PAGES 6-7 Photo NewsPAGE 2 First Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Bicol inaugurated

PAGE 3 FEATURE: A life well built

Ma. Belinda A. Balde Gina D. Bolaños, Jaime C. Bio Joel A. Gasga

Rebecca A. Grande Concesa Y. Iglesia Marcela A. Lahorra Eddie C. Manjares

Yolanda N. Pagador Elizabeth B. Polo

Corazon M. Sabater Eugenio T. Seguenza Ramoncito B. Vibar

2014 DARRO V Retirees

PAGE 4P30M worth of ARCCESS subprojects to benefit thousands of Bicolano farmers

see story on page 2

story on page 8

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ON THE COVER First Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Bicol inaugurated

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Gil Delos Reyes and Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) led the inauguration and blessing of the first Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (APTC) in Bicol on May 15, 2014 at Sitio Mat-i, Sto. Domingo, Vinzons, Camarines Norte in time for the celebration of the feast of the patron saint of farmers San Isidro Labrador.

The APTC worth almost 44 million pesos is jointly financed by the Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Camarines Norte. It is anchored on the improvement of agricultural production to boost tourism and income of almost 17,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province. It is also viewed to be an effective venue of

trading for producers and buyers and a response to a meager farm income of vegetable and fruit producers in the province. According to Gov. Egay Tallado, except for competitive price of farm produce, in APTC farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries are assured that all unsold farm produce brought in to the APTC by farmers will be absorbed and subsidized by the PLGU. The trading center showcases state of the art facilities such as the cold storage to sustain the freshness of fruits and vegetables, a digital industrial weighing scale, and delivery trucks. The idea of APTC is patterned after the “bagsakan center” or the “Sentro ng Pamilihan sa Bayan ng Quezon” in Sariaya Quezon initiated by then Congressman and now DA Secretary Proceso Alcala.

Also gracing the occasion were DAR Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, NPCO Deputy Director Herman Ongkiko, DAR V Asst Regional Directors Rod Realubit & Atty. Leo Miguel Ramos, PARPO Roseller Olayres and other representatives from Department of Agriculture-Central and Regional Offices, Vice Gov. Jonah Pimentel and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and the Municipal Mayors of the province.

By end of 2014, the APTC is expected to bring about significant increase in income of farmers, empowered agrarian reform benefic ia r ies , fu l l y -max im i zed agricultural lands and farmers who are capable of initiating collective bargaining agreement with other producers.(Nilla P. Lagatuz)

DAR turns over 24M worth ARCP2 projects, PBGS incentive to Cam Norte PLGUDepartment of Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil Delos

Reyes turned over fourteen (14) completed ARCP 2 sub-projects amounting to 24 million pesos to the provincial government of Camarines Norte through Gov. Edgardo Tallado on May 15, 2014 in Vinzons, Camarines Norte during the inauguration of the first ever Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Bicol Region.

The sub-projects include four (4) multi-purpose pavement/solar dryer amounting to 3.2 million pesos located in Barangay Laniton, Basud, Malancao-Basud and Daguit in Labo; three (3) units multi purpose building amounting to 5.5 million pesos located in Batobalani, Paracale; Daguit, Labo; and San Isidro, San Lorenzo Ruiz. Two (2) Day Care Centers amounting to 1.9 million for Dagang, Paracale and Daguit, Labo; PHF with warehouse worth 3.2 million also in Daguit; a health station worth 1.4 million in Malangcao-Basud, Labo; a Potable Water System Level II in Macogon, Labo worth 2.8 million; Access Road for ARCCESS in Laniton Basud in the amount of 2.2 million; and farm to market road worth 3.5 million in Talobatib, Labo. Some 5,800 households and 2,800 agrarian reform beneficiaries are expected to benefit from these projects.

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from different barangays of Camarines Norte received the turn-over documents from Sec. Delos Reyes and Gov. Tallado.

