THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has hailed the Department of Justice (DOJ) for coming up with an opinion that seeks to stop wanton conversion and exemption of irrigated and irrigable prime agricultural lands into housing, industrial or other non-agricultural uses.
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes said that the DOJ Opinion No. 43, series of 2011 would serve as a remedial measure against excessive land conversion and exemption that threatens “the country’s self-sustainability and food security.”
The latest DOJ opinion categorically declares that irrigated and irrigable prime farmlands cannot be subject of an application for exemption from the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
De los Reyes said the opinion, issued upon the request of his office, also applies even to farmlands that are classified as commercial, industrial, or residential before June 15, 1988 when CARP was officially launched.
“This is a significant departure from earlier issuances of the DOJ, such as Opinions Nos. 44 and 181, series of 1990,” he said. Both issuances state that only an exemption clearance from the DAR, not conversion, is needed for all agricultural lands already duly classified as commercial, industrial, or residential before June 15, 1988.
The earlier DOJ issuances, particularly Opinion No. 44, have been used excessively by some landowners as a shield against the agrarian reform program.
De los Reyes said the DOJ Opinion No. 43 is based on the amendment introduced by the Republic Act 9700, the CARP extension with reform Law, which provides that irrigated and irrigable lands shall not be subject to conversion, as the legislative intent of the said law is “to ban any conversion of such agricultural lands.”
The said opinion, he added, also strengthens the government’s policy on the non-negotiability for conversion of irrigated and irrigable lands, as emphasized in various administrative orders issued by the Office of the President, the DAR, and as provided by the CARPer Law. Chad Gallardo, PAS-DAR
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Showing posts with label DAR NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DAR NEWS. Show all posts
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Road for Batangas farmers
Agrarian Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and External Affairs Gerundio Madueño recently led the groundbreaking ceremony for the concreting and rehabilitation of the 9.7-kilometer Jaybanga-Nagtaluntong farm-to-market road in Lobo, Batangas. Once the P50.6 million road project is completed, it is expected to boost the economic activity in the barangays covered by the road namely: Jaybanga, Apar, Nagtoctoc, San Nicolas and Nagtaluntong. The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and implemented under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Services (ARISP).
Also present during the event were: DAR Assistant Regional Director Alejandro Cruz, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Felix Kagahastian, Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Ariel Cortizano, Lobo Mayor Efren Diona, Municipal Engineer Sonny Adoyo, Mr. Rani Abu from the office of Congressman Hermilando Mandanas and Mr. Marietto Sevilla representing the office of the Governor. PAS-DAR
Thursday, December 8, 2011
DAR installed CARP beneficiaries in Negros Occidental
La Castellana, Negros Occidental – Nineteen farmers in Negros Occidental received an early Christmas gift of sort when the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) installed them recently in the 4.8-hectare Hacienda Grande in Barangay Robles here.
Provicial Agrarian Reform Officer Gideon E. Yongque, Jr., accompanied by La Castellana police station chief Allan Reloj and other government officials, led the installation and turn-over ceremony of the agricultural land in Barangay Robles that was formerly owned by Ma. Rosa Suatengco.
Before the installation activity, Yongque said the DAR surveyed the landholdings to delineate acquired areas from retained portions of the property.
“The farmer-beneficiaries decided to go on collective farming, to prove their worth as deserving recipients of the property,” Yongque said.
The farmer-beneficiaries joyfully said that the distribution of the property is a result of their joint effort hence they must be one, as well, in cultivating the farmlots.
The local police rendered their services in the event to ensure the safe installation of the farmers. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
Provicial Agrarian Reform Officer Gideon E. Yongque, Jr., accompanied by La Castellana police station chief Allan Reloj and other government officials, led the installation and turn-over ceremony of the agricultural land in Barangay Robles that was formerly owned by Ma. Rosa Suatengco.
Before the installation activity, Yongque said the DAR surveyed the landholdings to delineate acquired areas from retained portions of the property.
“The farmer-beneficiaries decided to go on collective farming, to prove their worth as deserving recipients of the property,” Yongque said.
The farmer-beneficiaries joyfully said that the distribution of the property is a result of their joint effort hence they must be one, as well, in cultivating the farmlots.
The local police rendered their services in the event to ensure the safe installation of the farmers. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
Registry System for farmers and fisherfolk
Agencies in the agricultural sector created a national registry for farmers and fisherfolk to ensure that government programs will pour to the right beneficiaries. A memorandum of agreement for the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBA) was signed recently by the Budget, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and the Interior Local Government departments along with the National Statistics Office. The RSBA will include information on farmers and fisherfolk such as their names, addresses, farm locations, poverty level, calamity incidence, and vulnerability to climate change. This database may also be accessed by various stakeholders. From L-R: Agrarian Sec. Gil de los Reyes, Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, Budget Sec. Florencio Abad, Interior Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo and Admin. Carmelita Ericta of the National Statistics Office. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Ocaya Ranch farmers in Bukidnon laud DAR for reinstallation
Farmers lauded the effort of the Department of Agrarian Reform in South Bukidnon area for their efforts to reinstall farmer beneficiaries who were forced to vacate the newly-awarded land in Maramag due to harassment.
Oscar Maniego, leader of the of the Task Force Mapalad-assisted Danggawan Landess Farmers Association, said they are happy to reclaim their land which is part of the 820-hectare Ocaya Ranch in Barangay Kuya, Maramag, Bukidnon.
Maniego said that he and his 56 fellow farmers in the group are now hoping that they can continue to develop their land.
“I hope that we can peacefully cultivate our farm now. I hope that the Ocayas and their armed goons will finally realize that we are now the legitimate owners of this land,” he said.
On February 22 this year, after more than 30 years of farmers’ struggle, the DAR installed 249 farmer-beneficiaries as the rightful owners of the 48-hectare portion of the 820-hectare cattle ranch.
Maniego recalled that they were forced to leave their land because the armed goons harassed them in their three-month occupation of the awarded land.
He added that the guards also burned some of their huts.
But after three months, the farmer-beneficiaries left their lands after a series of harassments perpetrated by the goons of the Ocaya Ranch.
On December 2, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Norberto Paquingan did not take any chances as he requested the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army to escort them as they reinstall the farmers.
About 20 policemen and 20 soldiers accompanied the farmers, DAR team and members of the media to the cattle ranch for the reinstallation ceremonies.
Paquingan said he is not taking any chances because they have received reports that the Ocayas beefed up their armed guards in preparation for the reinstallation of the farmers.
As the group arrived at the ranch, Paquingan, armed with the reinstallation order, directed the farmers to remove the existing barb wire fence and replace them with their own perimeter fence.
