Handum Volume No. 1 Issue No. 1 (Maiden Issue)

preface

Handum is the Hiligaynon equivalent for wish. It is a desire for something. In the case of DAR Provincial OfficeNegros Occidental 1, it is the desire to capture, report and feature the stories of established land tenure security, effective legal services and appropriate support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries in the northern part of Negros Occidental. It is our fervent commitment to present the true and transformative impact of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program to our Negrense farmers, through the pages of our quarterly e-magazine, aptly dubbed, Handum. The e-magazine immortalizes stories of change, hard-work, dedication, hope and ultimately, the fulfillment of dreams. Truly, Handum is a collection of wishes that have come true.

EDITORS’ NOTE

-At first, I was afraid to write and put my thoughts into words out there, to express my feelings – I was frightened to be criticized and more than terrified to be heard. But as time goes, I have accepted certain tasks and responsibilities I thought I can never handle.

Never have I ever dreamed of posting or attributing my name in any publication but along the way, I found inspirations from my fellow silent writers, whose sparks may have been dim as mine.

Drawing strength from each other, we collaborate, we have inspired one another; we have set ablaze the once flickering light into an eternal burning flame.

A dream comes true. A “handum” worth living. “Handum”, is a Hiligaynon word that means “dream.”

Usually, dream comes only from sleep. But today, a dream has been materialized from planning, born out of concept, while we are awake.

The birth of this magazine is a dream come true!

what’s NEXT...

2 meet the team.

About the Cover

She is a farmer. A mother and wife. A leader. A dreamer. SHE IS A WOMAN.

Our cover is Nanay Sela, a 73-year-old woman, looking at the horizon with eyes that have seen struggles silently won over the years, at a time when many men think that women cannot fulfill their dreams. The very same eyes that carry dreams not only for herself, but for her family and the community. Though her clothes are that of an ordinary farm worker, her soul is armored with hopes and aspirations that one day, her next generation will live a better life. Under the scorching heat of the sun, Nanay Sela is a picture of a resilient woman able to bear the burdens of raising a family while leading a then-growing organization. A living proof that women can lead without forgetting that she, too, is a mother and a wife.

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The Editorial board

editorial staff

TERESITA R. MABUNAY OIC -PARPO II EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

RONEL V. LABRADOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ellaine Mae P. Macainan ARPT , STOD-PIO

Elou Shannen E. Neri ARPT , STOD-CAO

Macky Jay R. Fernandez ARPT , OFFICE OF THE PARPO II

Cherry Meljon F. Batayola ARPT , STOD-CAO

Michael P. Peñaflorida ARPT , LTID-GENERATIONS

Christy Joy Y. Mangalus ARPT , OFFICE OF THE PARPO II

Ma. Helen S. Daniela ARPT , OFFICE OF THE PARPO II

Amarie G. Perez ARPT , LEGAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION

Niel Jason D. Baliguas ARPT , PBDD-SIB

Zayin J. Enarsao ARPT , PBDD-M&E

Ryan Jay T. Gargaritano ARPT , LEGAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION

Christhel F. Batayola ARPT , OFIICE OF THE CARPO - LTID

Kim C. Ramos ARPT , LTID-LDIS

Ann Margaret E. Montinola ARPO II, OFFICE OF THE PARPO II

In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Department of Agrarian Reform Negros Occidental 1 conducted series of activities to promote gender equality and inclusive society. In pursuit of this objective, the DAR North has lined up various activities intended to be undertaken for the whole month of March 2023. Newly-appointed Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) for DAR North, Atty. Edwin N. Mendame, Jr., was present to grace the opening of the National Women’s Month Celebration, on March 17, 2023 at O Hotel, Bacolod City. In his message, PARPO

Mendame emphasized the holistic

. Further, he highlighted the power and impact of women

by: Cherry Meljon F. Batayola and Ma. Helen S.Daniela

in all the roles they take, such as being a mother, a wife, and also an integral part of the agency (DAR).

Moreover, a symposium entitled

“Stress Management: Work Engagement in Midlife”

was conducted by the Resource Speaker, Deborah Natalia Espinosa Singson, Ph. D., to provide the participants with relevant information and

education on managing stress most especially in the workplace.

One of the highlights of the activity was the “Gandang

May Igaganda Pa” –a pamper session intended for the employees. Free haircuts and make overs were given for

role of women which should not be underestimated

both men and women.At the end of the said session, at least 20 participants were happy sporting their new looks.

On March 21, 2023, an entrepreneurial skills livelihood training in shrimp kropek making and homemade pandesal baking, was spearheaded and conducted by the Bacolod City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, held at the DAR Provincial Office quadrangle.

The aforementioned activity aims to inculcate new learning and skills to the participants which they can eventually use to attain an additional source of income.

a huge success, as not only the female employees enjoyed and participated in the activities, but also the male employees have shown their all-out support and

all Filipinos, and equipping them with skills to fully participate in a globally competitive economy.

On March 27, 2023, the closing celebration for National Women’s Month, was concluded with a unity dance (participated by all DAR Provincial Office employees), to the song entitled “One Billion Rising” which is an ode to end violence against women. The month long celebration was

appreciation by taking part in the events. All DAR employees were involved in the celebration, had fun, developed new skills, and most importantly learned to appreciate women empowerment and resilience.

In the Philippines, National Women’s Month has been a thrust to highlight the achievements of women and to address the emerging gender equality issues and concerns, challenges, and commitments. This year’s theme on the celebration of National Women’s Month: “WE for gender equality and inclusive society,” aligns with the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028 which focuses on inclusivity, providing equal opportunities to

AND

DAR NEGROS 1 welcomes new PARPO 1

As the new PARPO I, Atty. Edwin N. Mendame Jr. received the key of responsibility with OIC-PARPO II Teresita R. Mabunay. In a message, RD Enciso said, “Congratulations Atty. Edwin! We look forward that with your help, DARPO Negros Occidental-North will continue to be active implementers of agrarian reform.” By the same token, ARD Taberna wished him well as he embarks on another chapter in his journey in public service. “May your new duty as PARPO I here in Negros 1 be fruitful. May your works be commendable and reach to help more ARBs,” she added. ARD Umadhay, on his end, posed a challenge to everyone present. ARD Umadhay said, “Being a relevant agency, let’s champion positivity and excellent service to our agrarian reform beneficiaries. Let us help PARPO Edwin.”

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Occidental 1 (North) conducted the installation ceremony of its new Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO) Atty. Edwin N. Mendame Jr. on March 21, 2023, at O’ Hotel, Bacolod City.

OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Teresita R. Mabunay commenced the ceremony with a warm message of welcome in the valuable presence of the DAR Regional Director (RD) Atty. Sheila B. Enciso, Assistant Regional Directors (ARDs) Lucrecia S. Taberna and Gideon

A. Umadhay Jr. and DAR Negros 1 officers and staff.

“It is said that “a smile is a universal welcome”. This morning, I see smiles

everywhere. I know that these smiles signify a warm welcome to an important addition to the DARPO Negros 1 familyour new PARPO I, Atty. Edwin Mendame. We are all filled with jubilation for Atty. Mendame’s assignment to Negros 1. Finally, I will have someone to help me surpass the many herculean trials that continue to be thrown my way. After all, DARPO Negros Occidental 1 is not an easy feat to face as a DAR official, especially as its head of office. I am happy that we are all part of his journey and I look forward to the years in service that we will all share with him, for the continued success of DAR and for the unfading glory of the Almighty.” said PARPO II Mabunay.

