PAGES 6-7 Photo NewsPAGE 2 The SAFIMCO flight to progress

PAGE 3 PAGE 8 A Dream to Covet

see story on page 2

story on page 3Consultation held to expedite LAD in Masbate

HEALTHY BOUNTY. The Sustainable

Agriculture System (SAS) model in barangay Lico,

Vinzons, Camarines Norte serves as a key to bountiful harvests

to the farmers.

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In 1605, Padre Antonio Mendes, a Spanish missionary, first established the parish church at what turns out to be the municipality of Buhi, Camarines Sur today. Buhi is not just known for Lake Buhi but it is also the home to the world’s smallest commercial fish locally known as the sinarapan (Mystychtis Luzonensis). Buhi is a 2nd class municipality composed of 38 barangays with a total land area of 1,238 hectares, 87% of which are agricultural land. Barangay San Antonio is one of the far flung upland barangays and is 13 kilometers away from the town proper. It is accessible by passenger jeepneys, trimobiles, and habal-habal or door to door single motorcycles that ply regularly.

However, in the 80’s, barangay San Antonio was isolated. The roads were so bad or non-existent that it took almost a half day of arduous walking from the barangay to the poblacion. It was also very difficult and costly to transport the farm produce that was why the farmers were at the mercy of unscrupulous middlemen who took advantage of the situation by setting low prices for the produce. In the past, farmers do not own the lands they till and had repressive tenurial arrangement with big landowners. The problems they encountered before as tenants served as the rallying call for them to organize and unite.

When the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) was implemented in 1988, the tenant farmers managed to acquire lands through the CARP as agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Barangay San Antonio has a total CARP scope of 717 hectares wherein 433 hectares or 60.4% have been distributed to 312 ARBs. With the assistance of DAR and other CARP implementing agencies, the ARBs slowly regained their confidence and self-respect as they slowly build up their social status as dignified farmers in the locality. At last, they can now dream for a brighter future as they now own the lands they tilled for so long as tenants.

However, as small farmer-cultivators they now have to fend for themselves and face myriad difficulties. Whereas, before, they merely relied on the landlords for inputs, and other costs of production. Now that they have to rely on their own initiative, they must look for sources of production credit, and even learn to look for new and reliable markets for their farm produce that offer the most advantageous price among others. Slowly, they learned the importance of working together co-operatively and the pooling of resources for the common goal in order to survive.

The DAR helped the fledgling farmers group in its organizational development. Trainings and seminars were enthusiastically participated in by its members

resulting to a better understanding of their respective roles and obligations, not only one’s privilege and expected returns. They also elect reliable and dynamic leaders who will lead them attain their objectives and aspirations.

After numerous consultations and painstaking organizing efforts the ARBs agreed to merge with small Maybatang irrigators association to form a farmers cooperative in order to expand its services and serve more farmers in the area. Thus, on January 6, 1992 the San Antonio Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFIMCO) was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority electing Mr. Eugenio S. Molina as its chairman. From then on, SAFIMCO officers were able to formulate plans and policies, systems and procedures in all its business operations and transactions that include the administrative, financial and operational aspects.

The farmer-cooperative aims not only for the improvement on the quality of lives of its members but also how it can help in the development of the agrarian reform community. As of 2014, SAFIMCO has 422 active members in which 248 are ARBs, and 174 are non-ARBs.

Abigail Adams once wrote a letter to US President Jefferson in 1790 wherein he said, “Great necessities call forth great leaders.” Out of necessity, SAFIMCO has produced new leaders like Simeon S. Molina, Loreto B. Cenita, Eugenio S. Molina, Gregorio C. Morante, Milagros B. Mora, Luz F. Valenzuela, Mila P. Navarro, Clementina M. Cordial, Aguido S. Molina and many others who took the cudgels of leading and managing the affairs of the farmers cooperative. They took the responsibility seriously, learned the ropes of the trade while on the job, and hit the road running. With meager resources to start with, they were compelled to be transparent, and creative. But more importantly, the members of SAFIMCO were actively involved in the operation of the cooperative businesses, and they were more than willing to make small sacrifices for greater gains.