After the reading of the reinstallation order, the farmers immediately started to remove the existing barbwires and entered the ranch carrying rounded timbers to be used as fence’s posts.
A certain Joan Arsueli, who claimed to be a representative of the Ocayas, tried to stop the installation because she said they have already filed an appeal before the DAR Central Office.
She further claimed that she and seven others are the legitimate occupants of the area.
But DAR’s Quick Response Officer Atty. Wenceslao Magallanes advised her to formally raise her issue to the DAR Regional Office or even to the Central Office since the reinstallation order is “administratively final and executory.”
Amide the altercation, the farmers continued to erect posts for fencing and build shanties in their respective areas while the police conducted a foot patrol into the nearby mountain to check on the reported presence of the armed men believed to be goons of the Ocayas.
Until late December 2 in the afternoon, some farmers have already built their makeshift huts while some continued to build perimeter fence.
Magallanes said at least 10 police personnel and a squad of Army soldiers will provide security to the farmers for one month or more depending on the situation.
The presence of the security forces brought relief to the farmers.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the police and Army and at least now, we can peacefully live here, make the land productive and build our own houses here without any fear,” Maniego added.
Before they were installed, most of the farmers have been staying in nearby Barangay Danggawan while some in Barangay Kuya proper. Lanie Factor/ Joseph Coles, Task Force Mapalad
Oscar Maniego, leader of the of the Task Force Mapalad-assisted Danggawan Landess Farmers Association, said they are happy to reclaim their land which is part of the 820-hectare Ocaya Ranch in Barangay Kuya, Maramag, Bukidnon.
Maniego said that he and his 56 fellow farmers in the group are now hoping that they can continue to develop their land.
“I hope that we can peacefully cultivate our farm now. I hope that the Ocayas and their armed goons will finally realize that we are now the legitimate owners of this land,” he said.
On February 22 this year, after more than 30 years of farmers’ struggle, the DAR installed 249 farmer-beneficiaries as the rightful owners of the 48-hectare portion of the 820-hectare cattle ranch.
Maniego recalled that they were forced to leave their land because the armed goons harassed them in their three-month occupation of the awarded land.
He added that the guards also burned some of their huts.
But after three months, the farmer-beneficiaries left their lands after a series of harassments perpetrated by the goons of the Ocaya Ranch.
On December 2, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Norberto Paquingan did not take any chances as he requested the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army to escort them as they reinstall the farmers.
About 20 policemen and 20 soldiers accompanied the farmers, DAR team and members of the media to the cattle ranch for the reinstallation ceremonies.
Paquingan said he is not taking any chances because they have received reports that the Ocayas beefed up their armed guards in preparation for the reinstallation of the farmers.
As the group arrived at the ranch, Paquingan, armed with the reinstallation order, directed the farmers to remove the existing barb wire fence and replace them with their own perimeter fence.
After the reading of the reinstallation order, the farmers immediately started to remove the existing barbwires and entered the ranch carrying rounded timbers to be used as fence’s posts.
A certain Joan Arsueli, who claimed to be a representative of the Ocayas, tried to stop the installation because she said they have already filed an appeal before the DAR Central Office.
She further claimed that she and seven others are the legitimate occupants of the area.
But DAR’s Quick Response Officer Atty. Wenceslao Magallanes advised her to formally raise her issue to the DAR Regional Office or even to the Central Office since the reinstallation order is “administratively final and executory.”
Amide the altercation, the farmers continued to erect posts for fencing and build shanties in their respective areas while the police conducted a foot patrol into the nearby mountain to check on the reported presence of the armed men believed to be goons of the Ocayas.
Until late December 2 in the afternoon, some farmers have already built their makeshift huts while some continued to build perimeter fence.
Magallanes said at least 10 police personnel and a squad of Army soldiers will provide security to the farmers for one month or more depending on the situation.
The presence of the security forces brought relief to the farmers.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the police and Army and at least now, we can peacefully live here, make the land productive and build our own houses here without any fear,” Maniego added.
Before they were installed, most of the farmers have been staying in nearby Barangay Danggawan while some in Barangay Kuya proper. Lanie Factor/ Joseph Coles, Task Force Mapalad
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Farmers ask DAR to immediately issue notice of coverage for 491-hectare Negros hacienda
Negros farmers representing 365 workers called on Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil delos Reyes to immediately issue a notice of coverage of the 491-hectare Hacienda Teresa in a protest action inside the agrarian reform office in Quezon City on November 18.
“We have been waiting for 21 years for social justice, “Romeo Española, Hacienda Teresa leader said.
“We humbly ask Sec. delos Reyes to issue the notice of coverage since the application for stocks distribution option of 14-Colored Corporation was already denied in 2002,” Espanola said.
In 1990, 14 Colored Corporation filed for SDO application over Haciendas Teresa and Salamanca located in EB Magalona and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, respectively, covering a total area of 491.3459 hectares. The application was denied in 2002. A year later, the motion of reconsideration was filed by 14 Colored Corporation.
Hacienda Teresa ARB Organization filed a petition for CARP coverage of the hacienda on March 30, 2010. In June, Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) requested the Negros provincial agrarian reform officer that the issuance of the NOC for Teresa landholding be held in abeyance until such time that a final decision has been made by the PARC relative to the SDO application of 14 Colored Corporation.
Hacienda Teresa ARB Organization is disappointed with the Department of Agrarian Reform upon the further delay of the notice of coverage of Hacienda Teresa.
“We would like to hear the explanation of Sec. delos Reyes on the delay of the issuance of the Notice of Coverage,” Espanola said.
“Isn’t Sec. Delos Reyes supposed to be the alter ego of the president in order to solve the SDO cancellation issue?” asked Jimmy Mamming, the TFM- Negros coordinator.
Section 31 of RA 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) says “If within two (2) years from the approval of this Act, the land or stock transfer envisioned above is not made or realized or the plan for such stock distribution approved by the PARC within the same period, the agricultural land of the corporate owners or corporation shall be subject to the compulsory coverage of this Act.”
“We are not Hacienda Luisita! If the government could not implement our simple request for a notice of coverage, how can they implement other bigger requests from other haciendas in Negros like Hacienda Anita,” Española said.
DAR’s display of intentional delay
The Hacienda Teresa farmers have been camping at the DAR Central Office since October 16. Without proper sleeping cottage, adequate food stock and while they leave their families in Negros behind, the farmers struggled to manage as they waited for the decision at PARC.
On October 26, PARC executive committee met to act on the legal panel’s recommendation to deny the SDO application. But they rescheduled the meeting on November 14 because they were not able to generate a vote since the meeting did not convene the required number of members.