Mendame previously worked at the Office of the DAR Secretary- Legislative Liaison and External Affairs Service. In response, Mendame expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and readily accepted the responsibility as PARPO I. He is all set to take another challenge in a new endeavor still in service to the Filipinos. Also present in the said event are Atty. Isagani Cuello, CAO Corazon T. Mondia, Atty. Felix Glenn C. Mendoza, CARPO Engr. Ignacio Cabayao Jr, CARPO Josephine Lobrido, CARPO Aisha Mae Ardiente, SPLIT Component Coordinator, Engr. Joji Flores, Cluster Managers, DARPO North Chorale, and Dance Troupe.

*Ellaine Mae Macainan

PBD Division strengthen measures for support services delivery

Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Division revisited its accomplishments for the first quarter of CY 2023 as it conducted its Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) 1st Quarter Review and Planning Session (RPS) Conference last March 3, 2023 at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City.

DAR Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director Lucrecia S. Taberna, through an online video call during the conference, said: “DAR Regional Office is aware of the efforts and initiatives being exerted by the DAR- PBD Negros Occidental North staff in meeting the CY 2023 deliverables and targets. Through this RPS, DARRO will be able to get updated with the projects’ and programs’ status as well as the factors that hinder in achieving the targets.”

OIC- Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Teresita R. Mabunay cited that the goal of the activity is to carry out the directives and mandates by the DAR Central and Regional Office set for CY 2023 and to formulate efficient and effective plans as well as strategies for the benefit of our agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs).

Added objectives included the review of the first quarter accomplishments versus annual targets, adoption of new initiatives and strategies through planning; action plans for the remaining targets for 1st Semester of CY 2023, align schedule of activities in the 2nd Quarter and discuss status, updates, issues, and concerns affecting the accomplishments of specific PBDD activities.

Aisha May Ardiente, OIC- Chief

Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD), in the session, highlighted: “We aim to level-off and better understand the indicators so that we can address the gaps that facilitate or hinder the implementation of the programs and projects.”

SARPO Sonia Montinola of Regional PBDD joined the RPS Conference and presented the CY 2023 directives while other Regional PBD Staff joined the said activity through the online virtual platform.

DAR, together with its PBDD is mandated to provide the ARBs continuous institutional and enterprise development training and workshops to ensure the sustainability of the programs and projects. * Zayin J. Enarsao

DARPO Negros Occidental 1 conducts trainings on E-ARCOD

The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office-Negros Occidental 1 (DARPO-Neg. Occ.1) begins the conduct of four batches of Enterprise-based Agrarian Reform Community Organizing and Development (E-ARCOD) trainings for Development Facilitators (DFs) and Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Implementers at Nature’s Resort Village, Talisay City, on February 7, 2023.

The participants are trained to become competent community organizers and enterprise development facilitators, for them to engage in development interventions of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

Officer-in-Charge Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (OICCARPO), Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Aisha T. Ardiente led the event. “The conduct of the E-ARCOD training is imperative for DFs to implement entrepreneurial activities in their respective ARCs,” Ardiente said.

“Our DFs and PBD Implementers

have the responsibility of improving the quality of life of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and enable them to become active participants in the government’s development efforts in order to continue our fight against rural poverty,” Ardiente added.

The E-ARCOD training was done thru the collaborative efforts of the PBDD and the Support to Operation Division (STOD) of DARRPO-Neg. Occ. 1.

PWD ARBs receive assistance from DAR

Reform Program Officer II (OICPARPO II) Teresita R. Mabunay said, “We conduct this activity to advocate and inform the PWDs of the community and their household members in the agrarian reform communities (ARCs) on their rights and privileges to government programs that can benefit them.”

Teresita R. Mabunay, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office, Negros Occidental 1 and Ma. Corazon T. Mondia, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) were also present at the event. The four batches of trainings were respectively conducted on February 7-10, February 20-25, February 27March 2, and March 6-11, 2023.

*Elou Shannen Neri

vulnerable PWDs in the ARC areas. We are encouraging your families and respective communities to live with and to reaffirm the strong ties of valued Filipino tradition for caring for the PWDs to ensure a more comfortable, dignified, and healthier life and their full participation as an integral part of Philippine society,” Mondia added.

In a continuous pursuit of delivering essential support services to the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Occidental-North conducted an outreach activity for persons with disabilities (PWDs) within ARB Organizations coupled with an orientation of Republic Act No. 7277 or Magna Carta for Disabled Persons in Sagay City on September 29, 2022.

Officer-In-Charge Provincial Agrarian

Twenty (20) PWD ARBs participated in the discussion delivered by Ms. Abegail Aldohesa, Social Welfare Officer I of the Department of Social Welfare Development-Sagay City. The provision of rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance, equal rights and access to employment, education, health, and other auxiliary social services, fare and grocery discounts, as well as fines and penalties for bullying, are the topics taken up.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ma. Corazon T. Mondia, who led the orientation said that this activity is held to protect and promote the interest of the

The participants received food packs consisting bags of rice, canned goods, powdered drinks, and biscuits. Engr. Fe Claire Soberano, PWD Affairs Officer of Sagay local government unit (LGU), is also present in the said activity.

As DAR continues to provide a just, safe and equitable rights of tillers to own, control, secure, cultivate and enhance their agricultural lands, improve their quality of life towards rural development and national industrialization, support services are delivered to client beneficiaries.

*Ellaine Mae Macainan

Provincial Government of Negros Occidental over Farm Productivity Projects worth P19-M

(SuRe ARCs) under the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities Project (SuRe ARC Project) that provides support to the production of High-Value Crops and thus, improve levels of productivity and increase household income.

Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the northern part of the province will be provided with a tissue culture laboratory, a greenhouse facility for the micropropagation of suitable crops, FME, and organic fertilizers. Likewise, there will be technical capacity development for laboratory staff.

More than P19-M worth of farm productivity enhancement projects were turned over by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region VI to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” V. Lacson at the Provincial Capitol, on April 4, 2023.

The activity is the result of a Memorandum of Agreement entered into by DAR and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO) for the development of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

This collaboration between DAR

and PGNO aims to assist in the implementation of support services such as rural infrastructure, Farm Machineries and Equipment (FME) and Agri-Enterprise Development projects. The DAR and PGNO will pool human, technical and material resources for the purpose of assisting the people of the selected Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) within the province.

Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Lucrecia S. Taberna of DARRO VI led the activity. The project focuses on Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities

Also present in the activity is the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Engr. Arnulfo T. Figueroa of DAR Negros Occidental 2 (South), OIC Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) of Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) of DAR Negros Occidental I (North) Aisha May T. Ardiente, Provincial Treasurer Atty. Amy Bolivar, and Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Edmundo Raul Causing.

Construction of Farm-to-market roads in Brgy. Alangilan, Bacolod City, ongoing

Construction of 2 Farm-toMarket Roads (FMRs) in Barangay

Alangilan, Bacolod City is scheduled for completion in October of this year.

FMRs, as defined in Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 are “roads linking the agriculture and fisheries production sites, coastal landing points and post-harvest facilities to the market and arterial roads and highways.”

FMR 1, with a length of 1.720 kilometers, is from Purok 2 leading to Purok 10 and Alangilan National High School, while, FMR 2, with a length of 1.720 kilometers, is from Purok 16 leading to Purok 15.

The P50 million budget for both FMRs is taken from the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF). These FMRs benefit the Alangilan Agrarian Reform Community (ARC), composed of at least 40 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). Meanwhile, “[a]side from our

ARBs who belong to the Alangilan ARC, more than 1,000 Non-ARBs (NARBs) are to gain access to both FMRs, since they are residents of the barangay which these roads traverse. Moreover, the FMRs are also convenient for our ARBs from the neighboring Cabatangan

DAR Western Visayas collaborates with

*Ann Margaret Montinola and Ronel Labrador

and Concepcion (CACON) ARC in Talisay City”, said Teresita R. Mabunay, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office, Negros Occidental 1.

