twelve
members cooperators of Lakatan Production
wherein each one received one hundred twenty
sacks of fertilizers. Another four members
became cooperators for Hog Raising, and
eight became cooperators for Sasso Chicken
Production. These were handed to them along
with feeds. When the free feeds ran out, they
saw the need to include this item in their variety
store. Thus, they added feeds in their roster of
products.
Moreover, as the province of Sorsogon
identifies itself to be the number one producer
of Pili nuts, the ARCP supported its promotion
by launching the Pili Enhanced Propagation
and Orchard Development Project. Again, this
project was entrusted to SAFADECO. Later,
fellow-farmers were able to get seedlings from
it which they planted in their backyard.
Not only in agri-business initiatives of
ARCP did the coop benefited but also in the
The
Rolling
Gets Far
by Alura A. Jaso
They were twelve then, discussing
about how they will earn money.
What if we’ll
save one peso
everyday?
Why not?
Pis
construction of farm-to-market road in the
ARC where the members of SAFADECO
obtained ten percent on their labor counterpart
which was converted to additional capital build
up.
The Barangay of Salvacion has two
hundred fifty five hectares of coconut land
which is much bigger than any other kind of
agricultural land in the area. Indeed, its primary
agricultural product is copra. Thinking on how
the SAFADECO can help the copra farmers
in the area, they put up Copra Trading. Thus,
copra producers within the ARC didn't have to
go far just to sell their produce.
SAFADECO’s purchased copras were
delivered to Legazpi Oil with a small profit of
20 centavos per kilo. But the small profit didn't
matter, their main purpose after all, was to help
the copra farmers sell their produce.
In 2009, there was a Bicol Cooperative
Congress held in Daet, Camarines Norte and
SAFADECO was awarded by CDA for being
one of the One Hundred Cooperative Top
Grossers of the Year in Bicol Region.
On July 10, 2012 the DAR Sorsogon
conducted a Provincial DAR-NATCCO
Micoop at Agrarian Reform Areas Partners
Forum. This was to help the ARBs to have an
access to credit. Although SAFADECO had
no plan of borrowing money from any financial
institution because they don’t want to have
loans or paying responsibilities, they were still
the NATCCO’s choice to be in partnership.
“Among the choices, SAFADECO was the
only one that had no external loan in any lending
or financial institution which implied that they
knew how to control their funds. Aside from
that, I like their positive attitude towards
management and their good teamwork,”
said Evelia Bardos-Tizon, National Mi-Coop
Program Manager.
Consequently, they started the
establishment of MiCoop which generated
job vacancies for the position of General
Manager, Loan Officer, Bookkeeper, Cashier,
and Development Officers. Of course, it gave
opportunity to deserving job seekers.
Another milestone came for
SAFADECO on October 9, 2012. Their
cooperative finally opened as an affiliate of
NATCCO with its program, the MiCoop. But
even before its official launching, the energetic
newly hired employees have already conducted
PMES in several communities. Oftentimes,
they made some guestings on radio promoting
the MiCoop. Prior to its partnership with
NATCCO the SAFADECO catered to only
four Barangays in Sorsogon City. Today, with
the MiCoop, not only Sorsogon City is served
but also its adjoining municipalities of Castilla
and Casiguran.
Just recently, they also conducted a
two-day Feeding Program for the students
of Salvacion Elementary School who were
taking the National Achievement Test. This is
part of their endeavor to serve the community
and at the same time promote their program.
The event brought gladness not only to the
children and the parents but to the teachers
as well. “Hopefully, next time you also include
our school in your Feeding Program,” a teacher
from the adjoining Barangay told them.
While their coverage becomes wider,
both regular and associate members feel more
and more grateful. Evelyn Jaylo is just one of
those who benefited from the products offered
by SAFADECO. Through the availment of a
loanofherdaughterFlorabellastFebruaryofthis
year, she was able to open a small canteen. “I’m
so thankful to SAFADECO because it helped
my family to have a decent life. Actually, I used
to have a job until my husband died. In order to
support my two children, I went to Manila and
worked there. This year, I came back, supposed
to be for vacation. But when I learned about the
MiCoop, I decided to open again this business. I
have no IDs and other requirements, so Florabel
was the one who availed of the credit assistance
in my behalf. But I was the one who use the
money,” said Evelyn.