On November 14, PARC Techcom convened and voted, 18 to two, favorable for the SDO cancellation. However, DAR Undersecretary Narciso Nieto informed the farmers the resolution still needs the signature of the committee members who were not able to sign since they left in a hurry after the PARC meeting.
Aside from that, to finalize the decision, they also require the signature of President Benigno Aquino III who is only available during cabinet meetings. Nieto said that they could not say for certain as to when the decision would be signed since the President rarely attends cabinet meetings.
Farmer’s call for the completion of CARPER
The Hacienda Teresa ARB Organization said that the delay within PARC is a forceful rejection of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER).
“We want the government to take our case seriously, “Española said. “ We are demanding for the completion of CARPER and not the termination of the program.” Lanie Factor, Task Force Mapalad
“We have been waiting for 21 years for social justice, “Romeo Española, Hacienda Teresa leader said.
“We humbly ask Sec. delos Reyes to issue the notice of coverage since the application for stocks distribution option of 14-Colored Corporation was already denied in 2002,” Espanola said.
In 1990, 14 Colored Corporation filed for SDO application over Haciendas Teresa and Salamanca located in EB Magalona and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, respectively, covering a total area of 491.3459 hectares. The application was denied in 2002. A year later, the motion of reconsideration was filed by 14 Colored Corporation.
Hacienda Teresa ARB Organization filed a petition for CARP coverage of the hacienda on March 30, 2010. In June, Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) requested the Negros provincial agrarian reform officer that the issuance of the NOC for Teresa landholding be held in abeyance until such time that a final decision has been made by the PARC relative to the SDO application of 14 Colored Corporation.
Hacienda Teresa ARB Organization is disappointed with the Department of Agrarian Reform upon the further delay of the notice of coverage of Hacienda Teresa.
“We would like to hear the explanation of Sec. delos Reyes on the delay of the issuance of the Notice of Coverage,” Espanola said.
“Isn’t Sec. Delos Reyes supposed to be the alter ego of the president in order to solve the SDO cancellation issue?” asked Jimmy Mamming, the TFM- Negros coordinator.
Section 31 of RA 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) says “If within two (2) years from the approval of this Act, the land or stock transfer envisioned above is not made or realized or the plan for such stock distribution approved by the PARC within the same period, the agricultural land of the corporate owners or corporation shall be subject to the compulsory coverage of this Act.”
“We are not Hacienda Luisita! If the government could not implement our simple request for a notice of coverage, how can they implement other bigger requests from other haciendas in Negros like Hacienda Anita,” Española said.
DAR’s display of intentional delay
The Hacienda Teresa farmers have been camping at the DAR Central Office since October 16. Without proper sleeping cottage, adequate food stock and while they leave their families in Negros behind, the farmers struggled to manage as they waited for the decision at PARC.
On October 26, PARC executive committee met to act on the legal panel’s recommendation to deny the SDO application. But they rescheduled the meeting on November 14 because they were not able to generate a vote since the meeting did not convene the required number of members.
On November 14, PARC Techcom convened and voted, 18 to two, favorable for the SDO cancellation. However, DAR Undersecretary Narciso Nieto informed the farmers the resolution still needs the signature of the committee members who were not able to sign since they left in a hurry after the PARC meeting.
Aside from that, to finalize the decision, they also require the signature of President Benigno Aquino III who is only available during cabinet meetings. Nieto said that they could not say for certain as to when the decision would be signed since the President rarely attends cabinet meetings.
Farmer’s call for the completion of CARPER
The Hacienda Teresa ARB Organization said that the delay within PARC is a forceful rejection of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER).
“We want the government to take our case seriously, “Española said. “ We are demanding for the completion of CARPER and not the termination of the program.” Lanie Factor, Task Force Mapalad
DAR ready to implement SC decision on HLI
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has yet to receive a copy of the decision of the Supreme Court in the Hacienda Luisita case although it is aware of reports and articles in the media in the last few days that the High Tribunal had favorably resolved the DAR and PARC's Motion for Partial Reconsideration. The Department will not issue any reaction or comment without first having received and read a copy of the SC Resolution.
However, Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that the Department had already prepared its plans should the Supreme Court rule in favor of the distribution of Hacienda Luisita to the 6,296 farmworker-beneficiaries.
De los Reyes is currently in Butuan City, meeting with DAR officials in Region 13 after meeting with DAR officials in Region 12 and Region 11 on November 22 and November 23, respectively. PAS-DAR
However, Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that the Department had already prepared its plans should the Supreme Court rule in favor of the distribution of Hacienda Luisita to the 6,296 farmworker-beneficiaries.
De los Reyes is currently in Butuan City, meeting with DAR officials in Region 13 after meeting with DAR officials in Region 12 and Region 11 on November 22 and November 23, respectively. PAS-DAR
Haciendas Teresa and Salamanca Case Up For PARC Resolution
AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Gil de los Reyes announced Monday, November 21, 2011, that he would request President Aquino to convene the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) as soon as possible so that it can finally decide on whether to grant or deny the application for stock distribution option (SDO) for the 972.7 hectare landholdings of Hacienda Teresa and Hacienda Salamanca in Negros Occidental.
De los Reyes assured farmers during a dialogue with them at his office that the resolution of the case, involving the properties owned by the “14 Colored Corporations”, is at hand. He asked them to be patient as the government is just one step away from completing the process.
The DAR chief made this appeal after the PARC Executive Committee overwhelmingly decided, by an 18-2 vote on Monday last week, November 14, 2011, to deny the SDO application of the said corporations.
De los Reyes expressed confidence that the PARC itself would carefully review the rationale behind the decision of its Executive Committee, and act on it immediately and judiciously once the council is convened by the President.
The President is the chairman of the PARC, while the DAR Secretary serves as its vice chairman. The members include the Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, Budget and Management, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Finance, and Labor and Employment, the Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority, the Administrator of the National Irrigation Administration and the Land Registration Authority, the President of the Land Bank of the Philippines, and Private Sector Representatives of the farmers and landowners.
Should the PARC vote against the application for SDO, De los Reyes said, the DAR would immediately issue a notice of coverage that will place the property under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). PAS-DAR
De los Reyes assured farmers during a dialogue with them at his office that the resolution of the case, involving the properties owned by the “14 Colored Corporations”, is at hand. He asked them to be patient as the government is just one step away from completing the process.
The DAR chief made this appeal after the PARC Executive Committee overwhelmingly decided, by an 18-2 vote on Monday last week, November 14, 2011, to deny the SDO application of the said corporations.
De los Reyes expressed confidence that the PARC itself would carefully review the rationale behind the decision of its Executive Committee, and act on it immediately and judiciously once the council is convened by the President.