Aside from the multimillion projects, Sec. Delos Reyes also awarded a check amounting to 9.9 million pesos to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Camarines Norte through Governor Edgardo Tallado. The amount is just portion of the 75 million pesos Performance Based Grant System (PBGS) granted to the PLGU of Camarines Norte. PBGS is an incentive given by the Second Agrarian Reform

Communities Project (ARCP2) to performing LGUs who partake in government reform initiatives with respect to the implementation of ARCP 2 subprojects.

The PBGS version of ARCP 2 resembles the prominent government reform program of the DILG, the Seal of Good Housekeeping conferred to qualified LGUs. The LGU with the seal can be provided with financial incentives through the Local Government Support Fund. With almost 400 million worth of subprojects implemented, the province of Camarines Norte is among those who instituted reforms in the implementation of ARCP 2 in Camarines Norte and among the 21 local government units who have completed the requirements for the grant of PBGS. According to Gov. Tallado, proceeds from the PBGS shall fund the construction of the First Farm School in Camarines Norte that is soon to be constructed adjacent the APTC building in Vinzons, Camarines Norte.

The partnership of DAR, DA and DSWD through the Fight Against Poverty was also launched on the same day with World Food Organization representative Dipayan Batthachariya gracing the occasion. According to DWSD Regional Director Arnel Garcia, their office has allocated an amount of 23 million pesos for Camarines Norte alone for supplemental feeding program. This amount according to Garcia will directly benefit the Parent Leader Organizations of the Pantawid Pamilya Program. The partnership is envisioned to create greater synergy in engaging the rural households toward social development, agri-enterprise and community driven livelihood. The APTC will serve as the food hub where the required food items for the day care centers can be sourced out and ensure the ready supply of food items for the feeding program in the day care centers.

The DAR’s support services to the PHP will be provided through the Second Agrarian Reform Community Project (ARCP 2) and the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) under ARCP 2.

Joining Sec Delos Reyes and Governor Tallado during the turn over of projects were Cam. Norte Vice Governor Jonah Pimentel, DAR Bicol Regional Director Boy Bueno Jr., NPCO Deputy Director Herman Ongkiko, DAR V Asst Regional Directors Rod Realubit, & Atty. Leo Miguel Ramos, and PARPO II of Camarines Norte Roseller Olayres. (Nilla P. Lagatuz)

MAY-JUNE 2014

Sec. Gil Delos Reyes of DAR awarding the check which represents the PBGS of ARCP 2 subprojects worth 9.9 m pesos to Governor Edgardo Tallado & Vice Gov. Jonah Pimentel of the province of Camarines Norte.

Cover Story

The Philippines adapted the theme “Ang family farming ay buhay” to connote that humanity depends on smallholder farmers to live and that family farming provides life. Let us thank the farmers for our food and for sustaining our lives.

2014 is declared as International Year of Family Farming (IYFF)

3MAY-JUNE 2014

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Bicol recently sealed new partnership with professional service providers (PSPs) after signing contracts worth P27million for Business Development Services (BDS) covering 38 sub-projects and another P3.5 million for Agri-Extension Services (AES) covering 20 subprojects, under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City, June 23, 2014.

The BDS is the capability building and technical assistance component of ARCCESS project where the recipients are those agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) who were granted with Common Service Facilities (CSF) or farm machineries. This component as support services intervention will benefit

around 15,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and some 48 ARBOs in the region.

Present during the signing ceremony were DAR Bicol officials headed by regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., and professional service providers (PSPs) Bicolandia Greenfields Development Organization, Inc. (BIGFIS) represented by its President, Mr. Joseph Cruz; Naga College Foundation (NCF) led by its President Ms. Marguerite Michelle V. Padua-Hornby; and Agricultural Training Institute-Department of Agriculture (ATI-DA) headed by Center Director Efren C. Sabularse.

The purpose of outsourcing BDS for ARBs enterprises from the private sector or business association is to provide the management expertise that

will catalyze and fast track the establishment of self-sustaining business units among ARBOs that will consolidate their farm management and business operations in redistributed lands.

“Agrarian reform does not end with land distribution. The bigger challenge is for ARBs to retain their awarded lands or not fall into the trap of selling or pawning their lands because of poverty,” RD Bueno stated in his message.