Her canteen offers Halo-halo, Mami,
Pancit, Bihon, and Lunch food. She usually
prepares six dishes everyday. Most of her
clients are tricycle drivers because the canteen’s
location is just beside the parking place of
tricycles. Oftentimes, there are late eaters who
wish to buy food, but unfortunately there’s
no more left for them because every food she
prepares are always sold out. “The business is
going well because we’re able to pay our daily
dues of one hundred fifty pesos, while our
capital keeps on rolling,” she said. By May this
year, she is expecting to complete the payment
of the remaining balance.
Last March 23, 2013 SAFADECO
held their first General Assembly. It was just
like a reunion party for the old and the new
members. There was also a raffle draw and the
election of new officers. With the new Board
of Directors and Committee Members elected,
it is hoped that the cooperative will perform
more competently. “This year, we are hoping to
recruit more members in order for us to extend
our products and services to more people.
DAR and NATCCO are very supportive in
achieving our mission to engage our members in
meaningful development.Through microfinance
and other coop products and services that we
are about to offer, we are planning to create
savings product for kids and youth for them to
realize the importance of savings. We want to
empower our members by educating them and
we want them to be financially literate. So, it
would be much better if they will start while
young,” said Jessica Samantha Dob-Acleta, the
General Manager of SAFADECO.
SAFADECO is not just a farmers’
cooperative that operates under the auspices
of MiCoop in Bicol. Other provinces such as
Catanduanes, Albay, Masbate, Camarines
Norte and Camarines Sur have the same type
of operation under its turf.
“What makes SAFADECO in Sorsogon
typically different however is that it started
literally from piso-piso savings which later grew
up into a substantial capital of the cooperative,”
said Gina D. Bolaños, OIC PARO II of Sorsogon.
Sometime in DAR’s history, farmers
organized themselves because of the benefits
they expect to receive from the government.
Who would ever think that there will come
a time when the situation will be reversed?
Imagine how many jobless and hungry there
are in the Philippines. But SAFADECO thrives
to lessen their number by the jobs it generates,
and the financial assistance it provides to many
families. Isn’t it wonderful to know how the
rolling piso got that far?
Rolling Forward. The new generation of
SAFADECO members continue to keep the legacy
alive.

V
ictor Ramon B. Goyena, 51, agrarian
reform beneficiary in Daraga, Albay
was once a vendor of pilinut candies
in bus stations in Albay. Bogs, as he is fondly
called, is a licensed Civil Engineer but has rich
experiences in marketing and sales with his long
years in the field of pharmaceutical industry.
“Roving work requires a lot of energy and luck
to earn a living. I would say that job was really
tough; so I quit and tried to build a unique
product of my own.” he narrated.
Leaving the selling job at the bus station
and corporate scene led to a better opportunity
for Bogs. He became creative and pioneered
the extraction of oil from pilinut kernel and pili
tree resin also known as manila elemi for his
amazing CANARIUM brand “The First Virgin”
skin care products.
TURNING POINT
In 2008, DAR awarded him a three-
hectare land in barangay Bigao, Daraga, Albay
through Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program (CARP) Voluntary Land Transfer
(VLT) scheme. Having now the land of his
own, he put up a pili nursery so that he planted
350 pili trees that add up value to his land.
He said that farming is a challenging
endeavor for it is full of uncertainties and requires
capital, time, and energy. But he persisted
on; and focused on the future. He comforted
himself by imagining that his farm was already
flourishing with pili fruits and everybody was
From bus station
to the oil of his
DREAMS
busy harvesting and processing for local and
international markets.” Bogs reckoned.
His initiative as ARB to develop his
farmland has created a momentum of good
example for his fellow farmers. A lot of them
realized and convinced that it is worth to
cultivate pili trees in their farm lots.
“I realized that by growing pilinut trees
and learning the right technology to process
other pilinut by-products would help us
generate more income in farming. I agree with
the statement that we have to do something
differently to produce different results.” said
Bogs.