The President is the chairman of the PARC, while the DAR Secretary serves as its vice chairman. The members include the Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, Budget and Management, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Finance, and Labor and Employment, the Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority, the Administrator of the National Irrigation Administration and the Land Registration Authority, the President of the Land Bank of the Philippines, and Private Sector Representatives of the farmers and landowners.
Should the PARC vote against the application for SDO, De los Reyes said, the DAR would immediately issue a notice of coverage that will place the property under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). PAS-DAR
PARC to decide on Hda. Teresa case – DAR
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) expressed surprise Friday after 13 farmer-beneficiaries staged a lightning rally inside the agency, saying that the case of the 491-hectare Hacienda Teresa in Negros Occidental is now with the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) for final decision.
DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Narciso Nieto said the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC), which comprises of the President as head and all Cabinet secretaries as members, is expected to decide on the case as soon as possible.
“We’re just waiting for the PARC to convene itself and come up with the decision before we make our own move,” he said.
Nieto said the case was fielded to the PARC after its executive committee, headed by DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes, voted 18-2 last Monday against the application for stock distribution option the hacienda owner, the 14 Colored Corporation, filed in 1992, four years after the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was launched in 1988.
“I fully explained to them (farmer-beneficiaries) the good news shortly after the voting was concluded last Monday that’s why I was surprised to see them staging such a rally inside our office,” Nieto said. “All that we are telling them is to be a little patient. After all, we’re almost there.”
Nieto said the DAR is just waiting for the PARC to make a decision. He expressed confidence that it would adopt the decision of its executive committee.
“Once a decision is made, the DAR will immediately act on it. If it is for the denial of the SDO application, I will order our Negros Occidental agrarian reform officer to issue a notice of coverage right away to the 14 Colored Corporation,” Nieto said. PAS-DAR
DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Narciso Nieto said the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC), which comprises of the President as head and all Cabinet secretaries as members, is expected to decide on the case as soon as possible.
“We’re just waiting for the PARC to convene itself and come up with the decision before we make our own move,” he said.
Nieto said the case was fielded to the PARC after its executive committee, headed by DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes, voted 18-2 last Monday against the application for stock distribution option the hacienda owner, the 14 Colored Corporation, filed in 1992, four years after the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was launched in 1988.
“I fully explained to them (farmer-beneficiaries) the good news shortly after the voting was concluded last Monday that’s why I was surprised to see them staging such a rally inside our office,” Nieto said. “All that we are telling them is to be a little patient. After all, we’re almost there.”
Nieto said the DAR is just waiting for the PARC to make a decision. He expressed confidence that it would adopt the decision of its executive committee.
“Once a decision is made, the DAR will immediately act on it. If it is for the denial of the SDO application, I will order our Negros Occidental agrarian reform officer to issue a notice of coverage right away to the 14 Colored Corporation,” Nieto said. PAS-DAR
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
P48-M support services to benefit Leyte farmers
Leyteños are expecting greater economic activity next year as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has plowed in a package of basic rural infrastructure projects worth P48-million in Silago town, Southern Leyte.
DAR-Eastern Visayas regional director Eliasem Castillo said rice production in Barangay Hingatungan in the fifth municipality of Silago will soon be doubled once construction of a P22-million communal irrigation system is completed early next year.
Castillo said the irrigation project, courtesy of the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (JICA-ARISP) is expected to irrigate 153 hectares of ricefields in the said barangay.
Castillo added that transporting farm goods to the market would also ease up soon as construction of P20-million farm-to-market road is underway. The road covers 6.7 kilometer, stretching from Gumamela-Intake up to Kaabon-Infres.
Also part of the package, he said are potable water supply system worth P4-million, a warehouse and a solar dryer with a combined cost of P2-million.
These projects, Castillo said, are important for institutional, agriculture and agribusiness development that are deemed necessary in the improvement of the economic status of more than 2,000 residents in the area.
Silago Mayor Manuel Labrador Sr. said he expects farmers’ rice production to double once the irrigation project is finish.
“More to it, the farmers can also transport their goods with ease because the soon-to be constructed farm-to-market road will provide them an easier access to markets,” he added.
“I would like to thank the DAR and my fellow local government officials for passing the resolution that provided equity to this package of projects. These will greatly contribute to the economic development of our municipality,” Labrador said. Dir. Hugo D. Yonzon III, Public Affairs Staff
DAR-Eastern Visayas regional director Eliasem Castillo said rice production in Barangay Hingatungan in the fifth municipality of Silago will soon be doubled once construction of a P22-million communal irrigation system is completed early next year.
Castillo said the irrigation project, courtesy of the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (JICA-ARISP) is expected to irrigate 153 hectares of ricefields in the said barangay.
Castillo added that transporting farm goods to the market would also ease up soon as construction of P20-million farm-to-market road is underway. The road covers 6.7 kilometer, stretching from Gumamela-Intake up to Kaabon-Infres.
Also part of the package, he said are potable water supply system worth P4-million, a warehouse and a solar dryer with a combined cost of P2-million.
These projects, Castillo said, are important for institutional, agriculture and agribusiness development that are deemed necessary in the improvement of the economic status of more than 2,000 residents in the area.
Silago Mayor Manuel Labrador Sr. said he expects farmers’ rice production to double once the irrigation project is finish.
“More to it, the farmers can also transport their goods with ease because the soon-to be constructed farm-to-market road will provide them an easier access to markets,” he added.
“I would like to thank the DAR and my fellow local government officials for passing the resolution that provided equity to this package of projects. These will greatly contribute to the economic development of our municipality,” Labrador said. Dir. Hugo D. Yonzon III, Public Affairs Staff
Sunday, November 13, 2011
‘All System Go For Land Distribution’ – DAR Chief
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) bares it all as it launches today its Legal Information System Online where the public can access the department’s policies and decisions in a conscious effort to keep them informed about the courses of action it is taking and to improve its dealings with its clientele.
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes said more than 12,000 issuances in the form of memorandum orders and circulars have been uploaded in the said website, whose advanced features and functionalities make it the first of its kind in the government service.
“This is our way of keeping with the President’s mandate of openness and transparency in our service to the people,” De los Reyes said.
He added that the online service would also serve as a source of information of a research and as an education tool for students and legal researchers so that they would be further enlightened about the rationale and the principles used in drafting such policies and decisions.
The DAR-Legal Affairs Office headed by Undersecretary Anthony Parungao initiated the move of opening the Department’s legal archives to the public in partnership with the CD Technologies Asia, Inc. (CD Asia), the pioneer in the field with 17 years of experience in electronic legal publishing in the country.
CD Asia, which also produces CD Asia Online, the fastest and most complete Philippine Legal research site on the web, has currently has 28 titles under its various product lines, which include, among others the Lex Libris series and the Philippine Legal Encyclopedia Series, comprising of the Philippine Law Encyclopedia and Philippine Taxation Encyclopedia.