They also learned new things in agricultural production through updates in farming technologies while gaining entrepreneurial insights which were implemented and contributed to higher yield in palay production. SAFIMCO also provides efficient irrigation system service to its members who own farm more than 500 hectares of agricultural land. The irrigation system was further enhance with the rehabilitation of the Maybatang Communal Irrigation Project costing PHp15.617 million with service area of 240 hectares through the DAR’s Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Project (ARISP II). ARISP II was also instrumental in providing the other needed infrastructure support like farm to market road costing Php12.033 million, and post-harvest facility with 750 cavans capacity warehouse costing Php389,000. Its Agridev component also serves as a mechanism in developing agricultural enterprises conducive in the area, one of which was the communal goat raising project (Php108,000) which serves as a collective expression of the cooperative spirit.

Under the able management of cooperative leaders, SAFIMCO was also able to avail a package of agricultural support projects from ARISP II that

includes palay seed production (Php25,477), palay production (Php118,673), palay trading initial capitalization of Php120,000, input dealership with a capitalization of Php230,000, and hog dispersal project with initial 19 project co-operators that reached 58 recipients on its 5th batch of implementation.

With the introduction of new seed varieties like RC28, and NSCI 112 from UPLB, efficient and timely irrigation services, farmer-members of SAFIMCO are producing an average of 120 cavans per cropping per hectare!

As a consequence, SAFIMCO’s palay trading prospers leap and bound, and its area of operation includes not only the ARC but also its adjacent barangays of San Vicente, Gabas, Labawon and Macaangay and even the neighboring Municipality of Polangui, Albay. As part of the continuing expansion of SAFIMO, it was able to avail from the Department of Agriculture a production warehouse costing Php6.0 million in 2013, and another production warehouse costing Php3.6 million only last August 2014.

In retrospect, SAFIMCO’s more than two-decade journey is similar to the flight of the Canadian geese which can fly non-stop from Northern Canada to Mexico, Central and South America. This is because they have a leader and the rest follow in “V” formation to compensate for the wind resistance. They rotate so that no one goose becomes too fatigued. But they work together, following the leader, in order to accomplish their goal of flying south. They arrive sooner when they fly together as a team than what a goose could do separately.

SAFIMCO has many distinct characteristics which could be considered as genuine traits of a functioning and sustainable farmers cooperative. Foremost of which is the transparency in all its transactions and business operations. The coop leaders have defined roles and are held accountable to the General Assembly of members. There is a good relationship among the BODs, the Committees and the general membership, and there has no factionalism among

its members. The manager and bookkeeper are accounting graduates so the records are clean and are in order while the treasurer is the only one authorized to handle the coop’s money. Each of the nine (9) Board of Directors is strategically located on the 11 sectors and handling about 30-40 hectares in the irrigation service area to make the management of the irrigation facilities much easier.

ON THE COVER Cover StoryJANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

The SAFIMCO’s flight to progress

SAFIMCO, “the 2014 Most Progressive ARBO of Bicol-Visayas” is moving forward in unison. SAFIMCO Chair Loreto Ceneta (center) holding the Plaque beside PARPO II Leo Gaveria (in white polo).

The SAFIMCO’s... - p 4

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The Sustainable Agriculture System (SAS) serves as a key to a bountiful harvest in barangay Lico, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, a year after site has been identified as SAS area by the Department of Agrarian Reform Camarines Norte Provincial Office.

SAS is DAR’s thrust to make awarded lands productive; the farm productivity improvement (FPI) sub-component of the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) which envisions providing ARBs/farmers with models that would bring back the fertility of the farms thru the use of sustainable agriculture system. The challenge is to innovate rapidly and efficiently – not only to develop new products, but also to adapt them effectively to the varying needs of farmers around the country, large and small.