AsPresidentoftheAlbayPilinutIndustry
Federation (APIF), he participated in local study
missions to Pilinut Research and Development
at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos,
Laguna and Quezon Province along with
selected members of the federation and other
farmers in Bicol Region.
DOING WITH PILINUT KERNEL
OIL
His interest to the concept of oil
extraction from pilinut kernel started in 2009
when the Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR) informed him of upcoming farmers’
training on Pilinut Food Processing under the
Pili Development Program of the Department
of Agriculture (DA). He learned that there
are entrepreneurs in Bicol that extract oil from
pilinut pulp but none has tried extracting oil from
the kernel itself.
The tipping point came by when a
Japanese consultant whom he met in a lecture-
seminar advised him to focus on pilinut kernel oil
production because it has promising opportunity
in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.
Inthatlecturemeeting,hedecidedtodrop
all the pili products and focus on pilinut kernel
oil. “I spent six months of online researches
on the right key to process good quality pilinut
kernel oil but couldn’t find much information so
I just experienced with the manual extraction. I
really started from scratch.” Bogs said.
He consulted Engr. Jacinto Alex B.
Elegado, Albay Provincial Director of the
DepartmentofScienceandTechnology(DOST)
where he got the idea of fabricating a small
pressing device for more efficient extraction of
oil. The device enables him to extract 150 ml
of oil in one kilogram of dried pilinut kernel. He
uses pilinut kernel oil as main ingredients in the
production of hand & body lotion, moisturizing
cream, facial soap & toners, massage oil,
shampoo and hair growth enhancers.
POTENT OIL
Since, everything was new and there
was no available information of finding out
the good results that it may bring about, Bogs
followed his faith. "I was the guinea pig.” said
Bogs. "I used the oil on my body and the result
was amazing. Who else will believe in my
product if not me?"
He wondered what made the pili oil so
unique and special among other oils. So he
submitted sample for quality evaluation tests
to the DOST. Laboratory results revealed that
pilinut oil is rich in omega 6 and omega 9, which
has anti-inflammatory effect, making it work
against skin problems. The results were further
confirmed as his clients testified that pilinut
kernel oil easily dries pimples, whitens skin,
and excellent skin moisturizer. Just recently,
he got testimonies that pilinut kernel oil can
significantly enhance hair growth; heal skin
lesions, and other minor skin problems.
Again, he immersed himself in research
by George P. Olayres
to find out the contents and its benefits when
cosmetically applied or ingested orally. “I
justified to myself that if people are orally taking
VCO and olive oil for medicinal or aesthetic
value then surely my CANARIUM can do the
same thing and might even yield far better value
and significance.” he recalled
The rest is history, for there is now a
great and wide acceptance in the market and
people who have tried the product confirmed
on how fast and effective the CANARIUM –
“The First Virgin Pilinut Kernel Oil is. It’s just a
matter of time before it becomes a blockbuster
in the market.
EXPLORING MANILA ELEMI
OIL
Not long after Victor has introduced
his CANARIUM brand “The First Virgin” skin
care products in the 2011 Agrikultura Trade Fair
at SM Megamall, Bogs has again developed
another amazing product primarily for skin
rejuvenation.
His exposure in the 1st International
Agriculture and Tourism Fair in 2011 has stirred
his interest to process manila elemi, locally
known as “salong” from the bark exudes of the
pilinut tree. Bogs said, “In that activity I meet
local as well as foreign buyers who shared ideas
on the potentials of manila elemi oil as ingredient
in the production of various skin care products.
Aside from that, they told me
that the resin contains oil
known as limonene, a perfume
component used in scented
paper, inks, candles, fresheners
and cosmetics.”
Furthermore, he said,
other countries are now getting
more aware of the health and
cosmetic benefits of pili nuts. In
France, the use of manila elemi
oil from pili nuts is already popular.
International brand Chanel, for example,
sources its manila elemi oil, an ingredient in
some of its beauty products, from Quezon and
Bicol Region. Bogs cited that manila elemi oil
is used by cosmetics manufacturers as active
ingredients in the production of various facial
skin toners and anti-aging products.
“This reinforced my theory that pili nut
oil really is good for the skin, so I experimented
again, mixing manila elemi oil and kernel oil.