“When completed, these FMRs translate into increasingly fair market prices and profits for our ARBs and NARBs, alike. It gives our farmers the motivation to plant more crops, because they will finally have efficient market access”, Mabunay also said.

The quality and accessibility of these FMRs reduce transport costs of the farm produce of our farmers and thus, raise the prices that they will get for their products. It gives equal hope, assistance and opportunity to the farmers in the area, whether or not they are ARBs”, Mabunay added.

*Ann Margaret Montinola

13, 256 HECTARES OF AGRI-LAND VALIDATED UNDER SPLIT NEGROS NORTH

The Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) is a foreignassisted project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) that involves the subdivision of collective land titles (CCLOAs) issued under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) into individual land titles. This project aims to parcelize CCLOAs to stabilize ownership, tenureship, and control of lands awarded to the concerned farmer-beneficiaries.

Since the inception of the project implementation on August 18, 2021, up to the present, thirteen thousand two hundred and fifty-six (13,256) hectares of agricultural lands involving various CARPcovered landholdings have undergone the validation process of the DAR Negros Occidental-North through Project SPLIT. The said lands are subject to individual

titling and are intended to be awarded to 10,113 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Negros Occidental-North. A magnitude of 1,155.17 hectares makes up for the 1,916 counts of e-titles in favor of 1,033 qualified co-owners of the land, updated as of March 3, 2023.

OIC-PARPO II Teresita R. Mabunay, Provincial Project Manager and Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) and SPLIT Component Coordinator, Engr. Joji D. Flores led this endeavor with the support and cooperation of the Provincial Project Management Officers (PPMOs), MARPOs, and Field Validation Teams. DAR through Project SPLIT works hand in hand to accomplish its target promptly to hasten the process of the re-issuance of individual titles for the farmer-beneficiaries and co- owners of the land under a collective land title.

The continuous implementation of Project SPLIT in Negros North leaves 8,700 hectaresof the land target for validation, 5,800 hectares for a series of surveys, and 4,000 hectares for redocumentation this Calendar Year 2023 with corresponding numbers of 12,384, 7,344, and 9,313 ARBs who will stand to benefit through this project as they will be awarded their individual CLOAs, in the areas of focus this year.

DAR Negros Occidental-North heeds the demands of the project as stipulated in Administrative Order 1, Series of 2021, that Project SPLIT shall facilitate the parcelization of CCLOAs and the subsequent generation, registration, and issuance of Electronic-Titles to the ARBs.

*Ellaine Mae Macainan

400 Negros occidental 1 farmers received CLOAs

After several years of waiting, 400 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from Negros Occidental 1 finally received their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and electronic land titles (E-Titles) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Passi City, Iloilo on February 17, 2023.

Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III led the distribution of CLOAs and e-Titles to 400 ARBs of Negros Occidental 1 comprising a total of 917.4062 hectares of agricultural lands.

Liberato Cosio was one of 400 farmers in Negros Occidental 1 to finally get his hard-earned CLOA. Notwithstanding the distance, Cosio journeyed from Barangay Guimbala-on, Silay City to Passi

City, Iloilo. Cosio received his CLOA, which covers a 1.4-hectare plot of property in Barangay Guimbala-on, Silay City, Negros Occidental, from the landholding that had previously

to help you improve your economic lives,” he promised.

Estrella also stressed that the DAR is collaborating with other organizations such as the Department of Health (DOH) to provide medical assistance to the ARBs and to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide scholarships to the children of ARBs so they can attend school for free while making extra money.

belonged to Ramiro Golez. “We would like to thank the DAR for helping us own the land we have been tilling for a long time. At last, we are now holding the CLOA we have been dreaming of,’’ Cosio said.

Estrella emphasized that the event is in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to hasten land distribution and intensify support services to the ARBs.

“We will provide you with more lands and necessary support services

In addition to distributing land titles, the DAR also turned over farmto-market roads (FMRs) worth P100-million, farm machineries and equipment (FME) worth P14million as part of the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities (SuRe ARCs) project.

*Kim Ramos

“No Man is An Island” may be a cliché but this is continually proving true in a community such as ours which is reason enough for DAR to keep strengthening the partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the implementation of the Agrarian Reform program, a relationship that has been in existence for decades now. With the understanding that one arm is less likely to work as efficiently without the other, dialogues with these CSOs are held in a regular manner.

In attendance are their officers and members, and from our end, our OIC-PARPO II Teresita R. Mabunay, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs) and the DAR Provincial Office personnel, where all existing and probable issues and concerns in the coverage of the

different landholdings they have engaged are the theme of discussion.

The importance of these dialogues is never debatable. Conducting the same is an inevitable part in the function of the whole system of CARP implementation. Rigorous checking and updating on the status of coverage and processing of the landholdings under the program and problems arising from the same, are constantly conducted. Resolutions and action plans are mutually generated – a product of how well we are able to work hand-in-hand, for the best interest of the farmer beneficiaries and landowners, just the same, with due consideration of fairness and equality.

Currently, DAR Negros Occidental 1 works closely with the following

CSOs: Task Force Mapalad (TFM), Task Force Kasanag (TFK), Negros Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), Damayan ng mga Magsasaka, Mangingisda at Mangagawa sa Banse (DAMMMBA), Katarungan and TARBAFA to name a few.

The strength of any community lies not only in the proper function of every member but also their proactivity. With that, DAR continues to commit with these CSOs by holding regular dialogues and additionally coursed the same through the DARMOs. Going down the grassroots enable our farmers who are living in the far-flung areas to actively participate in the process of effective agrarian reform implementation.

*Macky Jay Fernandez and Christy Joy Mangalus

Dialogue with the different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) together with the MARPOs concerned and OIC-PARPO II Teresita R. Mabunay conducted at the Conference Room of the Department of Agrarian Reform Negros Occidental 1 Provincial Office in Bacolod City.

Different dialogues conducted at the different DAR Municipal Offices. (L-R) MARPO Ramon Silvino Abiera at DARMO Sagay; MARPO Ana Roberta Bayon-on at DARMO Cadiz; MARPO Leah Abale, MARPO Ma. Victoria Delgado, MARPO Julielou Gonzaleswith Mary Ann Bartolome, CSO Point Person; MARPO Jeremiah Barrientos at DARMO Victorias.

Dar ing to dream, Dar ing to lead.

by Christy Joy Y. Mangalus

Ma. Helen S. Daniela

Macky Jay R. Fernandez

How a woman touched farmers’ lives

Raised from humble beginnings by parents Miguel C. Robles and Flordeliza M. Badinas, our OIC-PARPO II is never one to limit herself when it comes to accomplishment. Rising from the ranks and with the passion and dedication to the craft, she always had it in her to not only set her eyes on the goal but also on the prize that she could bring home to the agency she serves. Indeed, the true making of a leader.

OIC-PARPO II Teresita RoblesMabunay dared to dream.

As a child, she is not at all like the others of her age who seem to be “all over the place”. She is collected. Always donned in proper manners. If she is to speak about something, it is not about meaningless banter over people and events that do not matter. Raised in a Godly home, she never misses out a chance to speak of the goodness of the Lord and even as a child would always account her life to be a product of God’s perfect plan.

A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Certificate of Academic Proficiency from the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos in 1982, she was one of the recipients of the Educational Assistance Act of 1976 or the “Study Now, Pay Later” scheme authored by then President Marcos as an act of promoting democratization of educational opportunities. The reason why she decided on her bachelor’s degree despite her supposed love for Communication Arts and the Law was that BS Agriculture is the course offered under the SNPL scheme, thus enabling her of the opportunity to have an education without burdening her parents with tuition fees and the sorts.