In Camarines Norte, particularly the sitio of Lico in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Vinzons, through the Sto. Domingo Farmers Organization, was the only recipient of SAS in the province. Being so, the organization received a greenhouse worth 120 thousand pesos, various organically produced seeds, planting materials and fowls to sustain the project.

What produce where and how it develops is a matter of choice. Two of the many possible practices of sustainable agriculture are crop rotation and soil amendment, both designed to ensure that crops being cultivated can obtain the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. These are the methods used by Mr. Rodolfo S Benavidez, a Farmer Gold Awardee of The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines (TOFARM). Benavidez’ success serves as a good reminder to all that go into mastering a new skill or craft. There’s the need to tolerate one’s initial incompetence,

commit to the learning curve, seek outside help, experiment and make

m i d - c o u r s e

corrections, all while maintaining a strong commitment to quality. When the skill being mastered is farming, one has to take significant financial risks as well.

The SAS models is geared towards showcasing a functional local partnership in agricultural development and teach Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBO) manage technology transfer towards farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural systems to institutionalize a farmer to farmer extension system (para technician) and attain economies of scale in agricultural production with consolidation of production, processing and marketing thru the ARBOs. Moreover, establish in the ARCs an integrated crops and livestock farming using SAS; and apply practical learning methods in agricultural extension (at the ARC or farm level).

The local government units, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute, the ARB Organizations and the Department of Agrarian Reform, have its own unique contribution in strengthening the sustainable agriculture community in Camarines Norte.

At present, the SAS model farm has been producing various organic vegetables. The DAR Camarines Norte is one of the regular drop-off points of their vegetable produce. It is a big advantage for the SAS farmers for having their farm located adjacent to the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, the only vegetable

trading post in Camarines Norte. (Nilla Lagatuz/Julie Botardo)

DARPO-Cam. Norte personnel take pleasure in inspecting the freshly harvested lettuce.

Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. together with Assistant Regional Director for Operations Rodrigo O. Realubit, met with the DAR Masbate field personnel composed of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs), Senior Agrarian Reform Program Technologists (SARPTs) and Agrarian Reform Program Technologists (ARPTs) for a consultation, at the Legacy Suites,

Masbate City, February 5-6, 2015.

The meeting which was held in three batches aimed at threshing out issues and concerns pertaining with the CARPER implementation in the province, especially on the Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) component of the program.

OIC-PARPO II Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr. and OIC-CARPO Delia R. Amante of the Operations Division presented to the body the real and actual status of DAR-Masbate’s targeted landholdings for 2015.

Consequently, the Regional Officials gave specific instructions both to the DARPO and DARMO officials regarding the implementation of a Matrix of Action Plan – a system designed to guide the MARPOs in accomplishing LAD and other LTI tasks for targeted landholdings in 2015.

During the ‘per landholding presentation,’ ARDO Rod Realubit gave the MARPOs pieces of advice, and strategies that could help expedite the land acquisition process in the province, in accordance with existing/applicable rules and regulations. He said that in order to speed-up the process, the MARPOs must have a timetable for all LAD activities particularly, the Pre-ocular Inspection and Land Survey.

On the other hand, RD Bueno discussed practical ways and methods that could help the MARPOs effectively execute their respective 2015 Action Plan with great emphasis on improving the DARMO and DARPO coordination in all LAD and other LTI activities. (Ross A. Lustestica)

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Bountiful harvest from SAS

Consultation held to expedite LAD in Masbate

RD Bueno talking about practical ways and methods that could help the MARPOs effectively execute their respective 2015 Action Plan.

ARDO Realubit discussing the implementation of a Matrix of Action Plan – a system designed to guide the MARPOs in accomplishing LAD and other LTI tasks for targeted landholdings in 2015.

4 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Volunteerism and self-initiative is also highly valued at SAFIMCO. This is clearly manifested as individual members voluntarily go to the coop office to pay their loans and irrigation service fees that is why no collector is needed. Most importantly, dividends are regularly distributed to all its members. Today, SAFIMCO’s total capital build-up or CBU of Php 453, 350.00 while the members’ total savings mobilization generated amount to Php 62, 152.22 as of June 2014.