Since nobody buys kernel oil and manila elemi
oil from me in bulk, I decided to come out with
new product lines like toner, soap, etc.,” said
Bogs.
“This amazing mixture of kernel oil and
elemi oil from pilinut is effective against skin
blemishes, acne, and delays the skin aging”Bogs
claimed. He also said that there are credible
literatures proving that elemi oil enhances the
production of tensin in the skin, an enzyme that
preserves
the shape a n d
vitality of the skin cells thereby producing
younger-looking skin.
Bogs is now selling his pilinut kernel oil
(VPKO) with manila elemi oil (MEO) for skin
rejuvenation in 10, 20, 30, and 35 ml bottle
sizes or in two separate containers. He sells
these products to local consumers and now
working to reach the national markets. He has
loyal customers from as far as Baguio, while
some satisfied customers in Metro Manila have
become dealers. He has also set up a website to
get wider publicity for his line of products.
People who have tried his VPKO keep
coming back and say that it is indeed amazing
moisturizer and whitens old aging, dry and rough
skin. “This because VPKO is easily absorbed
by our skin and it has no odor making it good
moisturizer” he explained.
...continued on page 50
CANARIUM, THE FIRST VIRGIN. Engr. Bogs Goyena's assorted products from Pili Nut Kernel Oil.
Goyena with GNN TV-Naga host Karmi Asor
during the interview for DAR V's "Gusi, Sup-ay,
Uswag" TV special.
©www.flickr.com/photos/gypsysoul73
©canariumthefirstvirgin.wordpress.com

T

he
success of every organization
depends on how efficient its people
are. Work efficiency of people, however, does
not simply crop-up from mere exposure to
work, there is that underlying
root from where efficiency
sprouts. Work efficiency
among people is a result of
self-motivation, enthusiasm,
willingness, internal capability,
talent, and external motivation.
The Department
of Agrarian Reform Region
5 human resource complement
is basically composed
of middle-aged employees,
owing it to the fact that the
agrarian reform effort of the
Philippine government dates
back to the time of the Marcos
era.The present set-up of DAR
5’s manpower complement are
a second generation employees
belonging to the baby boomer
generation.
The professional discipline and business
function that oversees an organization's
human resources is called human resource
management.
According to http://smallbusiness.
“
By Jocylene N. Naz
Human resources are like natural resources; they're often
buried deep. You have to go looking for them, they're not just
lying around on the surface. You have to create the circumstances
where they show themselves.
-Ken Robinson
BELIEVING IN THEPOWER
OF HUMAN RESOURCE chron.
c o m /
“Human resource
management team
suggests to the management how
to strategically manage people as business
resources. This includes managing recruiting
and hiring employees, coordinating employee
benefits, and suggesting employee training
and development strategies. In this way, HR
professionals are consultants, not workers in an
isolated business function; they advise managers
on many issues related to employees and how
they help the organization achieve its goals.”
Indeed, an organization cannot do
away with HR, as every work place comprises
individuals who are the most important asset in
any bureaucracy. So, what is the role of HR?
Does it end with selection and placement, or
are there
various other
responsibilities that
are overlooked? HR does
comprise of recruitment, as it is
essential to hire individuals who fit into the
organization. But the responsibilities do not end
there. HR managers also have to make certain
that the employee’s tenure at the organization
is longer and more productive. Finding the
right candidate for the job is just the first step
but productivity is likewise a focal area of
consideration.
The DAR 5 organizational set-up
separates hiring, recruiting, and coordinating
employee benefits tasks from suggesting
employee training and development strategies;
the latter being the work of Human Resource
Division and the former belongs to the tasks
of Personnel Section which is under the
Administrative Division.
The Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR) has
three major tasks focused on
improving the lives of the less
fortunate stake holders -- the
sector of farmers as a whole.
These tasks are the following:
Land Tenure Improvement
(LTI), which is CARP’s land
distribution component); Program
Beneficiaries Development (PBD),
which is CARP’s support services
component; and the Agrarian
Justice Delivery (AJD), which
provides justice to aggrieved
farmers and landowners as well.