Because her dream was never limited to just achieving a bachelor’s degree, she continued on to pursue higher learning by taking up Bachelor of Laws in 1985 in the same university. By then, she can already afford this post graduate education.

Her seemingly unending desire to further learn may have been highly influenced by the fact that her father is a member of the academe. Even in her early years she has been a believer of quality education and its positive impact on the lives of the welleducated.

She first entered the DAR as an Agrarian Reform Program Technologist (ARPT) and worked her way through the rank. A true hard worker – this is how she is. For her, circumstances surrounding the implementation of the program will always be with resolutions, regardless. Immersing herself into the system, she has established quite a reputation of being an intellectual combatant especially with her legal background.

PARPO Tess dared to lead. And so she did. And still is.

From the moment that she was appointed as OICPARPO II for DAR Negros Occidental 1, she knew in her heart that her work will have to multiply in double or triple, if need be, because as head of the provincial office everything depends on her. Her capacity to unquestioningly work beyond the hours and to meticulously be in personal attendance to all concerns of the office is oftentimes interpreted by others that to her, rest is a luxury.

PARPO Tess is the embodiment of an effective soldier who never succumbs to the challenges of the war.

And while she has grown accustomed to dancing with the arrows and bullets strewn in most any direction, leading the battalion of other good soldiers in the program implementation has been her winning suit. She has learned to strategize the victorious moves in every battle she faces which is why DAR Negros Occidental 1 has always been on top in the arena of accomplishments for Region VI.

To this day, PARPO Tess is mother and leader to all of DAR Negros Occidental 1. Because she is nonchalant to the bludgeons around her, you will always find her keeping on and moving forward towards the end-goal, her eyes always set on the prize – never ceasing, never saying “never” to the demands of the higher-ups. And because for her, the prize set is the ultimate liberation of the landless from their unspoken bondage to their landlords for ages, it is without any hint of doubt that she has championed the war. PARPO Tess has led her battalion of agrarian reformist and awarded a significant number of CLOAs to installed ARBs who have had the opportunity to enjoy better lives up to this day.

March is a dedication to all women, regardless of the personality. It is Women’s Month and we pay tribute to all the women, just like PARPO Tess who believed they could and so they did! Whether you are loud and out or reserved, do not let anyone control what you can achieve because you are a “Woman”.

DAR NEGROS 1 ACES CY 2022 ACCOMPLISHMENT

CY 2022 marked new milestones for the Department of Agrarian Reform Negros Occidental 1 (North) in surpassing intractable challenges with excellence and indomitable spirit witnessed in the CY 2022 Regional Summative Assessment held at Marzon Hotel, Kalibo, Aklan, on January 11 to 13, 2023.

The activity is held to give an opportunity to the management to honor the invaluable dedication of the DAR officials and their respective subordinates on their share in program accomplishments. Furthermore, it became a venue to evaluate the status of program implementation, get wind of the current and foresighted issues and concerns, ascertain the continuance of processes, and alleviate the issues’ detrimental effects in the delivery of targets.

On the same occasion, DAR Negros Occidental 1 (North) has been duly recognized for its top-notch performance and massive contribution to the high accomplishment of the whole region. DAR Negros 1 maintains and even upraises competent scores with the compelling leadership of OICProvincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (OICPARPO II) Teresita R. Mabunay.

For Land Tenure Security Program (LTSP), under Claim Folder Preparation and Documentation, DAR Negros 1 topped the biggest hectarage having an annual target of 3,017.0279 and has accomplished 3,467.2434 hectares with a percentage accomplishment of 115%. We also ranked first in Survey in terms of magnitude covering 2,600.0589 hectares. transmitted to and accepted by the Land Management Service (LMS) and with Approved Survey Plans but ranked second in terms of percentage which is 108.33%. For Land Valuation, around 534.8625 hectares were issued with Memorandum of Valuation (MOV) out of a target of 3,001.2186 has. Moreover, a magnitude of 324.6723 hectares have been accomplished for EP/CLOA registration benefiting 611 ARBs. For EP/CLOA Distribution, DARPO Negros 1 got the first rank in so far as magnitude is concerned, having distributed 2,917.5565 hectares out of its target of 2,632.5178 which was distributed to 3,682 ARBs. Concerning ARB installation, the province ranked second, both in magnitude with 2,039 ARBS installed and in percentage which accounts to 136% accomplishment. For installation of uninstalled ARBs, the province bagged the No. 1 spot in terms of percentage equivalent to 292%. Finally, for LADIS, from a target of 1,500 ARBs around 2,392 ARBs had been issued with LADIS, constituting 159%

(From Top) DAR Survey Team and Field personnel steered the survey activity at a 75-hectare landholding at Brgy. Mabini, Cadiz City; Field Investigation being conducted at a landholding in Brgy. Menchaca, Calatrava; More than 51 hectares of land were distributed to 62 farmers in the installation ceremony led by the Department of Agrarian Reform, Talisay City; Legal Assistance Division conducts free legal consultation with the ARBs in Murcia.

Data from Planning Section

Words by Ellaine Mae P. Macainan

which catapulted Negros 1 at the top rank.

Indeed, Agrarian justice delivery in Negros Occidental, comes on wheels as DARPO Negros Occidental 1 Legal Assistance Division ranked first in the highest percentage of Agrarian Law Implementation (ALI) cases resolved in terms of forecast having attained 2,539 cases constituting 668% and 2nd highest as regards to the number of cases resolved in terms of magnitude. It was also recognized as Top 1 in the Highest Number of Referral Cases in terms of magnitude and forecast for CY 2022, having accomplished 160%. For quasi-judicial cases, the province ranked second in the Highest Number of Quasi-Judicial Representations Submitted for Resolution with a magnitude of 422 cases and a percentage of 132%. Significantly, the province topped the Highest number of Judicial representations submitted for resolution in terms of magnitude and 2nd highest in so far as the highest number of judicial representations submitted for resolution in terms of forecast is concerned having resolved 6 cases equivalent to 150%.

On the other hand, PARAD, Negros Occidental 1 was also recognized for having achieved the highest number of Post Judgment Incidents resolved with 291 cases and first in the Highest Number of Writ of Execution issued which is 363 cases.

For Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP), DARPO, Negros Occidental 1 was recognized for achieving its target on ARBs trained. The data shows that 16,827 ARBs were trained and served which is equivalent to 147%. Under Enterprise Development and Economic Support (EDES), there were 2 ARBOs that were provided with BDS under VLFED constituting 100% and 72 ARBs served which is equivalent to 120%.

Under PBD Lawyering, the number of ARBOs provided with BDS was 15 with a percentage of 150%, whereas the number of ARBS served was 501 equivalent to 143%.

In line with the provision of Credit and Microfinance services, there were 4 ARBOs developed to become Microfinance Providers which is tantamount to 100% and the number of ARBs provided with access to credit and micro-finance services was 1,845 constituting 264%.

The province was also lauded for its performance on Marketing Assistance to ARBOs under EDES for their total sales of Php 64,223,651.74.

And last but not the least, DARPO, Negros Occidental 1 through its Support to Operations Division (STOD) was also acknowledged for its achievement in having the Lowest Cash Revision among the seven (7) provinces.

The awards received by DAR Negros 1, in recognition of the province’ achievement in the three (3) Major Final Outputs.

(From Top) Launching of Organic Vegetable Garden at Hda. Rita Balud FA at Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla under Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster Affected Areas with the Regional Director, Atty. Sheila B. Enciso and ARD Lucrecia S. Taberna; MSO Launching at SATOCA ARC located at Brgy. Campo-Himoga-an, Sagay City.