To understand SAFIMCO’s viability better, let us do some mathematical crunch. What is SAFIMCO’s Return on Equity for the last 3 years? Return on Equity measures a cooperative’s profitability by revealing how much profit it generates with the money shareholders/members have invested. The amount of net income returned as a percentage of shareholders equity. ROE = Net Income/ Shareholder’s Equity.

Based on this table, the ROE in 2013 is 10% which is progressively improving from 2011 & 2012.

What is SAFIMCO’s Return on Capital for the last 3 years? The return of capital is when some or all of the money an investor (in this case coop member) has in an investment is paid back to him or her, thus decreasing the value of the investment. It is a return from an investment that is not considered income. It is a profitability ratio as it measures the return that an investment generates for capital contributors. It also indicates how effective a coop is at turning capital into profits.

ROC = (Net Income minus Dividends) divided by (Debt minus Equity)

Based on this table the ROC in 2013 is 5.92% which also increase progressively since 2011 & 2012.

SAFIMCO’s Current ratio is 0.19. Current Asset/ Current Liability) or 1, 354, 691.01/ 7, 095, 651.96 = 0.19 whereas its Debt- Equity Ratio is 1.87. From Debt (Php 13, 258, 858.18 divided by Equity

(Php 7, 095, 651.96)

As a result of the SAFIMCO’s efforts in the development of its members as well as the community, it received numerous provincial, regional, and national citations and awards. Foremost of which as the Most Outstanding Irrigators Association in the Bicol region awarded by NIA Region V in years 2002, 2003 & 2004. It also received a Certificate of Commendation CY-2004 for paying NIA the amount of Php 50,000.00 which is 102% of the required annual amortization of Php 49,00.00 thus setting a fine example to other associations/ cooperatives in attaining better financial standing. It was also awarded the Most Outstanding Irrigators Association in the province of Camarines Sur CY 1986 &1988; and as one of the Top Irrigators Association for the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2013, for their significant and outstanding contributions to the rice industry. For this feat, SAFIMCO was awarded one million pesos worth of agri-development project of their choice.

In recognition of its invaluable and extensive participation in the various programs, projects and activities of the DAR and the different CARP implementing agencies in delivering development interventions in the ARC, it also received the Award of Distinction (in June 25, 2003) from DAR.

With the help of SAFIMCO, the land awarded to the ARBs was managed well and became more productive resulting to the uplifting of each member’s socio- economic status. SAFIMCO’s development efforts also help develop the Agrarian Reform Community. Through the years it initiated the construction of the Road Opening from San Vicente to San Antonio (1979); Construction of Irrigation Canals (1980); Construction of the SAFIMCO office, and the Construction of 200 meter concrete canal lining worth 250,000 sourced from SOLCENTAF fund, and

Construction of one (1) unit Solar Dryer (1987).

In 1997 it also accessed two (2) units shallow tube wells (STWs) from DA and the Construction of 2 units Solar Dryer; in 1999 it initiated the Construction of Mini-Warehouse , and the Construction of Concrete Canal Lining through Balikatan Sagip Patubig Program (BSPP) worth Php500,000.00 from NIA and Php 125,000.00 from LGU-Buhi.

In 2002, it put up the AGRIDEV Information Corner and started the Palay Trading cum Input Dealership. It also started the establishment of women’s project & accessed two (2) units of Sewing Machines for its sewing project.

SAFIMCO leaders took the initiatives of accessing resources from different government agencies and private entities. In its long years of operations, they were able to partner and network as member with the Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC), the Municipal Cooperative Federation of Buhi, and the Barangay Development Council.

As part of SAFIMCO’s involvement in the health of the community, it embarked on the Rural water spring development funded by ARISP II, rural water systems funded by European Union and LGU-Buhi in 2010, and regular medical missions among others.

That is why the DAR and other CARP implementing agencies, and partners like the LGU-Buhi can truly claim that all its interventions and development efforts to SAFIMCO have borne fruit resulting to an empowered farmers cooperative with its modest and sustainable gains in an Agrarian Reform Community in this part of the world!