Among the features of the DAR-LIS user-friendly texts are the interactive table of contents, customized search engine and query templates, and links to various administrative issuances, jurisprudence as well as decisions on various agrarian cases. Public Affairs Staff-Department of Agrarian Reform
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes said more than 12,000 issuances in the form of memorandum orders and circulars have been uploaded in the said website, whose advanced features and functionalities make it the first of its kind in the government service.
“This is our way of keeping with the President’s mandate of openness and transparency in our service to the people,” De los Reyes said.
He added that the online service would also serve as a source of information of a research and as an education tool for students and legal researchers so that they would be further enlightened about the rationale and the principles used in drafting such policies and decisions.
The DAR-Legal Affairs Office headed by Undersecretary Anthony Parungao initiated the move of opening the Department’s legal archives to the public in partnership with the CD Technologies Asia, Inc. (CD Asia), the pioneer in the field with 17 years of experience in electronic legal publishing in the country.
CD Asia, which also produces CD Asia Online, the fastest and most complete Philippine Legal research site on the web, has currently has 28 titles under its various product lines, which include, among others the Lex Libris series and the Philippine Legal Encyclopedia Series, comprising of the Philippine Law Encyclopedia and Philippine Taxation Encyclopedia.
Among the features of the DAR-LIS user-friendly texts are the interactive table of contents, customized search engine and query templates, and links to various administrative issuances, jurisprudence as well as decisions on various agrarian cases. Public Affairs Staff-Department of Agrarian Reform
DAR Chief Assured Protesting Farmers Resolution on SDO
Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes assured protesting farmers from Hacienda Anita (owned by SVJ Farms) and Hacienda Teresa (owned by 14 Colored Corp.) that the department would facilitate the final resolution of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) cases pending at the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC).
De los Reyes said that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is expecting to receive the report from the task force formed to study the controversial SDO being offered to farmers under government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The DAR said the PARC is now waiting for the report of the National Task Force SDO concerning the resolution of at least two SDO cases.
Notices of Coverage for the two properties would only be issued once these cases are resolved by the PARC.
The PARC is an inter-agency council composed of representatives of the various CARP implementing agencies such as the DAR, Department of Agriculture, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Justice, Office of the President, Department of Labor and Employment, National Economic and Development Authority, Land Bank of the Philippines as well as representatives of farmers’ organizations and the landowners.
The 14 Colored Corporations had previously filed their SDO application in May 1990 over Haciendas Teresa and Salamanca located in EB Magalona and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, respectively, covering a total area of 972.6975 hectares.
After this was denied in August 2002, a motion for reconsideration was filed in July 2003.
According to de los Reyes, when the present management of the DAR assumed office, steps were undertaken to expedite action on this matter, and the PARC Executive Committee (ExeCom) regularly met to discuss and evaluate this matter, among others.
A DAR legal opinion rendered in December 2010 that the SDO application should be denied prompted the creation of the Legal Panel chaired by DOJ Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar in February 2011. After five meetings, the Legal Panel recommended the denial of the SDO application.
The PARC executive committee met last Oct. 26 to act on the legal panel’s recommendation to deny the SDO application. However, it was unable to vote on the matter because the required number of voting members of the committee was not reached.
The next meeting of the PARC ExeCom is scheduled on Nov. 16, 2011 for the sole purpose of acting on SDO application of the 14 Colored Corporation. According to de los Reyes, in the event that the PARC ExeCom decides on the SDO application, the matter shall then be forwarded to the PARC itself for final decision.
“As much as the DAR wants this matter settled quickly, the highest standards of due process must be observed, both in its substantive and procedural aspects,” said De los Reyes.
With respect to Hacienda Anita, the PARC secretariat endorsed the petition for the revocation of the SDO to the Task Force on SDO last month.
The secretariat is currently awaiting the report of the Task Force, which it expects to be submitted shortly, the DAR chief said. Public Affairs Staff-Department of Agrarian Reform
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Bukidnon farmers condemn harassment by Fortich Farm guards
An organization of CARP farmer-beneficiaries condemned the harassment perpetuated by six heavily-armed guards to a team of agrarian reform implementers tasked to conduct ocular inspection and valuation of a 331-hectare estate in Bukidnon on November 8.
Members of the Fortich Farm Landless Farmers Beneficiaries Association (FFLFBA), Northern Bukidnon Agrarian Reform Officer Julio Celestiano and his staff together with Land Bank of the Philippines representatives were barred by the armed guards from entering the Fortich Farm in Valencia City, Bukidnon on November 8, 2011.
Rosendo Emat, chair of the FFLFBA said the guards told the team “to enter at their own risk.”
“The guards warned PARO Celestiano not to enter the premises of the farm otherwise they will shoot them,” said Emat.
In a report obtained by TFM, Celestiano told DAR Regional 10 Director Felix Aguhob that: “As the conversation ensued, one guard commented that they are upon orders that if anybody enters the property, they will be shot.”
Fortich Farm, owned by the family of former governor Carlos O. Fortich, is covered by the government’s agrarian reform program since 2005 under compulsory acquisition. But recently the landowners are negotiating for voluntary offer to sell.
On August 18, 2011, the DAR-LBP team’s first ocular inspection (OCI) did not prosper because landowners were reportedly not around. Another attempt to conduct the OCI was on September 15 but the team did not enter the farm located in Barangay San Carlos because of the “landowners negotiation for VOS.”
Emat and his organization is putting the blame on PARO Julio Celestiano, Jr. for the successive failures of the OCI.
“We condemn the harassment but we are now calling for his removal from office because of his failure to coordinate with the police as ordered by his superiors in the execution of the ocular inspection on Fortich estate,” said Emat.
“Had Mr. Celestiano’s team was accompanied by the PNP, they could have entered the premises and proceed with the survey,” said Emat.
Emat said Celestiano may have already known that the landowners are obviously employing delaying tactics which is delaying the implementation of the agrarian reform program.
“It seems that he is also part of the grand plan to bar us from owning the land,” said Emat, one of the more than 100 farmers who are been fighting to own a piece of the large estate for the last seven years.
“We are calling on DAR Secretary delos Reyes to replace him as he is a hindrance to CARP implementation in Bukidnon,” said Emat. Lani Factor, Task Force Mapalad
Members of the Fortich Farm Landless Farmers Beneficiaries Association (FFLFBA), Northern Bukidnon Agrarian Reform Officer Julio Celestiano and his staff together with Land Bank of the Philippines representatives were barred by the armed guards from entering the Fortich Farm in Valencia City, Bukidnon on November 8, 2011.