Through ARCCESS, RD Bueno went on, “our ARBs are provided with strategic and sustainable support services in the forms of professional service provision including agri-extension services and business development services, and common service facilities or farm machineries and equipment, so that they can maximize the productivity

of their awarded lands and engage in agri-related enterprises.”

Regional Program Beneficiaries Development Chief Lerma B. Dino explicated that “as a whole, the provision of BDS to ARBOs under ARCCESS aims to improve the performance of the agri-enterprises of the ARBOs, their access to markets, and their ability to compete in mainstream and niche market – with the end goal of increasing their (ARBs/farmers) income.”

“Specifically, BDS intends to empower the ARBOs in terms of technical/production, marketing, financial and organizational/

governance management to realize self-sustaining agricultural enterprise, based on the needs assessment conducted in every sub-project. For the commonly assessed needs, interventions shall be done to address the existing weaknesses of the ARBOs,” Ms. Dino further said.

Modernized Rice Production & Marketing, Pineapple Production & Processing, Abaca Production/Processing & Marketing, Mechanized Block Farming for Corn Production, and Intensified Vegetable Production are just some of the subprojects that will be provided with BDS interventions to benefit another batch of thousands of our ARBs in Bicol. (MTVGeneral)

SEALED DEAL. DAR Bicol regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. signing the Contract with one of the professional service providers (PSPs), Naga College Foundation represented by its President, Marguerite Michelle V. Padua-Hornby. Witnessing are (l-r, seated) Asst. Regional Director for Operations Rodrigo O. Realubit, Asst. Regional Director for Admin. Leo Miguel A. Ramos, (standing, l-r) provincial chiefs Roseller Olayres (Cam. Norte), Felix Fruto (Sorsogon), Romulo Britanico (Albay) & Alex Teves (Catanduanes).

DAR Bicol officials headed by regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. (seated, middle) & ARCCESS point persons together with the professional service providers (PSPs) of BDS-AES for ARCCESS

P30M worth of ARCCESS subprojects to benefit thousands of Bicolano farmers

DAR, DPWH, LGU hold FMR Pre-Construction Conference

A pre-construction conference for the 3,483.50 m Lalaguna to Umabay Interior Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) was held in LA UMA EXIN PI ARC, Mobo, Masbate, June 3, 2014. The FMR amounting to 17,593,026 pesos (with a letter of allotment advice of 15,331,065 pesos) is a component of the JICA-funded Agrarian

Reform Infrastructure Support Program - Phase III (ARISP III) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The conference was aimed at encouraging closer coordination between and among the stakeholders DAR, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Local Government of Mobo, for the smooth project execution.

Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. led the DAR team composed of OIC-PARPO II Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr., OIC-PARPO I Herald R. Tambal of DARPO-Masbate, and OIC-MARPO Edwin C. Yanzon of DARMO-Masbate City/Mobo; Engrs. Imelda Lambojon and Jayciel Bartolome of the DAR-Central Project Monitoring Office; and ARISP III Consultant

Yukihiro Kawahara.The LGU of Mobo was represented by Mayor Percival Castillo and Municipal Engineer Rodolfo Galido while Engrs. Noel L. Sambajon and Carlos V. Aban were the frontrunners for the DPWH.

Before the pre-construction conference ensued,

the entire inspection contingent conducted an onsite inspection of the ongoing road clearing work which according to the DPWH already constitutes 14 percent actual work of the construction project.

Engrs. Imelda Lambojon and Noel L. Sambajon were the main discussants during the conference in which the organizational structure for construction, contract details, as-staked plans, work schedule, and control program including relevant construction strategies and implementation were openly discussed and conveyed to all the attendees.