No Barriers

by: Niel Jason Baliguas & Zayin Enarsao

It is six o’clock in the morning. The breeze is cool. Dew drops covered the grass and the first rays of sunlight lit up the gloomy land. Bird songs begin to emerge as nature’s beauty becomes more vivid.

This is a typical day for Rosela Jayawon Nombrado, a resident of Brgy. Concepcion Talisay City. Nanay Sela, as her children call her, is now living a fulfilled life at 73. But like any other person, she also went through life’s challenges before enjoying what she has today.

When she was younger, Nanay Sela worked as a sugarcane worker at Conchita Dela Rama’s hacienda. She married Andresito at the age of 20 and the two began to have children. Every day, the two toiled in the hot sun, growing and farming sugarcane. It was a challenging obligation for them, especially her, as she was responsible for the family and preparing her eight children for school.

“Nabudlayan gid ko ya sang una sang sila gaeskwela kay wala gid kami ya kwaan sang amon inugbayad. Mangita ka hulaman, wala ka sang hulaman. (Borrowing money for my children’s tuition fees was very difficult back then. There’s no one we can borrow from)”.

Despite the huge responsibility placed on her shoulders, Nanay Sela persevered and persisted. She kept caring for and working for her family. It brought her fulfilment as a mother to watch her kids go to school and do well in their studies. It was the nicest gift she could have received.

She had no idea that her biggest present was still yet to come.

Nanay Sela’s prayers must have been heard by Heaven when she was given 1.47 hectares by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in 1998. In 2000, Nanay Sela, along with other women-beneficiaries from the same landholding, mostly wives in Brgy. Concepcion formed what was then known as the CASA MultiPurpose Cooperative (CASA MPC).

“Ang mga lalaki sako sang una sa ubra sa kampo, kami nga mga babaye amo ang nagtipon bilang grupo kag napasad ang organisasyon. (The men were busy working in the sugarcane plantation, so it was us, the wives, who took initiative in forming an organization).”

Despite the paucity of men in the group, Nanay Sela and the members were able to perform and do well as a cooperative. She proudly said, “

Ginhawa mo na kapangayo-kayo sang bulig sa imo pamilya. (Before, we don’t have anyone where we could borrow money from. It was very hard begging help from people).”

In 2010, CASA MPC was then converted into agrarian reform cooperative, changing its name to CASA Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CASA ARC). DAR, through its various projects and other support services, paved its way to further nourish what was a-then growing agrarian reform organization.

CASA ARC created a reputation for itself not just in its immediate vicinity, but also throughout Negros Occidental and Western Visayas, as it was ranked first in Region VI in the DAR’s 2016 IT enabled based maturity assessment (ITEMA). ITEMA was administered to ARB Organizations in order to determine the stages of maturity of an organization, resulting in a thorough and realistic evaluation.

(We women are doing our duties and obligations excellently so that people will not look down at us).”

The patience and dedication of the group’s original members allowed it to grow and succeed. Because of the start-up funds contributed, the cooperative was able to offer loans to its members and aid their families, particularly in the education of children.

“Sang una, wala gid kami hulaman.

CASA ARC also received various government awards. It was named Outstanding Farmers Organization of the Year at the Pasidungog Awards in Talisay City in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, it received the DAR and City of Talisay awards for Best Performing Agrarian Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) and Most Active Association, respectively.

Support services from DAR were provided to the association to address their organizational and agricultural productivity. In 2014, they were awarded with common service facilities in the form of farm tractor to sustain their sugarcane farming and rice hand tractor for the production sustainability of their rice area under

Biskan babayi lang kami, indi man nila makwan nga ano lang, kay kami gaobligar man sang katungdanan”amon

the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS).

In 2016, under ARCCESS, the ARBO was provided with multimillion worth of dump truck where they can generate more income and services to its members. CommunityManaged Potable Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (CP-WASH) project was also launched in 2019 to supply the ARBO and its communityy with clean potable water. Recently, the CASA ARC was awarded with a Village-Scale Muscovado Sugar Production Equipment and Facilities from DAR.

By the assistance of CASA ARC, Nanay Sela was also able to grow her 1.47 hectares of sugarcane from DAR. This allowed her to enjoy the fruits of her labor and send her children to school.

With the existence of an agrarian reform cooperative such as CASA ARC in the community, people like Nanay Sela were able to fulfill her desire as a mother. Through services such as

educational and agricultural loans, Nanay Sela was able to send her children to school, some were able to finish college and became professionals. Two of her eight children, Ruby (50), and Nimfa (49), are now public-school teachers. Her sons, Arnel (52) and Jerry (38) are employed as glass installers. Erick (47), is a logistics firm

forwarder, Ana Mae (42) is working as an upholsterer. Her other son, Andresito (41) is a security guard and her youngest, Rhea Mae (34), is working in DAR as project-based employee for the SPLIT Project.

“Paghatag sa amon sang duta, paagi sang DAR, ang mga bata ko nga ulihi, nakasige na eskwela. Naka-farm kami sang amon tubo, nakakwarta kami (Through the land given by DAR, we were able to gain from it and my younger kids were able to continue their studies)”, she uttered with a crack on her voice.

Nanay Sela, vice chairman of CASA ARC, is now optimistic that they will attain new milestones and contribute back to their community. It is her desire to have young people join their organization, train them as forerunners, and carry on the job that they have begun.

Once a laborer, now a landowner–Nanay Sela was able to climb beyond poverty and enjoy the blessings of her labor today because of her dedication and drive. She proved that you can be anyone you want, no matter what you are. Women can be who they want to be.

She is a farmer. A mother and a wife. A dreamer. She is a WOMAN

“Ang sakripisyo magabunga sang kaayuhan parehas sang kadamo sang tubo nga amon ginapangabuhi-an

(sacrifice will bring more success as many as the sugarcane we are farming),”

With a crack in her voice, these are the words uttered by Belgera Omay, also known as Vicky, as she recounts her experiences in the past.

Vicky, a mother of two daughters, is one of the original members who formed the cooperative. She was a labourer of the previously-owned land of Gerardo and Francisco Bongco in their sugarcane farm. For more than 15 years of working for the the Bongco family, she was finally able to receive her Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) in the year 2015. Together with other 34 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB), they decided to form an association in September 2010 with the help of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the same year. And in 2017, HBARC was born. From a sugarcane laborer, 21

Vicky became the cooperative’s bookkeeper. Running a cooperative was not a walk in the park especially for Vicky who is in-charge of overseeing the cooperatives’ financial data. She lacked the necessary knowledge and skills in fulfilling her duties.

“Even though naka-eskwela ko sa college, pero ang nabudlayan namon ang paagi sa pag-record sang kwarta sa bag.o nga teknolohiya. Ang computerized na”, she shyly said. It was a rough path for Vicky and the rest of the members. But, thanks to DAR, everything fell into place. HABARC undergone several trainings and workshops to help them manage their sugarcane farming business and be capable officers of their organization. DAR provided them with appropriate

support services such as trainings on organizational management and governance, records keeping, and excel-based accounting. HABARC also availed DAR’s credit assistance under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), allowing them to finance their 39.3619 hectares of sugarcane farm

“Ang DAR-PBDD nagbulig sa amon sa pinansyal nga pagrecord kag kung paano padalaganon ang amon negosyo nga tubo (DARPBDD helped us understand and work on our financial recording and on how to run the business).”

HABARC was able to rise above struggles and achieve its full potential. The cooperative profited from sugarcane since it started farming and its members were able to enjoy financial freedom.

Today, HBARC is self financing its sugarcane farm production and also ventured in several businesses such as poultry production, consumer store and a one-hectare fruit farm. In

their recent AGAM, the 38 members received a dividend of more than P80 thousand pesos each.