Rosendo Emat, chair of the FFLFBA said the guards told the team “to enter at their own risk.”
“The guards warned PARO Celestiano not to enter the premises of the farm otherwise they will shoot them,” said Emat.
In a report obtained by TFM, Celestiano told DAR Regional 10 Director Felix Aguhob that: “As the conversation ensued, one guard commented that they are upon orders that if anybody enters the property, they will be shot.”
Fortich Farm, owned by the family of former governor Carlos O. Fortich, is covered by the government’s agrarian reform program since 2005 under compulsory acquisition. But recently the landowners are negotiating for voluntary offer to sell.
On August 18, 2011, the DAR-LBP team’s first ocular inspection (OCI) did not prosper because landowners were reportedly not around. Another attempt to conduct the OCI was on September 15 but the team did not enter the farm located in Barangay San Carlos because of the “landowners negotiation for VOS.”
Emat and his organization is putting the blame on PARO Julio Celestiano, Jr. for the successive failures of the OCI.
“We condemn the harassment but we are now calling for his removal from office because of his failure to coordinate with the police as ordered by his superiors in the execution of the ocular inspection on Fortich estate,” said Emat.
“Had Mr. Celestiano’s team was accompanied by the PNP, they could have entered the premises and proceed with the survey,” said Emat.
Emat said Celestiano may have already known that the landowners are obviously employing delaying tactics which is delaying the implementation of the agrarian reform program.
“It seems that he is also part of the grand plan to bar us from owning the land,” said Emat, one of the more than 100 farmers who are been fighting to own a piece of the large estate for the last seven years.
“We are calling on DAR Secretary delos Reyes to replace him as he is a hindrance to CARP implementation in Bukidnon,” said Emat. Lani Factor, Task Force Mapalad
DAR awards 919 hectares of land to ex-MNLF rebels
Some 309 former Moro National Liberal Front (MNLF) rebels have been awarded 919 hectares of agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Barangay Nuyo, Buldon town, Maguindanao.
Maguindanao Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Bai Cabayan Bacar said the awarding of lands to former MNLF rebels-turned-agrarian reform beneficiaries is part of the government’s peace initiatives and of promoting progress and development in the province and surrounding areas.
Bacar added that some 4,700 has. of farmlands had earlier been distributed other former MNLF rebels. MNLF chair Nur Misuari signed a final peace accord with government on September 2, 1996.
Bacar said the DAR, in cooperation with Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, would soon distribute rubber and oil palm tree seedlings to the beneficiaries, something they could start with in harnessing their newly acquired farmlands.
“This is just the first of many assistance that will go their way. There will be more to come,” Bacar said.
Mangudadatu, who witnessed the distribution of farmlands to the former MNLF rebels, lauded the government’s effort saying that it would go a long way for the attainment of lasting peace and order in the province.
Rebel-returnee Mohammad Ali Dimanalao, alias Commander Carding, said the government proved its sincerity by making good of its promise to assist former rebels like to him to start a new life.
Dimanalao said that his group has patiently waited since 1996 for this opportunity and had continuously hoped of acquiring the lands promised to them by the government.
“We would like to thank the government for our new lands as we also promise to take good care of it for our future,” he said. PAS-DAR
Maguindanao Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Bai Cabayan Bacar said the awarding of lands to former MNLF rebels-turned-agrarian reform beneficiaries is part of the government’s peace initiatives and of promoting progress and development in the province and surrounding areas.
Bacar added that some 4,700 has. of farmlands had earlier been distributed other former MNLF rebels. MNLF chair Nur Misuari signed a final peace accord with government on September 2, 1996.
Bacar said the DAR, in cooperation with Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, would soon distribute rubber and oil palm tree seedlings to the beneficiaries, something they could start with in harnessing their newly acquired farmlands.
“This is just the first of many assistance that will go their way. There will be more to come,” Bacar said.
Mangudadatu, who witnessed the distribution of farmlands to the former MNLF rebels, lauded the government’s effort saying that it would go a long way for the attainment of lasting peace and order in the province.
Rebel-returnee Mohammad Ali Dimanalao, alias Commander Carding, said the government proved its sincerity by making good of its promise to assist former rebels like to him to start a new life.
Dimanalao said that his group has patiently waited since 1996 for this opportunity and had continuously hoped of acquiring the lands promised to them by the government.
“We would like to thank the government for our new lands as we also promise to take good care of it for our future,” he said. PAS-DAR
Thursday, November 10, 2011
DAR promotes rural women’s welfare
Good news to all disadvantaged and abused rural women. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) issued clear guidelines on ensuring the equal rights of women with men in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the countryside.
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes issued Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2011, which establishes a Gender and Development (GAD) program committed to promote women’s welfare and to ensure that support services are extended equally between female and male beneficiaries.
Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong, National Chairperson of the GAD Steering Committee, said that one of the program’s major goals is to put an end to discriminatory acts against women.
“Women, especially those in the countryside are often overlooked, hardly given access to credit, treated second fiddles to husbands and seldom accorded recognition for their roles in the family and in the community. And worst, they are also subjected to physical abuses!” added Bistoyong.
To address these, the GAD program has established women’s desks in all agrarian reform communities (ARCs) nationwide where women can register their complaints and grievances.
The women’s desk will be tasked to formulate and implement programs and activities related to the protection and promotion of women’s rights provided for under the Republic Act 9700 or CARPer.
Among the programs and activities to be pursued by the GAD program include the establishment of community-based enterprises and the conduct of livelihood seminars to enable women to rediscover their hidden talents they could exploit to earn extra income and be a major partner in rural development.
Moreover, Bistoyong said, the program will intensify its information drive to raise awareness about rural women in the country “who are often overlooked, yet carry the multiple burden of raising the family and managing its financial resources, while working in the farm and selling the produce.”
“The DAR is exhausting all of its resources to conduct seminars and workshops nationwide about GAD. We expect that before the CARPer law expires in 2014, women will be equal with men in building the rural community,” Bistoyong added. Pinky, PAS-DAR
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes issued Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2011, which establishes a Gender and Development (GAD) program committed to promote women’s welfare and to ensure that support services are extended equally between female and male beneficiaries.
Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong, National Chairperson of the GAD Steering Committee, said that one of the program’s major goals is to put an end to discriminatory acts against women.
“Women, especially those in the countryside are often overlooked, hardly given access to credit, treated second fiddles to husbands and seldom accorded recognition for their roles in the family and in the community. And worst, they are also subjected to physical abuses!” added Bistoyong.
To address these, the GAD program has established women’s desks in all agrarian reform communities (ARCs) nationwide where women can register their complaints and grievances.