RD Bueno and Mayor Castillo both expressed in their respective messages that once this more than three kilometer-FMR is finished, it will bring economic progress and development to the LA UMA EXIN PI Agrarian Reform Community. “DAR projects are always welcome here in Mobo and our partners in this project will always have the full support and cooperation of the local government - from the Mayor’s office down to the barangay officials concerned,” Mayor Castillo’s words of assurance. In his message RD Boy Bueno urged the community members who witnessed the conference to be pro-active. He said,”Now that the project has already started, all that we can ask from the farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries of LA UMA EXIN PI ARC is their cooperation and vigilance so that the FMR will be completed within the expected time frame.” (Ross A. Lustestica)

ON-SITE INSPECTION. The contingent composed of officials from DAR, DPWH and Mobo-LGU conducted a site inspection of the clearing works for the farm-to-market road which spans 3,483.50 m from the main road in Brgy. Lalaguna to Brgy. Umabay Interior.

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The Isarog Pulp and Paper Company Inc. at Tigaon, Camarines Sur covers an entire area of 547.4652 hectares. It is wholly planted with Abaca till it was placed under the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in the 1990’s.

Clemente Refe, Jr. is one of the lucky Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) who was awarded a 2-hectare land in the area together with 520 others. He was so thankful for the big opportunity that was given him that he swore to create a bright future for himself. He borrowed money from informal lenders and bought inputs for his farm. As the land was unirrigated, he planted Maize on it. Every harvest, he dutifully paid off his loan. When asked how he was able to avoid the debilitating trap of the credit cycle, his answer was

“sometimes I get lucky to sell my Maize at a high price and when I do, I earn profits which I painstakingly save”.

When he had saved enough, he rented neighboring farmlands and planted it with Maize. Soon he had enough money to buy a .75 hectare land and built his house on. Later, he yearned to do more, so he built a solar dryer beside his house and rented it out to farmers to dry their paddy rice at the cost of P5/sack. He also engaged in selling fertilizers for sale to farmers in the locality.

He is also one of the founders of the Alamat Multi-purpose Cooperative, where he devoted much of his time and commitment for the good of its members.

Clemente is a single man who lived alone, with the abundance he reaped, he wanted to pay forward his blessings that he adopted a boy and raised him. This adopted son is now a junior in College which he hopes would have a bright future ahead.

Today, he is renting a total area of eight (8) hectares which he is planting with Maize and another one (1) hectare which he plants with paddy rice.

When asked what he is thankful most for, this he said “I thank DAR for its CARP program, because the land I was awarded became the turning point of my life. Things would not be what it is now, were it not for the opportunity I was given. Perhaps I still would be stripping abaca to this day, still wallowing in poverty and working not for myself but for me and my landlord. I am very grateful for what has been given me that I vowed to make use of it in the best way I can. I made the land productive and looked for other lands to make useful because I do not want to ever go back to the life I was born into”.

Clemente Refe, Jr. is one living testament that agrarian reform really works. He may be a simple farmer like a million other Filipinos but he chose to stand out above the rest by creating a destiny that makes him unique and worth emulating. (Carla R. Yu)

A life well built

The Salvacion Farmer’s Development Cooperative or SAFADECO held its 13th general assembly successfully.

Still famous as “Pag-urupod” in the west district of Sorsogon City, the farmers’ organization that established a consumer store and copra trading is already offering savings and loan products not only to farmers but to other sectors since it started its partnership with DAR-NATCCO. On March 22, 2014, election of new officers was conducted for the new members of Board of Directors, Committee on Election, and Committee on Audit.

“Seeing how we manage our general assembly now makes me feel confident because it is a manifestation that I have made the right decision of adopting microfinance in our organization,” said Lea G. Dagohoy, BOD member, recalling how other pioneer members reacted on her decision before. Other members feared that if microfinance fails, their other business might be confiscated as payment. But Dagohoy stood on her conviction;believed that it is an opportunity for the rapid growth of the organization.

The core management team had also played the most important role in the cooperative. Although they are new members yet they have exerted effort and became devoted as the pioneers are. “This is our first general assembly that we have a souvenir program courtesy of the COMAT,” Dagohoy added.

Aside from the usual general assembly’s activities such as election, reporting, raffles, reciting the VMG, SAFADECO has included the distribution of Stock Certificate in their activities which can either inspire or challenge a member to increase his share, and the very educational Financial Literacy Seminar given by Sally P. Nicolas, NATCCO OSU Head of Southern Luzon.