“Nagstart sa wala, nangutang kami sa amon mga brothers sa iban nga coop kag nagbayanihan kami sa amon duta (We started from nothing but borrowed money from our neighboring cooperatives. We helped farm our land).”

With the income from their ‘tubo,’ or sugarcane, Vicky was able to send her two daughters to school. Her eldest, Karisa, has already graduated in college and her youngest, Gea Vanessa, is now at her senior years taking up a degree in agriculture. “Through coop, nakapatapos kami patindog sang amon balay sa hinayhinay (Through the cooperative, we were able to finish building our

Their prized possession: A bundle of hope for the next generation

by Christhel F. Batayola

They have thought of hopeless thoughts before…now they are tilling a land in their own name, written in black and white. A piece of paper they only hold in their hands, the same paper holds their future.

The landholding formerly owned by Albino Dela Cruz Jr. and Victor Bedonia Sr. with a total land area of 72.8498 hectares, located at Brgy. San Isidro, Toboso, Negros Occidental was parcelized and is now in possession of ninety-four (94) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who were once landless farmers. Being installed as new property owners by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Occidental 1 gave them a sense of pride.

The same 94 new landowners are beneficiaries of the agency’s support services. Following its vision of providing a just, safe, and equitable society that upholds the rights of tillers to own, control, secure, cultivate, and enhance their agricultural lands for a better quality of life towards rural development and national industrialization. Some may have been scared of what comes next in their journey of managing their own lands, which is why the agency ensures land security and in providing them with the necessary resources needed for economic productivity.

house gradually)”, Vicky exclaimed. Vicky together with the 37 members of HABARC, are examples of planning in action. They did not only create strategies on how to achieve their goals, but did it with hardwork and vigor. HABARC is literary “growing from sugarcane” and gaining from it.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Heide A. Pasiosane exclaimed, “At last! Congratulations! You are now recognized as the new landowners. May you continue to cultivate the lands you now own. May you have an abundant harvest ahead and rest assured that DAR will continue to provide you with the support services you will need.”

Chairman of the said ARB Organization, Lydia Perez thanked the DAR Negros Occidental 1 for implementing the program. She said that the land they have been yearning to acquire was finally awarded to them. “We will cultivate this land so we may have bounty. This will help our families in many ways to improve our quality of lives,” she added.

Joy Bandiola, one of the ARBs, also thanked DAR Negros Occidental through MARPO Heide Pasiosane. She said that the small portion of land awarded to them would be a great benefit to their livelihood.

Their prized possession is a bundle of hope for the next generation. It is also the agency’s legacy of upholding and implementing equitable land distribution and ownership. Every time your eyes meet the green pastures, dwell upon the truth that Comprehensive Agrarian Reform is alive and flourishing!

HOW TO apply for land transfer clearance

Compiled by Ryan Jay T. Gargaritano

Land transactions involving private agricultural lands with no Notice of Coverage issued pursuant to R.A. No. 6657, as amended, or not covered by any agrarian reform program, may be transferred and registered by the Register of Deeds only after issuance of a DAR Land Transfer Clearance (LTC). The process flow, as well as the documentary requirements, in applying for this LTC is described under DAR A.O. No. 04, Series of 2021 as follows:

CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS

1. Notarized application. (LTC Form No. 1)

2. Original copy of the notarized document to be registered (Deed of Conveyance)

3. Electronic copy of the OCT/TCT issued by the ROD not later than 6 months from date of application

4. Certified true copy of the current Tax Declaration in case the land is untitled

5. Affidavit of Transferor expressly stating that the subject land is:

a. His/her retention area;

b. Not tenanted or if tenanted, has complied with the tenants’ right of preemption or redemption as stipulated under Sections 11 and 12 of R.A. No. 3844, as amended, and attach the required Written Notices to the concerned tenants and proof of their receipt; and

c. There is no pending case before the regular courts or any other tribunal involving the land subject of the transaction. If there is a case before the regular courts or any other tribunal, the same had been decided with finality.

6. Affidavit of aggregate landholding executed by the Transferee including his/her spouse, if married, attesting that the Transferee and his/her spouse, if married, has or have not exceeded the landownership ceiling or limit of ownership (5 hectares) as provided under Section 6 of R.A. No. 6657, as amended

7. Certification (LTC Form No. 2) by the MARPO or official designated by the PARPO II expressly stating the following:

a. Presence or absence of agricultural tenants and leaseholders, farmworkers, actual tillers, and occupants, and other directly working in the subject land;

b. Any actual change of use, premature conversion/development of the land without the required Order of Conversion from the DAR; and/or

c. Any form of conflict of claims involving the land by and between the families or third person claimant.

8. Original or certified true copy of Certificate of Aggregate Landholding of both the Transferor and Transferee (including their spouses) from the Municipal, City and Provincial Assessors where the subject land is located and where the Transferor and Transferee resides (as stated in the Deed) not later than 6 months from date of application

9. If applicant is a juridical entity, submit Secretary’s Certificate or Board Resolution.is available at DAR offices)

10. If application is made through an authorized representative, submit a Special Power of Attorney

WHERE TO SECURE

Parties to the deed or their authorized representative (Form is available at DAR offices)

Parties to the deed or their authorized representative (Form is available at DAR offices)

Register of Deeds

Municipal/City Assessor’s Office

Transferor

Transferee and spouse, if married

Municipal, City and Provincial Assessor’s Office

Applicant’s authorized representative

Applicant’s authorized representative

Transferor

PROCESS FLOW CLIENT STEPS DAR ACTIONS

1. Submit application with attached required documents in a folder to the DAR Provincial Office (DARPO).

2. Proceed to Cash Section and present the duly signed Payment Slip / Order of Payment Form and pay the necessary fees.

3. Attach the Official Receipt (OR) to the application and submit the same to the Records Section.

DAR Negros 1

Duly authorized Legal Officer receives the application and evaluates the completeness of attached documents

(a). If the application is not complete, return to the applicant for compliance of the lacking documents. (b). If the application is complete, duly authorized Legal Officer facilitates the preparation of Order of Payment.

Cash Section issues Official Receipt for DAR Clearance Certification

Records Section receives the application and log/record in the Official Record Book/ Official Document Tracking System. The application is then endorse to the Office of PARPO II

Office of the PARPO II forwards the application to Legal Division and request for an Investigation Report (IR) .

Legal Officer reviews and evaluates the DAR clearance application folder including the IR requested. Duly authorized Legal Officer prepares completed staff work (CSW) for the PARPO II with prepared DAR clearance certification. If denied, the same is without prejudice to refiling.

Final review of the DAR application folder, CSW and DAR clearance certification by Head of Legal Division

Legal Division forwards the DAR application folder, CSW with attached Certification to the Office of the PARPO II. Sign the certification whether approved or denied.

Office of the PARPO II forwards the signed document (DAR Clearance) to the Legal Division

Legal Division receives the signed DAR Clearance and prepares for release

Legal Division releases the DAR Clearance and require the client to sign the Logbook

:An aid to needy farmers

If justice is a lady, she, wear long white gown – as the song goesbreathed love in far-flung areas of Negros Occidental.

That is because the Justice on Wheels is catering to more beneficiaries in remote areas who have limited access to law and justice

The Legal Assistance Division (LAD) of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Negros Occidental 1 is not deaf and blind. Thus, the late Chief Legal of LAD spearheaded the innovation of Agrarian Justice on Wheels in 2018 as an inexpensive tool

of administering agrarian justice. Remote areas covered by DAR Negros Occidental-North were reached by driven legal officers who were not hesitant to walk in kilometers under the heat of the sun and sometimes with heavy rain just to deliver agrarian justice. Farmer beneficiaries were glad to welcome the legal officers in their humble abode. Numerous conflicts such as boundary disputes, overlapping of lots, non-payment of rentals, ejectment, non-payment of disturbance compensation and others were immediately resolved through mediation and conciliation.

