The Editorial board

Editorial Staff

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

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.” 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.

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.

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 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