“Last year was a challenging year for us as it marks our first year operation in the Savings and Credit business of the cooperative. It was a year when we enthusiastically knocked unto the heart and mind of our prospect members. It was also the year when we ardently gave our best to maintain the trust and confidence of our members especially the pioneers. We needed to prove that we are worthy of these responsibilities,” said Jessica Samantha D. Acleta, General Manager.

Now, it can be told, that the core management team made it. Even the DAR Sorsogon could tell them, “job very well done”. At the general assembly, the coop feels that they need to change and upgrade their vision which focuses only on farmers because these days, the coverage of their services has expanded, going beyond the farmers. Again, that indicates success.(Alura A. Jaso)

today’s asset of pioneers

(1)Members voting for their chosen candidate.(2) Vote-Counting (3)SAFADECO’s Officers, Core Management Team, and NATCCO Officers.

FEATURE

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SAFADECO’s COMAT:MAY-JUNE 2014

The wide solar dryer beside his house.

ARB Clemente Refe Jr. in his fertilizer shop.

ARB Clemente Refe Jr.

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My view.Their lives.

Our story.

MAY-JUNE 2014

6DAR V & LBP level off on the latest LAD process issuance. On June 16 2014, the DARRO V Land Tenure Improvement (LTI) Division headed by CARPO Nida A. Santiago met with officials from the Land Bank of the Philippines-Agrarian Operation Center (LBP-AOC) in Legazpi City led by Engr.Narciso Villarealto tackle DAR Administrative Order No. 4,Series of 2014. Said A.O. stipulates the Amendments to the Revised Rules and Procedures Governing the Acquisition and Distribution of Private Agricultural Lands under RA 6657.

A.O. 4 provides a common understanding and appreciation of the revised procedures in the Land Acquisition & Distribution (LAD) process and ensures the accuracy and completeness of documents required in the claim folder (CF) for submission to LBP, which are necessary prior to and during the conduct of field investigation, processing of valuation and approval of land transfer claims.

Also in attendance were DAR V ARD for Operations Rodrigo O. Realubit & ARD for Administration Atty. Leo Miguel A. Ramos. (Reuben R. Loria)

In photo are: Engr. Rollie dela Pena (LBP-AAS), CARPO Nida A. Santiago, LBP Lawyer Atty. Ma. Elena Naval, Engr. NarcisoVillareal (Head, LBP-AOC 5); DAR OIC-Director III Rod Realubit, Engr. Jessie Basco, Jr. (AAS), Engr. Silvano Mediavillo (Head, FIGP LBP-AOC 5), Ms. Francine Pangilinan (AAS, partly hidden), OIC-Director III Leo Miguel Ramos, Ms. Cynthia Ramos & the Operations Division staff.

MAY-JUNE 2014

Bigkis can Paraoma sa Bulan (BPB) lives to the proverb, “A good payer is master of another’s purse,” meaning, one who is known to always pay exactly as promised can borrow money from other people at any time. This or-ganization, which is headed by Mr. Leoncio M. Gocoyo, is a good recipient of DAR’s Agrarian Production Credit Pro-gram (APCP), paying their P1.4 million loan in full at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in less than six months. The loaned amount was released to them during the sowing season in January 2014 which the members used in rice production. Now came the reaping season and as responsible debtors, they made sure to pay what they owed. Having shown their integrity, Gocoyo is again distrib-uting loan forms to the members who are willing to avail the same service.(Alura A. Jaso)

DAR Bicol actively engages both in the traditional and the social media not only to

establish authority in the agrarian field but to share the “social good” the Department has

been doing all this time in pursuit of its Mission. It always finds the opportunity to have the good news heralded on the tri-media and the cyber

media.