Relevant topics such as Violence against Women and Children or Republic Act (RA) 9262; Bawal Bastos Law or the RA 11313 and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program or the RA 6657 were also discussed to clear some gray areas in the minds of the farmers.

Punong Barangay Jude A. Abellana of Barangay Katilingban in Talisay City was ecstatic to welcome DAR personnel, who brought the Justice on Wheels in his barangay. “Thank you for coming in our place, it is a big help to the farmers in the barangay”,Abellana said.

At present, the newly appointed Chief of LAD-North, Atty. Felix Glenn C. Mendoza is committed to continue and even enhance the justice on wheels.

And as a reward to the great effort of LAD in coming up with the said activity, it was recognized by the DAR Regional Office as second in the highest number of mediation cases in an awarding ceremony in Iloilo City in January 2023.

by Amarie G. Perez

4. Client request release of DAR clearance

A BOY FROM THE ROUND TABLE NO MORE

By: Ron Labrador

Twelve shadows were dancing in the flickering fire while it oozes a stinky black smoke from the kerosene lamp with a stained glass-covered chimney. Just like the knights of the round table, these kids were at war, battling their homework and assignments from school.

One pale shadow stood up, scratching his head, seemingly tired from facing headon his course work. Wenefredo, a scrawny young boy, yawning and rubbing his eyes, tired from doing his homework, is one of the 12 knights from the round table, forcing his will to finish his school tasks.

Wenefredo, together with his 11 other siblings, loves to ride carts dragged by their farm buffalo and grew up in a slanting stilt house, a standard icon of the country house in most provincial and hacienda areas.

Living in a far-flung area with no access to electricity, his family, having an insufficient amount of money to buy essentials and other necessities would make do with one small kerosene lamp just to light their humble abode in the middle of the sugarcane fields. To make ends meet, his parents would wake up at 5:00

in the morning every day to work in a hacienda about a kilometer away from their house. On weekends, he and his siblings would also offer to help by working in the sugarcane fields even amid the searing and scorching heat of the sun just to earn additional income for their family’s expenses.

Fate seems to like to see them suffer from its strife, gave one serious trial that changed his perspective in life – a strong typhoon that blew off their roof, drenching everyone inside the tiny house, destroying their vegetable garden, and killing a

number of their farm animals.

Sometime in 1994, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) awarded him a part of the vast 93-hectare land. He received his Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) for land located in Hacienda Sta. Barbara, Barangay Burgos, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. Wenefredo, a knight from the round table, became more motivated, determined to conquer life and defeat its challenges.

While he plowed, toiled, and nurtured his land, he took up a vocational mechanic course to

enhance and complement his farming skills. In 2002, DAR organized them and guided them to form a farmer association to pull up resources for a better farm productivity output.

Today, aside from being developed by DAR to be a model cooperative, Hacienda Sta. Barbara Agrarian Reform Cooperative (HSBARCO), the organization of which Wenefredo is a member has already been provided with a sugarcane grabber, a water pump, built a 1-kilometer farmto-market (FMR) road, and a sugarcane block-farming (SBF) project by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) through its Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) together with the local

governing unit where Wenefredo belongs also provisioned them with various farm technology training, vegetable production insights, seeds, and some farming tools.

Currently, Wenefredo E. Victoriano, Jr. is an elected and concurrent Kagawad of Brgy. Burgos in his locality. With pure intentions to serve his fellows, he mastered his mission of public service, seeing through his own eyes his experience from his younger days.

From the abundance, he keeps on repeating that DAR made things possible for him, he deeply, truly, and eagerly expressed his gratefulness to the department.

Inhaling the fresh air and pausing for a moment while looking at the vast sugarcane fields of Burgos, Wenefredo feels ten feet taller as he reminisces his life’s roller

coaster, with deep lows and soaring successes despite his adversities. Wenefredo is indeed a Man of Agrarian Reform.

In the recently concluded celebration of the 34th Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) celebration, Wenefredo is one of the nominees for Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Most Progressive ARB Organizations (ARBOs) and AR Communities (ARCs) nationwide.

HSBARCO is located at Hacienda Sta. Barbara, Barangay Burgos, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, has a 110.2679 hectare-farmland under a collective CLOA, with a total of 51 members. The cooperative was registered through the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on May 26, 2022.

Positive Turn-Over on the Lives of ARBs Through CRFPS

by Niel Jason Baliguas and Christy Joy Mangalus

One can only imagine a farmer’s day-to-day toil unless one has lived it. The farmers of Villa Carolina Integrated Organic Farmers Association (FA) have for so long been under either the scorching heat of the sun or the raging downpour of rain. Regardless, they have lived to toil in the paddy fields and sugarcane farms because this is how they are able to feed their families and if by some better luck, send their children off to school. This is their life.

Through time, they have been resiliently living it all out with the hope of a positive turn-over one day. And indeed, it did.

Answered prayers came in the form of a Php 1.280 M

worth of Farm Machinery and Equipment (FME) and Agriextension Services (AES) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Major Cropbased Block Farm Productivity Support project (CRFPS). And such a momentous occasion was graced by no less than the Undersecretary (USEC) of Support Services Office (SSO) Atty. Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal who led the ribbon cutting and handed over the “key of responsibility” to the ARBO beneficiary at the CRFPS Turn-Over Ceremony held on December 22, 2022 at Brgy. San Miguel, Murcia.

USEC. Cristobal was more than happy as she congratulated the members of Villa Carolina

Integrated Organic FA and challenged them to embrace new technologies and innovative farming practices. In her message she stressed the importance of the blessing at hand saying, “All hardships and feeling of helplessness are but temporary. In your journey towards a better way of living, there will always be God-given solutions in varying forms, where in this case is through the Farm Machinery and Equipment as well as the Agri-Extension Services benevolently given to you by DAR Negros Occidental-1 via its PBDD. Use these well so that in time you will experience a more financially liberated life”.

Villa Carolina Integrated Organic Farmers Association received (1) rubber roll rice mill with housing facility and one (1) unit of bio-shredder that will be utilized on their 75.6-hectare rice field. AES include trainings on how to set up, care for, and administer an organic farming system. Organic rice cultivation was also created, with agricultural inputs, subsidies, and labor services provided.

The Major Crop-based Block Farm Productivity Support is one of the major projects under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS).

This project encompasses farm areas where ARBs are individually or collectively involved in the production of main crops such as, rice, corn, and other crops such as, bananas, pineapple, and vegetables.

“This program aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and climate resilient”, said Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II, Teresita R. Mabunay.

Also present at the turnover ceremony was Director IV of Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) Dr. Ronald M. Gareza, who expressed his delight in the fact that more ARBs can have the opportunity to better their lives through these CRFPS turn-overs. “I believe that this gives you a chance to enhance agricultural productivity within your community and so I hope that you will not let this opportunity go to waste. Take care of the FMEs as these are now under your care. Be grateful that DAR Negros Occidental 1 has recognized you as worthy recipients”, mused Director Gareza.

Murcia Mayor Hon. Gerry M. Rojas, who was also around

along with other LGU officers, also conveyed a congratulatory message where he said, “A big part of me hopes that the LGU of Murcia will receive more good news about your situation here in Villa Carolina Integrated Organic Farmers Association, from hereon. Congratulations and good luck”.