The women’s desk will be tasked to formulate and implement programs and activities related to the protection and promotion of women’s rights provided for under the Republic Act 9700 or CARPer.
Among the programs and activities to be pursued by the GAD program include the establishment of community-based enterprises and the conduct of livelihood seminars to enable women to rediscover their hidden talents they could exploit to earn extra income and be a major partner in rural development.
Moreover, Bistoyong said, the program will intensify its information drive to raise awareness about rural women in the country “who are often overlooked, yet carry the multiple burden of raising the family and managing its financial resources, while working in the farm and selling the produce.”
“The DAR is exhausting all of its resources to conduct seminars and workshops nationwide about GAD. We expect that before the CARPer law expires in 2014, women will be equal with men in building the rural community,” Bistoyong added. Pinky, PAS-DAR
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
MGA BATAS AT DESISYON TUNGKOL SA CARP NASA DAR WEBSITE NA
INILUNSAD ng Kagawaran ng Repormang Agraryo ang Legal Information System sa kanilang website upang maging mas madali sa publiko na malaman ang mga batas na may kaugnayan sa pagpapatupad ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program katulad ng RA 6657, 7881, 7905, 8503 at 9700 gayundin ng mga desisyon ng korte sa mga kaso ng mga magsasaka at nagmamay-ari ng lupa.
Ayon kay Atty. Meyose G. Libunao, Vice President ng CD Asia na nagsagawa ng nasabing karagdagang dagdag impormasyon hinggil sa mga patakaran at pagpapatupad ng CARP ay tinatayang na 8,000 dokumento ang kasalukuyang naipasok na sa nasabing website ng DAR kabilang na ang mga Memorandum Orders at Circulars subalit hindi umano kasama dito ang mga may kinalaman sa mga kawani nito.
Binigyang diin ng CD Asia na ang lahat ng mga dokumentong ina-‘upload’ nila sa website ay mula sa Legal Department ng ahensya sa pamumuno ni Undersecretary Anthony Parungao at inaasahan umanong matatapos ito sa Pebrero 2012.
Sinasabing ang CD Asia ang siyang nanguna at karanasan sa ganitong uri ng trabaho sa larangan ng paglalathala ng mga legal na dokumento o anumang may kinalaman sa batas at legalidad sa loob ng 17 taon.
Sa panayam kay Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes na layunin umano ng DAR na maging ‘transparent’ at maibigay ang tamang impormasyon lalo na sa mga magsasaka ng tamang hakbang na kanilang dapat gawin. Magiging madali rin sa mga Legal Officers ng ahensya ang pagsasaliksik upang ang mga kasong matagal nang nakabinbin sa kanila ay mapabilis at mabigyan ng karampatang aksyon.
Magbibigay din ito ng pagkakataon sa publiko na maibigay ang kanilang suhestyon at reklamo diretso sa kalihim ng agraryo. Isinalin din ang mga dokumento sa tagalog upang madaling maunawaan ang mga batas ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino. Cathy Cruz, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Ayon kay Atty. Meyose G. Libunao, Vice President ng CD Asia na nagsagawa ng nasabing karagdagang dagdag impormasyon hinggil sa mga patakaran at pagpapatupad ng CARP ay tinatayang na 8,000 dokumento ang kasalukuyang naipasok na sa nasabing website ng DAR kabilang na ang mga Memorandum Orders at Circulars subalit hindi umano kasama dito ang mga may kinalaman sa mga kawani nito.
Binigyang diin ng CD Asia na ang lahat ng mga dokumentong ina-‘upload’ nila sa website ay mula sa Legal Department ng ahensya sa pamumuno ni Undersecretary Anthony Parungao at inaasahan umanong matatapos ito sa Pebrero 2012.
Sinasabing ang CD Asia ang siyang nanguna at karanasan sa ganitong uri ng trabaho sa larangan ng paglalathala ng mga legal na dokumento o anumang may kinalaman sa batas at legalidad sa loob ng 17 taon.
Sa panayam kay Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes na layunin umano ng DAR na maging ‘transparent’ at maibigay ang tamang impormasyon lalo na sa mga magsasaka ng tamang hakbang na kanilang dapat gawin. Magiging madali rin sa mga Legal Officers ng ahensya ang pagsasaliksik upang ang mga kasong matagal nang nakabinbin sa kanila ay mapabilis at mabigyan ng karampatang aksyon.
Magbibigay din ito ng pagkakataon sa publiko na maibigay ang kanilang suhestyon at reklamo diretso sa kalihim ng agraryo. Isinalin din ang mga dokumento sa tagalog upang madaling maunawaan ang mga batas ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino. Cathy Cruz, PSciJourn Mega Manila
DAR launches Legal Info System Online
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) bares it all as it launches today its Legal Information System Online where the public can access the department’s policies and decisions in a conscious effort to keep them informed about the courses of action it is taking and to improve its dealings with its clientele.
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes said more than 12,000 issuances in the form of memorandum orders and circulars have been uploaded in the said website, whose advanced features and functionalities make it the first of its kind in the government service.
“This is our way of keeping with the President’s mandate of openness and transparency in our service to the people,” De los Reyes said.
He added that the online service would also serve as a source of information of a research and as an education tool for students and legal researchers so that they would be further enlightened about the rationale and the principles used in drafting such policies and decisions.
The DAR-Legal Affairs Office headed by Undersecretary Anthony Parungao initiated the move of opening the Department’s legal archives to the public in partnership with the CD Technologies Asia, Inc. (CD Asia), the pioneer in the field with 17 years of experience in electronic legal publishing in the country.
CD Asia, which also produces CD Asia Online, the fastest and most complete Philippine Legal research site on the web, has currently has 28 titles under its various product lines, which include, among others the Lex Libris series and the Philippine Legal Encyclopedia Series, comprising of the Philippine Law Encyclopedia and Philippine Taxation Encyclopedia.
Among the features of the DAR-LIS user-friendly texts are the interactive table of contents, customized search engine and query templates, and links to various administrative issuances, jurisprudence as well as decisions on various agrarian cases. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
DAR Secretary Gil de los Reyes said more than 12,000 issuances in the form of memorandum orders and circulars have been uploaded in the said website, whose advanced features and functionalities make it the first of its kind in the government service.
“This is our way of keeping with the President’s mandate of openness and transparency in our service to the people,” De los Reyes said.
He added that the online service would also serve as a source of information of a research and as an education tool for students and legal researchers so that they would be further enlightened about the rationale and the principles used in drafting such policies and decisions.
The DAR-Legal Affairs Office headed by Undersecretary Anthony Parungao initiated the move of opening the Department’s legal archives to the public in partnership with the CD Technologies Asia, Inc. (CD Asia), the pioneer in the field with 17 years of experience in electronic legal publishing in the country.