Since year 2007, under the
able-leadership of Regional Director
Atty.MariaCelestinaM.Manlagñit-
Tam, DAR Region 5 has been
labouring and endeavouring for a well-equipped,
well-trained, and work-efficient manpower
complement. True to everyone’s expectations,
2008 was a banner year for DAR Bicol. This
was proven when it gained outstanding results
both in land acquisition & distribution (LAD),
and agrarian justice delivery (AJD) as
lauded during the DAR National Year-End
Assessment.
DAR Bicol
hopes to achieve more
as calendar year 2013 is
a very crucial year. As
part of its HRD plan,
for the years 2013 up to
2016, DAR Region 5 will
endeavour and continue
to upgrade the job
competencies of different
group levels on employees
current and anticipated
job responsibilities. Top
management supports
and believes that
investing in professional
development program
of people will improve job skills and employee
productivity.
A continuing knowledge update
program on latest issuances, Administrative
Orders, Memo Circulars across sectors has
been institutionalized. Series
of Cascading Sessions of
the recent discussion of
issuances by top DAR legal
luminaries was recently
conducted around the Region.
A well-defined work
culture vis a vis organizational
valuesisoneofthegoalsofDAR
5. Part of it is the incorporation
of gender perspectives in all
development work. Team
building sessions are conducted
yearly and Women’s Desk is
institutionalized in all parts of
the Region.
Optimizing utilization
of information technology to
enhance responsiveness of human resources has
been a priority project for DAR 5 manpower.
Information Technology trainings have been
introduced from the regional down to the
municipal levels. Human Resource Information
System (HRIS) is one key result area of this
work aspect.
As a pro-active move, in preparation for
the changing times, DAR 5 people are being
prepared for organizational resiliency and
readiness to cope with the dynamics of
organizational changes. For retirees and soon to
be retirees, high-impact supportive recognition
initiatives have been institutionalized as well
as skills trainings as alternative choice for
career transition and other related lifestyle and
business options. DAR 5 is pioneer in training
its people on different livelihood options: Bonsai
culture, Baking, Paper Recycling, Coffee Shop
Operation, Meat Processing, Balloons Making,
Soap Making, Candle Making, Travel Agency
Operation, etc..
Health and wellness of employees is one
big concern of DAR 5.
Hence, it fully supports
the safety programs
of employees and its
continuous capacity-
enhancement of
Emergency Response
Team within the
organization. Series
of trainings are made
possible with the help
of Emergency Response
Experts from Albay
Health Emergency
M a n a g e m e n t
(AHEM).
DAR Region 5
hopes to transform DAR managers into high
performing leaders through comprehensive
professional/career development programs,
thus, annual leadership trainings for DAR
managers and potential leaders are initiated.
Accessibility of Career Service
Exams reviews and scholarship
programs are likewise facilitated
for the employees.
DAR Region 5 aims for
higher productivity, if not the
highest, and its people believe
they can rev-up to reach their
potentials. Hand in hand, they
focus to produce more; develop
and prepare to be skilled - to be
more productive.
Sooner or later, they
will be proud to say that once
in their lifetime there is a
DAR who honed their talent,
capabilities, and skills, making
them excel in their chosen field
to become better persons. Indeed,
“human resources are like natural resources, they
are often buried deep...” all DAR Bicol needs is
to create the circumstances where they will
be able to shine.
THE DAR V TOP EXECUTIVES headed by regional director Maria Celestina
M. Manlagñit-Tam (seated, center) pose for a class souvenir with resource
persons Yoga Guru Mr. Luisito Palermo, CESB Exec. Dir. Atty. Anthonette V.
Allones & SC-MIS Chief of Staff Mr. Alexander Arevalo, during the Executive
Leadership Training, an annual undertaking of DAR V to continuously
improve leadership, managerial and supervising skills among heads.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
TEAMBUILDING. Overcoming barriers to performance is how groups
become teams.
”
©Mauricio Jordan De Souza Coelho/123RF.COM
46 Fields Magazine

GADIn
Gender sensitivity within the bureaucracy has been given more weight since the inception of Gender and Development (GAD)
focal point. In the Department of Agrarian reform (DAR), GAD Focal Point serves as the machinery ensuring the integration and
mainstreaming of gender concerns into its policies, programs and projects, personnel and enabling mechanisms. In fact, GAD
has already been considered an integral part of it.