Indeed, SAFIMCO’s remarkable flight to progress is not only measured in terms of millions of pesos of assets, CBUs, savings generated, or good financial numbers for these are ephemeral and transitory. Rather, in the principles and practices on good governance & transparency, volunteerism, innovation, and social responsibility among others that will be handed down to the next generations of small farmer-cultivators. For only then can we be assured that the gains of CARP will be sustainable and serve as trailblazer that will leave lasting imprints in the sky for others to emulate and learn from.

But they work together, following the leader, in order to accomplish their goal of flying south. They arrive sooner when they fly together as a team than what a goose could do separately.

As a conclusion, let me quote the oath or Panunumpa sa Kasapian which every SAFIMCO member has recited countless times, and has imprinted in their hearts. Then I ask myself, how many cooperatives seriously do that? In SAFIMCO, they do that because they believe it makes the difference in their flight to progress.

Bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino,Ako ay naniniwala at nakiki-isaSa kilusang kooperatibaMahina kung nag-iisa,Subalit tumatatag at tumitibayKapag nagsama-sam.

Batay dito, itinalaga ko ang aking sariliUpang kumilos at makibahagiSa mga gawaing pagkaginhawahan;Lalahok ako sa mga programa ng SAFIMCOTutuparin ko ang aking mga tungkulin;Isasabuhay ko ang pilosopiya ng kooperatiba.

Isang pananawIsang paniniwala

Isang damdamin sa kooperatibismoItinatalaga ko ang aking sarili Na patuloy na maglilingkod At tatangkilikin sa serbisyoAt produkto ng SAFIMCO

Kasiyahan nawa ako ng Poong Maykapal.

(Jose D. Co)

The SAFIMCO’s....----------from p 2

5JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

The Department of Agrarian Reform Albay Provincial Office has turned over processing equipment to Albay Dairy Cooperative (ADC) on February 23, 2015 at the Albay Agri Techno Eco Village Compound, Cabangan, Camalig, Albay.

The equipment amounting to Php 100,000.00 composes of 2 units of 12 cubic feet chest-type freezer, 1 unit of 12 cubic feet showcase freezer, 1 unit gas range, and 1 unit electric bowl mixer.

In a simple turnover ceremony, DAR Albay PARPO II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico challenged the cooperative to keep the equipment in good running condition. “The equipment especially the freezers are vital in the daily operations of your enterprise – to ensure availability of quality freshmilk in the community. I also wish that our cooperation will spur more community development in the years to come,” he remarked.

On the part of ADC, Chairman Domingo Raneses expressed appreciation of DAR’s strong support to develop their freshmilk enterprise. “We will use the equipment to offer best quality of freshmilk to our clients, and exert more efforts to make our enterprise more competitive,” he enthused.

The ADC being a freshmilk producer in Albay was selected as the agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) under the Up-valuing of ARB Products Program of DAR for 2014. (George Olayres)

DAR turns over milk processing equipment to Albay Dairy Cooperative

A four-day Trainors’ Training on Modernize Rice Production Processing and Marketing was conducted under the partnership of DAR and DA as part of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program which aims to increase the production of farmers and engage in agri-based enterprise to retain their awarded lands. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) officers of Bulan, Castilla and Sorsogon as participants were taught about the characteristics of irrigated, rainfed, and upland rice ecosystems; the principles and concepts of palay check or the Palayamanan System; land preparation and crop establishment, nutrient management; water management; integrated pest management; harvesting and post-harvesting management; rice rationing; climate change ready technology of rice; concepts of community seed banking; farm planning and record keeping; and the rice marketing concept. An overview of the Organic Agriculture and the Organic Act of 2010 (RA 10068), and an exposure trip to Brgy. Capuy, Sorsogon City were likewise provided to them. Officers from the Provincial Agriculturist Office of Sorsogon and Agricultural Training Institute of Pili, Camarines Sur served as the resource speakers. (Alura A. Jaso)

L-R: PBDD CARPO Engr. Herbert V. Tengco, Albay Dairy Cooperative (ADC) Board of Directors, ADC Vice-Chairman Gaspar Bolanos (4th from left), ADC Chairman Domingo Raneses (5th from left), National Dairy Authority-Bicol Coordinator Salvador Garchitorena, PARPO II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico, PARPO I Luna Ante, Camalig MARPO Engr. Gerri Ebrada, and members of the ADC (back), pose for a souvenir shot after signing the Trust Agreement for the turned over equipment.