CD Asia, which also produces CD Asia Online, the fastest and most complete Philippine Legal research site on the web, has currently has 28 titles under its various product lines, which include, among others the Lex Libris series and the Philippine Legal Encyclopedia Series, comprising of the Philippine Law Encyclopedia and Philippine Taxation Encyclopedia.
Among the features of the DAR-LIS user-friendly texts are the interactive table of contents, customized search engine and query templates, and links to various administrative issuances, jurisprudence as well as decisions on various agrarian cases. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
Saturday, October 29, 2011
DAR ASSURES PARC RESOLUTION OF SDO CASES
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) assured protesting farmers from Hacienda Anita (SVJ Farms) and Hacienda Teresa (14 Colored Corporations) that it will facilitate the final resolution of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) cases brought before the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC). The DAR, however, said that Notices of Coverage for these landholdings will only be issued once these cases are resolved by the PARC. The PARC is an inter-agency Council composed of representatives of the various CARP Implementing Agencies such as the DAR, DA, DBM, DENR, DOJ, OP, DOLE, NEDA, LBP as well as representatives of farmers’ organizations and the landowners.
The 14 Colored Corporations had previously filed their SDO application in May 1990 over Haciendas Teresa and Salamanca located in E.B. Magalona and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, respectively, covering a total area of 972.6975 hectares. After this was denied in August 2002, a motion for reconsideration was filed in July 2003.
When the present management of the DAR assumed office, steps were undertaken to expedite action on this matter, and the PARC Executive Committee (ExeCom) regularly met to discuss and evaluate this matter, among others. A DAR legal opinion rendered in December 2010 that the SDO application should be denied prompted the creation of the Legal Panel chaired by DOJ Undersecretary Jose Vicente B. Salazar in February 2011. After five meetings, the Legal Panel recommended the denial of the SDO application.
The PARC ExeCom met on 26 October 2011 to act on the Legal Panel’s recommendation to deny the SDO application. However, it was unable to vote on the matter because the required number of voting members of the committee were not present. DAR Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes earnestly enjoined all the representatives of the various agencies to ensure the attendance of their designated members to the meeting called on 16 November 2011 for the sole purpose of acting on this matter. In the event that the PARC ExeCom decides on the SDO application, the matter shall then be forwarded to the PARC itself for final decision. “As much as the DAR wants this matter settled quickly, the highest standards of due process must be observed, both in its substantive and procedural aspects”, said de los Reyes.
With respect to Hacienda Anita, the PARC Secretariat endorsed the petition for the revocation of the SDO to the DAR’s National Task Force on SDO just last month, for it to conduct an on-site investigation and validation of the issues raised. The Secretariat is currently awaiting the report of the Task Force, which it expects to be submitted shortly. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
The 14 Colored Corporations had previously filed their SDO application in May 1990 over Haciendas Teresa and Salamanca located in E.B. Magalona and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, respectively, covering a total area of 972.6975 hectares. After this was denied in August 2002, a motion for reconsideration was filed in July 2003.
When the present management of the DAR assumed office, steps were undertaken to expedite action on this matter, and the PARC Executive Committee (ExeCom) regularly met to discuss and evaluate this matter, among others. A DAR legal opinion rendered in December 2010 that the SDO application should be denied prompted the creation of the Legal Panel chaired by DOJ Undersecretary Jose Vicente B. Salazar in February 2011. After five meetings, the Legal Panel recommended the denial of the SDO application.
The PARC ExeCom met on 26 October 2011 to act on the Legal Panel’s recommendation to deny the SDO application. However, it was unable to vote on the matter because the required number of voting members of the committee were not present. DAR Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes earnestly enjoined all the representatives of the various agencies to ensure the attendance of their designated members to the meeting called on 16 November 2011 for the sole purpose of acting on this matter. In the event that the PARC ExeCom decides on the SDO application, the matter shall then be forwarded to the PARC itself for final decision. “As much as the DAR wants this matter settled quickly, the highest standards of due process must be observed, both in its substantive and procedural aspects”, said de los Reyes.
With respect to Hacienda Anita, the PARC Secretariat endorsed the petition for the revocation of the SDO to the DAR’s National Task Force on SDO just last month, for it to conduct an on-site investigation and validation of the issues raised. The Secretariat is currently awaiting the report of the Task Force, which it expects to be submitted shortly. Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agrarian Reform
Friday, October 21, 2011
Pangulong Aquino Seryoso sa Pagpapatupad sa Land Reform Program ng Bansa
Pinabulaanan ngayon ni Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes ang paratang ng ilang civil society groups na di umano seryoso ang administrasyong Aquino na ipamahagi ang nalalabing 1.093 milyong ektaryang agricultural lands sa mga magsasakang benepisyaryo sa ilalim ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program o CARP.
Ayon kay Secretary De los Reyes, puspusan ang ginagawang trabaho ngayon ang Department of Agrarian Reform o DAR para maunahan ang taong 2014 deadline sa land distribution, at inaasahang maabot ang 200,000 ektaryang target na maipamahagi bago matapos ang taong kasalukuyan.
Sinabi pa ng kalihim na ang budget para sa landowners compensation ay nagawan na ng kaukulang solusyon na di tulad dati na ang kakulangan sa pondo para rito ang siyang pinakamalaking balakid sa programa ng land distribution.
Ipinunto pa ni Secretary De los Reyes na ang malinaw na indikasyon na seryoso si Pangulong Aquino na tapusin ang agrarian reform ay makikita sa 2011 budget at sa proposed 2012 budget. Nakapaloob sa 2011 budget na popondohan ang land acquisition and distribution target ng DAR at ganoon din sa 2012 proposed budget. Norman Tamayo, PAS-DAR
Ayon kay Secretary De los Reyes, puspusan ang ginagawang trabaho ngayon ang Department of Agrarian Reform o DAR para maunahan ang taong 2014 deadline sa land distribution, at inaasahang maabot ang 200,000 ektaryang target na maipamahagi bago matapos ang taong kasalukuyan.
Sinabi pa ng kalihim na ang budget para sa landowners compensation ay nagawan na ng kaukulang solusyon na di tulad dati na ang kakulangan sa pondo para rito ang siyang pinakamalaking balakid sa programa ng land distribution.
Ipinunto pa ni Secretary De los Reyes na ang malinaw na indikasyon na seryoso si Pangulong Aquino na tapusin ang agrarian reform ay makikita sa 2011 budget at sa proposed 2012 budget. Nakapaloob sa 2011 budget na popondohan ang land acquisition and distribution target ng DAR at ganoon din sa 2012 proposed budget. Norman Tamayo, PAS-DAR
Monday, October 17, 2011
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