We Thrust
can really sustain all the programs under GAD.
“With appropriate mechanism and logistics
available at all times, GAD sustainability could
never be a problem”, enthuses Ms. General.
To boost, DAR V had been commended
by the Commission on Audit for having
been actively implementing the Gender and
Development (GAD) projects and programs in
accordance with the GAD Work and Financial
Plan within the context of the agency plan and
program, as highlighted on its annual Audit
Observation Memorandum (AOM)
for CY 2010-2011. Definitely, DAR
Bicol will continue to execute more
activities and to be participated by
more intended beneficiaries in the
future.
Meanwhile, one of the major
concerns that have been given due
emphasis while integrating GAD into
the mainstream of every government
agency is the issue on putting women
on equal footing with men in every
undertaking, in all walks of life. In
DAR, basically, the matter is reduced
to the issues on giving the women
employees’ equal opportunities in
policy formulation, decision-making,
professional growth, and non-biased
gender consciousness in agrarian
reform program implementation.
And for the clienteles’ side, ensuring
that qualified women are
being given equal rights in
land ownership, hold land
titles, and involvement in
community development
activities, among others.
Although not new
anymore, the issue on equality of rights between
men and women gained a more intensified
advocacy with the advent of GAD. But it can be
recalled that in 1992, former President Corazon
Aquino enacted Republic Act 7192, otherwise
known as the Women-In-development and
Nation Building. The law promotes the
integration of women as full partners of men in
development and nation building, and directs
all government agencies to work towards
mainstreaming women and gender concerns.
One of the government agencies’
responsestothiscallwasthecreationofWomen’s
Desk. In DAR, Women’s Desks were established
in the national, provincial, and municipal levels to
address gender-related concerns and look after
the general welfare of women in the agrarian
sector. To revitalize the existing Women’s Desk
under the renewed thrust on GAD, DAR has
inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for
the latter to provide
the professional
expertise in training
the personnel who
will handle the
operations of the
said unit.
As a support
activitytothisspecial
concern, orientation
on different laws
i nv o l v i n g
this sensitive issue
had been conducted for the
DARRO V personnel. Among these
laws are as follows: Republic Act 9262
(Anti-Violence against Women and Their
Children); Republic Act 7877 (Anti-Sexual
Harassment Act of 1995); and Republic Act
9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2003).
Fortunately, the issue on equality of
rights is not much of a problem for DAR. The
Department has always been an advocate
for women empowerment, especially in the
countryside.
Generally, GAD’s ultimate integration
into the mainstream of DAR would be valuable
for a number of reasons. For one, it would serve
as the mechanism that would give the employees,
as well the clienteles the needed interventions in
the areas less attended in the past, especially for
women.
A
renewed and sustained GAD
implementation in DAR V had
started way back in 2008. Pursuant
to General Appropriation Act of 2008, and
in accordance with DAR’s Medium-Term
Expenditure Framework, which includes the
formulation of a GAD Plan for implementation,
the Department has committed to utilize five
percent (5%) of its annual budget appropriation
for the said program. This paved the way for a
revitalized GAD implementation in DAR Bicol.
Equipped with said provisions, DAR
V Regional Director and GAD Focal Point
Chairperson Maria Celestina Manlagñit-Tam
instructed GAD Focal Point Vice Chairperson
Aurea General to design a program that would
respond to the needs of the workforce in the
regional office, hence, the birth of Human
Resource Benefit Program or HRBP. HRBP
is composed of three components – health,
economic, and family spiritual development, all
under the direct supervision of the GAD Focal
Point Chairperson.
Under health component, employees
are given the opportunity to involve in
sports and other recreational activities as
a way of maintaining the employees’
physical well-being. In DARRO
V, one of the activities
along this component is the regular participation
of the basketball and badminton teams in the
Civil Service Commission (CSC)-sponsored
Sports Festival. Aside from putting into action
GAD’s concepts, the participation likewise
gives DAR the chance to strengthen linkages
with other government institutions, especially
with the line agencies.
Health awareness seminars are likewise
being conducted under the same component.