MAZEL TOV! The newly-appointed SARPOs/ARPOs II of the Legal Sector pose with the DAR V officials headed by RD Luis B. Bueno, Jr. (seated, center) for a souvenir shot after the oath-taking ceremony at the La Roca Veranda Suites and Restaurant on February 2, 2015. Again, congratulations and good luck to these well-deserving individuals! (MTVGeneral)

6 PHOTO NEWS JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

DAR-DTI Albay inks partnership to support the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Enterprise Promotion and Development in the province. Said partnership aims to provide latest product design trends, capacity trainings; employment opportunities for ARBOs; enterprise operations and management; development of new entrepreneurs; and increase ARBO sales. Standing from L-R: Ms. Ma. Antonette Bellen, Ms. Eden Sarmiento of DTI Albay; PARPO II Britanico (seated center); PARPO I Luna Ante, and PBDD CARPO Engr. Bert Tengco. (George Olayres)

The DAR Camarines Sur I’s LTI Workshop Conference at the Operations Divison was held on February 17, 2015, a day after the 2015 LTI Directives was given by the DARRO V officials. The two-day workshop focused on the workable balances, determination of landholdings to be deducted either as workable or deductible, and the updating of the Optool. In the photo was PARPO II Leonito M. Gaveria listening attentively to Operations Division chief Ricardo Garcia (in yellow shirt) while stressing a point. (Joey Co)

PRO-ACTIVE. As part of strengthening the public relations, information and social marketing program of the DAR Bicol, ARDO Rod Realubit and ARDA Leo Ramos remain enthusiastic in providing updated information to the general public, especially to the farmers and landowners, on the department’s thrusts and programs. Photo shows their regular guesting on the DAR-Albay’s radio program, “Tingog Kan Paraoma,” anchored by George Olayres, Weng Dia and Ancie Lawenko and aired every Friday, 11-12 noon at DZGB-Legazpi. (MTVGeneral)

DAR Bicol and 901st Infantry Brigade team up to address prevailing issues particularly on peace and order, in CARP-covered areas in Albay and Catanduanes. DAR regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. (left) lauded the Philippine Army’s initiative to collaborate with the department to come up with means and ways to resolve said issues. The formed alliance sees the facilitation of DAR’s delivery of targets in the region. On the other hand, Commanding Officer Raul M. Farnacio (above, extreme right) said that “Bayanihan” is about creating a concept and understanding of security that is shared not just among security forces and government institutions but also with civil society and the communities. (MTVGeneral)

Gender and Development makes a difference in welcoming the New Year. Making the year fruitful not by displaying the twelve round fruits on the table but teaching the women in the countryside how to earn through recycling excess or old cloths into rugs which they can sell afterward.

This photo shows Ms. Lucy S. Vitug and Ms. Leila Halcon of DAR Sorsogon coaching the ladies in San Francisco and Somagongsong, Bulan, Sorsogon how to make colorful rugs and potholders. Sixty Three (63) participants who are members of Bigkis can mga Paraoma sa Bulan of San Francisco Special ARC, have been the recipients of the training. The activity will be replicated in other Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations in the province. (Alura A. Jaso)

Rug Making under GAD

7PHOTO NEWSJANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

BAC ORIENTATION. CARPO Nida A. Santiago discourses important points before the Bidding and Awards Committee (BAC) members, secretariat and technical working group, old and new alike, during the one-day orientation at the DARRO V Conference Hall. (MTVGeneral)