PBD STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM. “Addressing issues and concerns as well as to harmonize development efforts with support services providers/partners, and come up with strategic interventions to ensure accomplishment of targets for the second semester.”- RPBD Chief Lerma Dino ( MTVGeneral)

#SocialMarketing#AdvocacyCampaign#tri-media

ARB Paralegals Undergo Clinic and Tactics Training Thumbs-up for a successful ARB-Paralegal Clinic and Tactics Training.The ARB-Paralegals share a thumbs-up with OIC-PARPO II Samuel R. Ongcal, Jr. (center in eyeglasses), Ines L. Codia, ARPO II of the Agrarian Reform Capacity Development Service (ARCDS) of DAR Central Office, OIC-MARPO Edwin C. Yanzon of DARMO-Masbate City/Mobo and the rest of the DARPO-Masbate personnel. (Ross A. Lustestica)

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Finance-Municipal Development Office confers the Performance-based Incentive Award to LGU-Milaor, Camarines Sur on July 3, 2014 at the Milaor Session Hall “in recognition for its exemplary performance in the areas of agrarian reform initiatives, planning, budgeting, pro-curement, resource mobilization, governance, financial account-ability, and institutional development, made possible through the support of the Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) II jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Philippines”.LGU-Milaor was able to access Php37million worth of infra projects from ARCPII. In the photo from left are Vice mayor Andre Hidalgo, ADB Mission Team head Marzia Mongiorgi -Lorenzo, PARO II Leo Gaveria of DAR-Camarines Sur A, Milaor Mayor Rogelio Flores, DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Rosalina l. Bisotoyong, CESO I, DAR Regional Director Luis Bueno Jr., PARPO I Raquel Claveria of Dar Cam Sur A, and ARD Rod Realubit, CESO IV. (Joey Co)

MIDAS TOUCH. DAR Bicol prays for a fruitful partnership with Mayon Integrated Development Alternatives & Services, Inc. (MIDAS), one of the professional service providers (PSPs) being outsourced by the department which will pro-vide our agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) the capability building and technical assistance under the Business Development Services (BDS) component of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program. Photo shows (l-r, seated) RD Luis B. Bueno, Jr., MIDAS Executive Director Cristita C. Triunfante, Asst. Regional Directors Leo Miguel A. Ramos & Rodrigo O. Realubit; (l-r, standing) BAC mem-bers Hipolita Altavano, Cynthia Ramos, Joy Ranosa; PARPOs Samuel Ongcal (Masbate), Leonito Gaveria (Cam. Sur 1), Roseller Olayres (Cam. Norte), Romulo Britanico (Albay, black shirt), Felix Fruto (Sorsogon, far right); BAC members Bonny Jesalva, Gil Montales & Nida Santiago. ( MTVGeneral)

FARMERS’ UNDERTAKING. Beneficiaries (top) from Bocon, Caramoran over 7.3504 hectares and those from Codon, San Andres ( bottom) under Cambare property covering 4.7850 hectares signed their affidavit to purchase and took their oath before Hon. Arnel P. Cezar, MTC Judge for Pandan-Caramoran. Assisting them was LTID ARPO - II Nancy Bobier (extreme right). (ES Villar)

PHOTO NEWS

7MAY-JUNE 2014

ARISP3 CPMO conducts Field Validation and Pre - Construction Conference of 7.5 km Batan–San Ramon FMR at Batan Cluster ARC, Rapu-Rapu, Albay on June 4, 2014.L-R:DARRO V Engr. Danilo C. Cea, DAR Albay PARPO II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico, ARISP3 CPMO Team Leader Ms. Melle Lamboon, ARISP3 Consultant Mr. Yukihiro Kawahara, and DARRO V Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr.(gp_olayres)

RELAXATION IS THE KEY TO PRODUCTIVITY. As the proverb goes, “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”, the DARRO V Family headed by its ‘father’, regional director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., takes time off the hectic work schedules to enjoy and relax with respec-tive families in the cool springs of Dos Montes in Malilipot, Albay. ( MTVGeneral)