Orientation on specific health topics like
stress management, menopause/andropause,
osteoporosis, heart disease, and proper
nutritional diet are conducted to educate the
DARRO V employees. Also included in the long
list of topics are healthy lifestyle and preventive
medicine.
For the economic development
component, the DAR has programmed a series
of technology and livelihood trainings for the
employees in coordination with Technology
Resource Center (TRC). In the regional office,
among the first trainings conducted were Soap
and Perfume Making, Hair Trimming and
Treatment, Balloon Decors, Chinese
Dimsum, Home Bakeshop, and Meat
Processing. In the following years,
more trainings have been lined up and
conducted, to wit: Business Planning
for Small Entrepreneurs, Catering Business
Operation, Ornamental Plants Protection
& Practical Landscaping, Setting-Up a
Travel Service Business, Basic Reservation
& Ticketing, Coffee Shop Management &
Operation. Likewise, some GAD activities
had been tied-up with HRD: Paper Recycling
with Novelty Items, Creative Food Packaging,
Specialty Cakes & Pastries/Basic Cake
Decoration and Bonsai Culture. All of these
trainings are aimed to provide the employees
with basic skills on different livelihood projects
for them to utilize in augmenting their income.
Family spirituality development is the
component under the HRBP that addresses the
employees’ spirituality and sense of belonging.
One of the major undertakings under this
component is the holding of Family Day,
wherein families of the employees would meet
at least once a year to strengthen their bond.
Activities under GAD are being
conducted too in the provincial level, applying
the approaches imbedded in the HRBP. The
HRBP is indeed a very effective strategy that
by Reuben R. Loria

RD Waying stresses the importance
of maintaining good public relations, providing
information, and social marketing advocacy and
campaign in the region. She keeps her schedule
flexible for interviews and guestings in radio and
TV, part of her strategy to build up the good
image of the Department to the public.
A staunch supporter of CARPER,
she gives her full support to all information
dissemination activities in the office. She believes
this is the best possible way to herald all efforts
and good deeds of DAR to all stakeholders
and the general public. Thus, her belief that all
information officers from the regional down to
the provincial level are equipped the right “tools”
and given the corresponding skills trainings for
vigor and capabilities enhancement in bringing
out the good news about the program.
Late last year, RD Waying brought in
another innovation by proposing the “radiation”
scheme and personnel re-deployment plan under
the “One DAR Policy.”
One DAR Policy, an “attack as one”
working strategy which she prefers to call
DARamayan Bikolnon, aims to provide
reinforcement to the present workforce in the
high Land Acquisition (LAD) provinces of
Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon.
She expressed optimism DAR Bicol can
perform better this year and onwards as she
acknowledged that significant gains have been
achieved.
It is indeed a program that is highly
convoluted not to mention “dangerous” and so
everything is patiently worked for to achieve the
desired results. Lest that everyone will become
jaded with all the difficulties encountered,
RD Waying calls for bravery to overcome the
challenges.
As DAR Bicol continues towards the
future with more work left to be done, a deep
commitment and unfaltering dedication to
service is as primordial as “attacking the lion.”
RD Waying has high hopes that 2013 will be a
banner year for DAR Bicol. But she believes
that it would entail a no nonsense amount of
teamwork for DAR Bicol to come up with more
breakthroughs and accomplishments.
She urges everyone to further improve
performance, move on as one, adding that
Region V has to apply the “One DAR Policy”
on a bigger scale. It means an out-of-the-box
approach where all provinces will be regarded
as high LAD, then come up with a practical
workload distribution. She
further stressed that each
and everyone has a role, and
whatever it may be, it must
be deemed vital to the overall
capability of DAR Bicol.
U n d o u b t e d l y ,
innovative ideas and valuable
leadership were important
ingredients that generated
value and significant changes
in the organization. RD Waying
led DAR Bicol to where it
is now, she’s still leading the
region with her determination,
tenacity, and strength.
The journey may still
be thorny, but with this tough
but compassionate lady at the
helm of DAR Bicol, the days
ahead are sure to be fruitful,
enjoyable, and quite a great
ride!
MOVING FORWARD
“Inmyownlittleway,Iamalsoattempting
to set up a business system that starts from the
ground up to the finished product: from the
farm where the Pili Nut is planted and grown,
then into processing, production, distribution,
marketing and sales.” says Bogs.