The PBD Sector of DAR Bicol gathers at the Hotel Venezia in Legazpi City for a four-day workshop to facilitate the preparation of partnership activity proposals which will serve as the chief ingredient or basis for releasing of funds from DARRO to DARPOs, February 24-27, 2015. Photo also shows ARDO Rod Realubit addressing the group. (MTVGeneral)

DAR Bicol PBD Sector convenes for the NID Project Implementation Assessment, likewise for an interface meeting with the ARCCESS-BDS professional service providers, at the La Roca Veranda Suites and Restaurant on February 11, 2015. (MTVGeneral)

RD Boy makes it a point to attend the regular meetings of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs) in DAR Bicol to have a face-to-face interaction with the field officials. He deems it necessary to be part in threshing out issues and concerns particularly those that pertain to the implementation of the program. Photo shows RD Boy addressing the MARPOs of Albay during their monthly meeting. (MTVGeneral)

DAR-Sorsogon conducts livelihood training on Dishwashing Liquid and Fabric Conditioner Making for Bangate Mulipurpose Cooperative (BAMUCO) members, under the Gender and Development (GAD) program. (Alura A. Jaso)

8

Bicol’s Agrarian Reform Information ServiceA bi-monthly publication of the Department of Agrarian Reform

Regional Office 5, Lakandula Drive, Gogon Legazpi City

EDITORIAL STAFFMARIA TRINISE VASQUEZ-GENERAL

Editor

JAKE L. ROLDANLay-out/Graphic Artist

SENIOR WRITERS

GEORGE P. OLAYRESAlbay

NILLA P. LAGATUZCamarines Norte

JOSE D. COCamarines Sur A

CARLA R. YUCamarines Sur B

EDUARDO S. VILLARCatanduanes

ROSS A. LUSTESTICAMasbate

ALURA A. JASOSorsogon

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

LUIS B. BUENO, JR.Regional Director

RODRIGO O. REALUBIT, CESO IVOIC-Director III

ATTY. LEO MIGUEL A. RAMOSOIC-Director III

For inquiries, please write or call the DAR Regional Office:

480-5180 local 198 480-5181

darro5info@yahoo.com

facebook.com/DARRegion5

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

DAR-Cat’nes readies individual surveyof 63-ha. Progreso property

after 3-decade row

Armingo and Felicidad Velasco are a couple aged 68 and 78 respectively who have been tilling the 10.479 hectares cocoland, owned by Arsenio Francia located at Buenavista, Presentacion and Panicwan, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, for the past 30 years already. After the owner was served with a Notice of Coverage on January 3, 2013, he paid DAR a visit and voluntary offered to sell his land to the government.

In his old age, Armingo who still farms the entire landholding with four other farmworkers he pays to help out, has only this to say: “Salamat sa Dios kung totoong mangyari na masasarili ko ang lupa. Malaking hirap ang dinanas ko dito. Buong buhay ko’y pinaglaan ko sa pagsasaka at pagaaruga nang lupang ito. Masarap mangarap na balang araw makakamtam ko ang aking minimithi na magkaroon nang sariling lupa,” Armingo in his wrinkled furrows, emaciated body and scarred hands pondered hopefully.

His crude hut, bare of comforts save for a long table, a small corner to cook and an old radio that connects them to the outside world, stands in glaring contrast to the beautiful background that surrounds them in this neck of the woods.

Amidst the overwhelming silence in the vast steep hills of trees that stretch around the area, one can hear a faint whisper of babbling water

that beckons, the sunlight sparkles through brightly coloured leaves that gently waves that when parted, an ethereal lagoon lies within with crystal clear water that mirrors oneself and which seemingly tastes like the nectar of the Gods.

The full spectrum of this idyllic scene takes one’s breath away. This beautiful pristine paradise looks surreal...a bird chirps, above the bluest and whitest of clouds cover the sky, the satanic thistles that brushed the arms becomes paltry, one can even imagine that in this glorious place the green grass too is saccharine sweet.