MEET THE DAR “PO-GAY” AND “T-BOOM”2014 SEARCH contenders in Catanduanes during the two-day Family Day last June 26-27, 2014 from blue, white and green teams. The contestants likewise posed for posterity with their teammates during the pageant wherein Ms.Daisy Atencia and Mr. Ritchie Bernal of blue team were crowned DAR 2014 T-Boom and DAR Po-Gay, respectively. They were closely followed by 1st Runner-up tandem of Bernard Belarmino and Pure Tapayan from green team, and 2nd runner-up, Edgar Tario and Ms Jean Rose Munda from the white team. (ES Villar)

Facilities on Community-managed Portable Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) Project were turned over to barangay Imalnod in Legazpi City on May 20, 2014. The project has

installed two units of biogas digester, 1 unit of rainwater collector, and 3 units iron removal filter in selected sites of barangay Imalnod. Three heads of gilts (pig) with 3 month feeds allocation were also distributed to qualified beneficiaries in the area.

CPWASH National Point Person Norberto S. Quite emphasized the importance of clean and safe drinking water especially among the marginalized sector of the community. He also challenged the newly trained CPWASH Para-Engineers to offer services in the construction of CPWASH facilities to other interested residents in the area. According to Albay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Estreluna G. Ante, Barangay Imalnod was chosen as recipient of the project because of its dire need for accessible clean drinking water being one of the barangays covered by Southern Legazpi Up-land Barangays (SLUB) agrarian reform community (ARC) in Legazpi City.

On the other hand, Regional Program Beneficia-ries Development Division Chief Lerma Dino stressed that the facilities must be maintained so that more residents will gain access to safe and clean drinking water in a sustainable manner.

Legazpi City Public Safety Officer Perfecto R. Ofracio commended the Department of Agrarian Reform for coming up with CPWASH Project in the upland areas of the City as it addresses the

provision of clean drinking water and environment protection program of the city. “I would like to congratulate DAR for coming up with this very beneficial project.”Ofracio said.

Also present during the Turn over Ceremony were Legazpi City Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Herbert Tengco, Development Facilitator Glenn Pacres, Albay CPWASH Point Person Wilma O. de los Angeles, and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Imalnod headed by Bgy. Captain Valentino M. Llaneta.(gp_olayres)

CPWASH Facilities turned over in Legazpi City

DARCO CPWASH Coordinator Norberto S. Quite together with Bgy. Kagawad Cesar de los Santos of Imalnod, Legazpi City, and MARPO Engr. Herbert V. Tengco of DARMO Legazpi assess the quality of flame generated by the biogas digester.

Legazpi City Public Safety Officer Perfecto R. Ofracio cuts the symbolic ribbon for the newly constructed rain water col-lector in Imalnod, Legazpi City. Albay PARPO I Luna G. Ante, DARCO CPWASH Coordinator Norberto S. Quite, MARPO Herbert Tengco, Imalnod Bgy Captain Valentino M. Llaneta and his council witnessing the ceremony.

MOA SIGNING ON MODEL FARM. PARPO Alexander Teves and Viga Mayor Gordon Olfindo led the MOA signing in launching the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Model farms in Ogbong, Viga, one of the areas covered by ANOGMAROSA ARC. The activity is in partnership with Viga LGU and its Agricultural Services. Witnessing the signing at Ogbong barangay plaza were (l-r): Nicandro Cabrera, OARBO Pres., CARPO Nerisa Aldea, Bgy. Capt. Mario Timajo, and Viga MAO Elmo Tusi. (ES Villar)

KNOWLEDGE JOURNEY. BARC officers of 13 barangays in Sorsogon City participated in the Knowledge Journey in Camarines Sur, May 27-28, 2014 with the aim of enhancing their capacity in doing their noble duty as CARP implementers in the barangay level. Said project was funded under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB).Same group underwent a 2-day seminar last year, regarding the latest issuances on LAD implementation in which the BARC plays a vital role. (Alura A. Jaso)

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. To give employees the benefits of life-saving know-how both in public and in the workplace, the DAR-Catanduanes under PARPO Alexander Teves conceptualized this year’s Disaster Preparedness and Fire Safety cum Climate Change Seminar under the auspices of GAD advocacy on April 7, 2014 at DARPO, Virac, Catanduanes. HRMO II Pure Tapayan(on rostrum) provides the overview, while (frm left) FO2 BenignoTablizo, PARPO Alex Teves, PDRR-MO Jerry Beo, SFO3 Danilo Tayobana and FO1 Marjoe Isorena listen. (ES Villar)