“You are one privileged ARBO. You have been chosen as an ARBO-beneficiary of this project as a result of your hard work and dedication. Be good stewards of these blessings,” stated Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) OIC-CARPO Aisha May T. Ardiente. At the same time, the content of the agreement which defines the roles and responsibilities of both the Trustee (Villa Carolina Integrated Organic FA) and the

Trustor (DAR) in the project was presented by CRFPS Section Chief, Jacquilyn Pillo during the ceremonial signing of the Trust Agreement. Villa Carolina Integrated Organic FA is an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) with 56 members established in Brgy. San Miguel, Murcia. On June 5, 2013, the ARBO was registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and it has since grown rice and sugarcane.

As the Major Crop-based Block Farm Productivity Support of the CRFPS aims to provide agricultural extension services and livelihood assistance to ARBs, a positive turn-over on their lives is indeed very well on its way!

The secret of an Empowered Beauty.

by Teresita R. Mabunay

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. The topic on “Women Empowerment” is a controversial issue all over the world. “Women equality with men” is universal, as well. Every day, we struggle for an environment where we, as women, can freely make decisions for ourselves and others.

This is our ideal. And we should not take for granted the fact that we are trying to effect change in a world that has gotten used to the notion of male domination. This is why we continue to persevere in seeking equality and fair treatment through becoming aware of the principle of gender sensitivity. Basically, this principle “refers to the aim of understanding and taking account of the societal and cultural factors involved in gender-based exclusion and discrimination in the most diverse spheres of public and private life.” With all the awareness materials being thrown at us every day, we are steadily closing in on resolving and putting a stop to every instance of structural disadvantage in the roles and positions of women.

I hope that we come away with the resolve that we can rightfully stand alongside men with pride in our competence to do so.

On a lighter note, I want to touch on a less tackled matter. Empowerment through beauty. And I would like to phrase this way:

“Are we empowered by looking beautiful or are we confidently beautiful because we are empowered?”

The Bible says: “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart.” I say to you, beauty is both internal and external, but it has to start from within ourselves. When we are respected, loved and cherished, there is a glow about us that makes us attractive. True, but this is actually just romanticizing. I do not want to sound harsh but the reality is, a well-dressed and

well-made up woman can easily win the attention and respect, if I may dare say so, of men and women alike compared to an averagely dressed one, even with all the “inner glow” in the world. Simply put, MAKEUP is LIFE as it can simulate any glow in any shade you want.

Kidding aside, we have an entire history with stories of women so astonishing: they make us wonder how they did it, how they survived and how they rose above every known adversity.

Women of today, Mothers, teachers, businesswomen, law enforcers, women lawyers, politicians – women and girls contribute every day in many ways –visibly or tangibly. The women in these professions are in an influential position to impart knowledge and experience and provide our children with a strong foundation in life and of learning things that are key to living. We must also acknowledge that good health is essential to sustainable development and growth. However, it is a sad fact that poverty however can hamper such progress and more often than not, female children bear the burden of becoming second class citizens in a poor family. This is what we’ve trying to combat. Most of us choose careers to see that such atrocities are countered and stopped.

Every day, we are in the business of trying to effect change in our lives, particularly the lives of women in general. We wake up to the thought and drive to inspire others with the way we live our lives.

Today, we make the statement of motivating women to develop themselves and to let them know and assure them that by having the right attitude and resolve, that they can become their best selves and that will serve as their contribution to their community.

Not everyone can be a Taylor Swift or a Katy Perry. But we can be ourselves. We can start by accepting the fact that we

need to discover our own essence. If you are good in singing, then sing and be the best singer you can be. Truth is we all must start with ourselves. Trite as it may be, looking good or looking our best may be the best way to start. Looking and feeling good evokes a sense of confidence that people around us, naturally, respond to. Ladies, we must take pride in ourselves and how we look because this demonstrates self-esteem. And this is not a bad thing as it translates to selfrespect. Women who are confident show a certain degree of strength and power that can oftentimes deflect the notion of abuse. So you see ladies, it is imperative to exude a little self-assurance. This is not narcissistic, this is essential to our survival.

Ladies, I believe my message to you all is this: work, think and play hard like men do and be fabulous while doing so. Be beautiful while being powerful, after all, there is NOTHING that a little courage in our hearts and a perfect shade of lipstick can’t fix.

Hurrah to women! Good luck to men!

She washes dishes, irons clothes, cleans the house and the pets she feeds

She is tired, yet she still manages to smile

She is a home maker, she is a woman.

She takes care of her man

She devotes her time and supports his plan,

She gave up her own dreams, yet she is the wind beneath his wings, She is a wife, she is a woman.

She loves her children unconditionally She looks after them and raises them equally

She may sometimes feel inadequate, yet she does not give up, She is a mother, she is a woman.

She works hard, She is passionate, determined and goal oriented

She may sometimes fall short of expectations, yet she perseveres, She is a worker, she is a woman.

She may have chosen to be a home maker rather than a career woman

She may be a wife but not a mother

She may at times feel incomplete and insignificant

But she is strong, resilient and empowered, for she is a WOMAN.

Babaye

Angimahesangbabayesamata sangisakalalaki

Ryan Jay Gargaritano

BABAYE sa kaumahan sang Negros

Aga pa ga bugtaw kag manghilam-os

Pamahaw sang pamilya pagahimuson

Para si tatay, inday kag nonoy indi pag-gutomon

BABAYE sa kaumahan sang Negros

Sa balay nagpabilin para manghimos

Pagbantay kay toto kag pagluto sang panyaga Panghimos liwat sa hapon asta panyapon nila

BABAYE sa kaumahan sang Negros May tyempo nga sa bana nagatal-os

Binangon kag garab sa hawak ginagapos

Agud nga ang obra sa kampo mangin hapos

BABAYE sa kaumahan sang Negros

Bagani kung ikabig biskan sa panahon sang Tiempos Muertos Sa bulan nga gina selebrar ang mga kababainhan

BABAYE sa kaumahan sang Negros aton pasidunggan

Pahanumdum sa mga Benepisyaryo

Amarie G. Perez

Sa mga benepisyaryo sang programa nga agraryo, Palangga kag gina-ulikdan guid namun kamu, Kami sa DAR, tampad sa pagserbisyo, Para sa katigayunan sang inyo nga damgo.

Damgo nga mahatagan sang ulumahan nga duta, Para mapatin-ad kag kabataan mapa eskwela

Nga indi na maghagi ka salig pa Kay Nonoy kag Inday, nga naandan na.

Sa trenta ka tuig nga pagpatuman sang programa, Kami gakalipay nga madamu nga mangunguma, Ang nakabatun sang duta nga ginahandum humalin pa, Sang tiempo sang mga katigulangan nga nagtaliwan na.

Tanan kami sa DAR sa ibahin nga norte, Sa pagpanguna ni PARPO Tess nga magserbisyo pwerte, Ari kami gahikutar kag gatinguha sa ikaayo

Sa pagpatuman sang matuod nga reporma sa agraryo.

Gani kami wala gakulang sa pagpahanumdum, Nga amligan kag patin-arun ang duta nga ginahandum, Likawan guid nga ma temptar sa mga ariendador, Kay ang ila hublag, para lang sa ila pabor.

Department of Agrarian Reform - Negros Occidental 1

Dawis - San Sebastian St., Brgy. 14, Bacolod City

Contact Number: (034)

Vision

DAR Negros Occidental 1 is one of the leading institutions with committed, competent, and pro-active workforce in the delivery of Social Justice through CARP geared towards building stronger, sustainable, and self-reliant ARBs by 2024.

Mission

To enjoin all stakeholders and partners to implement CARP in Negros Occidental 1 (North) to ensure land tenure security for agrarian reform beneficiaries by completing land acquisition and distribution, providing effective legal services and facilitating appropriate support services for better quality of life of ARBs.