Armingo seems oblivious to the haven that

surrounds him; one can paint magnificent scenery with every brush stroke. This in time would be Armingo’s reward for hard toil and love of work. Soon he and the four farmworkers would be recipient of a Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA). A gift he has long dreamed to covet, to enrich his life in a sanctuary of pure bliss and art larger than life itself.

Somewhere a neighborhood dog barks, reality sets in yet like air, one does not tire breathing in the beauty and wonders of nature, one can gasp in awe of what Armingo would have one day. (Carla R. Yu)

The much awaited distribution to 129 individual farmer occupants of CARP-awarded lot in Progreso, San Miguel, Catanduanes covering some 63 hectares is now finally settled. After almost 13 years since the said property had been distributed to farmer beneficiaries in the area under a mother CLOA in 1994 represented by Generoso Tapia, the request for survey services had been finally inked to favor proceedings of subdivision survey in barangay Progreso. Said property is a government-owned land registered under OCT No. 123.

Earlier, PARPO Alexander T. Teves directed the legal

staff headed by lawyer Zaldy Monilla, the LTS Division and the DF assigned in Progreso to schedule a barangay assembly in the area and ensure participation of DENR to finally thresh-out issues on the DAR’s conduct of individual survey on the property.

In Progreso, lawyer Zaldy Ll. Monilla, Legal Division Chief in Catanduanes, explained the need for the lot to be distributed individually after detailing the history of the case to the farmer beneficiaries present during the barangay consultations held last February 12, 2015. The barangay is also an Agrarian Reform Community (ARC).

Also present during the activity were DF Belen Bernal,

Legal Officers Ramiro Loria Jr., Gerardo Rojas, and Rafael Rodriguez, and LTS Division staff led by OIC Teresita Sapla, Nancy Bobier, Engr. Henry Avila, and Jessielito Bautista. The DENR and the Philippine Army detailed in the area were also present during the forum that lasted almost half of the day.

Punong Barangay Jorge Bagadiong noted that this development has finally nailed speculations among residents and said that the activity cleared all doubts concerning their possession of said property. It also

opened wider understanding between the two agencies present during the meeting, the DAR and the DENR which, on the other hand, vowed to work hand-in-hand instead to hasten the full implementation of CARP in Progreso.

It can be recalled that in 2001, the DENR filed a case against the 129 Progreso farmer beneficiaries, the PARO-II, the San Miguel MARO and the ROD of Catanduanes. It asked the DAR Regional Adjudicator in Legazpi City to cancel the awarded CLOA and the corresponding OCT in Progreso on the basis of its “classification as timberland and covered by Catanduanes Watershed Forest reserve.”

The DENR was favored in a decision that came out from the DARAB, Legazpi on March 11, 2002 but the same was appealed to the DARAB-Central Office in Quezon City by DAR Catanduanes on April 2002.

On March 2, 2005, the DARAB-Central Office affirmed the appeal made by DAR-Catanduanes which upheld the rights of Progreso farmers to re-possess the CLOA awarded to them under CARP. It emphasized that the previous order cancelling the CLOA “was done in absence of jurisdiction.” The DARAB noted that the case called for a determination of the nature or classification of the said landholding, which is certainly not within the Board’s power to resolve.

During the consultations in Progreso, lawyer Zaldy Monilla made it clear to those beneficiaries present that the decision on the appeal which the DAR won has become final and executory considering that the DENR failed to file an appeal within the 15-day period from the issuance of a Resolution on the motion for reconsideration of the case. (Bong S. Villar)

A Dream to Covet

BARANGAY CONSULTATIONS. Lawyer Zaldy Monilla, ALS Division Chief of Catanduanes, explains the background of the case involving the 129 CARP beneficiaries in Progreso, San Miguel, Catanduanes over the 63-hectare property covered by DAR in 1994 and is now being readied for individual survey. Others present during the activity were DENR representative, DAR legal officers, and LTS staff led by OIC Teresita Sapla.

COUPLE ARMINGO AND FELICIDAD VELASCO IN THEIR PARADISE