PHOTO NEWS

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Bicol’s Agrarian Reform Information Service

A bi-monthly publication of the Department of Agrarian Reform

Regional Office 5, Lakandula Drive, Gogon Legazpi City

EDITORIAL STAFFMARIA TRINISE VASQUEZ-GENERAL

Editor

REUBEN R. LORIASenior Writer

PROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENTS

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:

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MAY-JUNE 2014

To some, retirement may seem like a breath of fresh air or a reward for the end of grueling hours at the office, and for

all those years of slaving over mountains of paper work. For some this is the time to start doing what they’ve always wanted to do, to start a business, travel to distant places or just stay at home and watch the grandkids. But some look at it with melancholy. Gone are the days when they have to stay and work even after office hours just to beat a deadline. No more travels to do field work. Not being able to see through the end of the project they’ve worked so hard to initiate. And no more quick after lunch chats at the corridor to catch up to the

latest news about each other’s lives. For most of them the office has become one big family, a place where they’ve found lifelong friends. And leaving one’s family behind is never easy.

That is why the send-off party for this year’s DARRO V retirees is a mixture of tears and laughter. It was a bittersweet affair. Some reminisced their glory days, even working late into the night, the field work, the laughter they’ve shared on the road, and the friendships (not to mention rivalries) they’ve formed after working together for years. Those left behind expressed their sadness at losing a valued co-worker around the office. Others just couldn’t help but shed tears at the prospect of their co-worker leaving. They reminisced their time with the retirees, and told us what they will miss most about them. Not to be outdone, a group of employees performed a funny dance number that left us laughing our hearts out.

Change is all around us. Life would be impossible without change. The day gives way to the night; the hot summer gives way to the rainy season. Children grow up and leave their homes to start their own family. Being retired is just one of those changes. It’s time to move forward, take life slow and pass on the baton to someone else. But they are by no means forgotten. We will always remember those who were here before us, those who had paved the way for us. We are indebted to them, some for teaching us our craft, for giving good advice or lending an ear to our troubles.

So to this year’s retirees, thank you for the friendship. Thank you for sharing your life with us. All of you will be remembered fondly. And we wish you good luck on all your endeavors, may the God be gracious to you. Thank you! Au revoir! Till we meet again!

Life starts at retirement

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(1) Photo Ops. The DARRO 5 Family with the retirees.(2) The Three Musketeers - Mr. Noe Añonuevo, Mr. Hermie Sabiano & Mr. Renato Bragais in a spontaneous funny number.(3) The retirees with their certificates and plaques. (4) String Trio. John Steve Lacsina, Hermeine Seperoto and Nikki Giselle Escolano serenade the retirees. Escolano is a graduate of Bachelor of Music at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel while the two are still pursuing the same course at the same school. (MTVGeneral)

RESCUE TEAM. DAR Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes (seated, right)and RD Eliasem Castillo (standing, 2nd from left) with the DARRO V First Team headed by PARPO Roseller Olayres (3rd from left) who braved their way to Tacloban City barely five days after super typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas late last year, to provide assistance in the form of relief items, clearing & cleaning opera-tions, among others. First Batch includes Daniel Tan (seated, left), Dennis Miraflor (4th from right), Gerry Ebrada (3rd from right) & Gabriel Macalla (2nd from right). Also in photo are Mr. Bobbit Librojo of the DAR-OSEC (extreme right) & two other DAR VIII staff.

Lauded also was the Second Team who followed suit; com-posed of Engr. Marsel Sayson, Melchor Rigo, Renato Bragais & Manuel Raneses.

On the right is the letter sent by then DAR VIII Regional Director Eliasem P. Castillo, addressed to DAR Bicol Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr., commending DAR Bicol for the exemplary efforts provided & extended especially to DAR VIII personnel affected by super typhoon Yolanda. (MTVGeneral)