He has absolutely set a new trend in
pilinut industry. He wants to move pilinut to
emerge as one of the best nuts in the world
that is best not only in the food industry but in
cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry as well.
As everybody knows, pilinut are made
into candies and other forms of snack foods
and pasalubongs; but for him, pilinut are more
promising in the cosmetics industry. “What I
am trying to establish is a broad market in the
local setting using pilinut kernel oil and manila
elemi oil as active ingredients in the cosmetics
industry”. Bogs stressed.
He is building his Canarium brand “The
First Virgin“ becomes the preferred brand, as
the natural fast and effective solution to remove
pimples, stubborn acne and that lightens pimple
and acne marks and facial blemishes. In this
year’s Daragang Magayon Festival Trade Fair,
his Canarium Product was adjudged as the
Most Innovative Product by the Department of
Trade and Industry.
Given with the needed resources,
Victor plans to develop his farm as Pili Park
to showcase the varied products derived from
pilinuts to farmers, students, entrepreneurs and
tourists.
”Iwouldliketospendmyretirementyears
on the farm which would have been a recognized
agri-tourism destination or a wellness organic
farm or resort,” this imaginative, creative, and
revolutionary engineer who was not content in
selling at the bus station, concluded.
From bus station
to the oil of his
DREAMS
Lady
TOUGHIE
The richness of the Fields Magazine has been made possible mainly because of the sharing of talents, time and experiences of the
teammembers. But without the crucial help of some individuals, the creation of this magazine will never be realized. Thus, we would like
to express our sincerest appreciation
to the following:
To Miss Jillian Estrellado, for
painstakingly working on the design
and layout of the magazine until
the wee hours of the morning; Miss
Rina C. Imperial, for helping in the
copyreading of the write-ups, and
the productive coffee talks; and Mr.
Al Baleda, for creating the cartoon
spread.
Likewise, to Roger Azupardo IV, Ms.
Liza Repotente, and to others who in
one way or another have given their
support but we forgot to mention –
thank you very much!
-Editorial Staff-
Acknowledgement
Atty. Maria Celestina M. Manlagñit-Tam, CESO III
Regional Director
Engr. Romulo A. Britanico, CESO VI
CARPO/OIC PARO II
Albay
Leonito M. Gaveria
PARO I/OIC PARO II
Cam. Norte
Ramon B. Fuentebella
CARPO/OIC PARO II
Cam. Sur B
Samuel R. Ongcal
CARPO/OIC PARO II
Masbate
Alexander T. Teves
PARO I/OIC PARO II
Catanduanes
Gina D. Bolanos
PO V/OIC PARO II
Sorsogon
Atty. Leo Miguel A. Ramos
Attorney V/OIC-ARDA
Atty. Miguel S. Gracilla
Attorney V/OIC-ARDO
Roseller R. Olayres
PARO II/Head of
Monitoring for Other
LTI Activities
Atty. Alberto A. Besinal
RARAD
Nida A. Santiago
CARPO - Operations
Ma. Belinda A. Balde
Chief, Admin & Finance
Maria Trinise Vasquez-General
Regional Information Officer
Jesus A. de la Rosa
OIC CARPO - SSD
Liza B. Repotente
CARPO/HEA
Patricia T. Rastrullo
CARPO - HRD
Emily S. Sial
PO III/OIC - Planning
Doris G. Ani
Acting Accountant III
Hipolita A. Altavano
Acting Budget Officer III
Rodrigo O. Realubit, CESO VI
PARO I/OIC PARO II
Cam. Sur A
REGIONAL
EXECOM
ONE OF THE GUYS. RD Tam leads the ceremonial toss to mark the
official start of the basketball exhibition game between DAR and DENR.
...From page 45...From page 41
DAR V MEDIA: We write to tell what is right. We shoot to tell the truth.50 Fields Magazine

Department of Agrarian Reform Region V
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the department.
Lakandula Drive, Gogon, Legazpi City, Philippines
(052) 480-5180, 435-0258
www.dar.gov.ph

Fields Magazine DAR Region V

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Recently uploaded

Fields Magazine DAR Region V