PAGES 6-7 Photo NewsPAGE 2 Mang Rodring’s Journey PAGE 3 PAGE 8 DARBO on the go..for all natural coco suka and toyo

see story on page 2

TOPVIEW of Brgy. Sto. Niño, Pili, Camarines Sur -- part of the expanded ARC-Bagong Sirang (DAR Cam Sur file photo)

DAR Honors Most Outstanding ARB Family

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ON THE COVER Cover Story

DAR-DA-ATI Partnership supports ARCCESS Project

Mang Rodring’s JourneyNOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

“I thank the Lord for all the blessings he has bestowed on me and my family. There’s nothing more I can ask except to see that the 3-km unpaved road in Himaao, Pili that runs from the farm to the main highway in Pawili, Pili, Camarines Sur be cemented. When that happens, I can rest in peace.” Wistful yearnings from 88 year old Rodrigo Balilla Bismonte of Barangay Pawili, whose family was hailed as the Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Family of the Year by the Department of Agrarian Reform on November 24 2014 at the Bureau of Soil & Water Management Convention Center, Quezon City, during the culmination of the 2014 International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) celebration.

This 3-km unpaved road is where Rodrigo and 15 other Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries trudge carrying their loads of produce on a carabao sled to sell to the market. During rainy season this road is impassable as it is typical of a dirt-road where pot holes are scattered filled with muddy puddles. For almost 20 years, from the time Tio Rodring earned his Emancipation Patent for the 6811 square meters of riceland from the Department of Agrarian Reform, he left his footprints on this 3-km stretch every day.

“I was born to an impoverished family where our only income came from cultivating a 3-hectare Riceland. I was the eldest amongst eight (8) children, so I was obliged to help the family. I only reached the 3rd grade as life was hard so I had to give up schooling to help my father till the land. I was faced with the stark realities of life that at a young age I

knew what hard labor was. When my father died, I left home and left the land to my siblings for them to nurture it. “

Left with nothing else, except with a firm resolve to live, he found himself as a farmworker in one estate in Himaao, Pili, Camarines Sur, where he eventually became a tenant and which ultimately made him an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary under P.D. 27 in 1987.

It was in 1952, when he married Gliceria Datoy Bicaldo. He built a humble adobe for them in the farmlot and raised their family. Life was tough but Rodring and Gliceria unceasingly toiled the land. Both worked hard and saved every penny they could. They also worked as farmworkers in neighbouring lots to earn more income for their growing family. They increased their income by selling only a part of their produce, keeping the rest and selling them when prices soared. He was also able to extend credit to other farmers and the small profit he gained from them increased their savings. Soon other farmers were mortgaging their lands, an opportunity which he grabbed and invested in.

After eight years of painstaking work, he was able to buy a residential land close to the main road, where he built a modest home for his family. “The children were all going to school so I made certain that they lived close by, as seeing them all through college became my earnest dream. We hammered into their minds that there was no legacy we could leave except to educate them, as it was the only way with which they could have a bright future”.

It was in 1995 when his youngest son Rodolfo graduated from University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City with a degree in Bachelor of Laws. He was the last student he had to spend on as all the six (6) others before him had all earned their respective degrees in college. Today, the couple have two (2) accountants, two (2) engineers, an agriculturist, a nurse and a full-fledged lawyer.

“I thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on us. Life was a sacrifice but I never complained because I knew He wouldn’t give me any hardship that I would not be able to overcome. I lived life as a simple Catholic, without vices as I could not afford it. I had my wife and children and that made me happy. At dawn, I walked to the farm and labored intensively sweating it out through heat and rain focused on the children’s education. As dusk sets in, I trekked back, tired and spent after a day’s toil but pleased knowing I have some good harvests to look forward to”.

As the years passed, his fellow farmers were not oblivious to how hardworking he was, so it was that he earned a seat in the barangay council as barangay kagawad from 1965-1973; as Samahang Nayon President from 1973-1975; as Barangay Captain from 1990-1993; as PTA President from 1962-1982; as Pastoral Council President from 1995-2002; and as Pawili Farmers’ Cooperative President from 1986-1990.

“As a farmer and as a citizen, I shared what I could with our community. I knew that tasks became easier and lighter when you share it with others, and that more minds are better than one”. Communing with his fellow citizen with him at the helm, led them to achieve a 4-km farm to market road which led to Bicolandia Sugar Development Cooperative, Inc. (BISUDECO) now known as Penafrancia Sugar Mill, Inc. (PENSUMIL); a school stage and concrete fence for Pawili Elementary School; renovation of the Pawili Barangay Chapel and above all, won a battle for Barangay Pawili, when he fought for BISUDECO’s realty taxes to be shared as revenue to their local barangay.

These accomplishments earned him recognition as the National Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines in 1988 by the Department of Agriculture. He was also awarded the Regional Outstanding ARB of the Department of Agrarian Reform in 2008 and a Mayoralty awardee during the term of Mayor Alexis D. San Luis in 2007.

Two decades have passed since he first became an ARB, his small farmholding of 6811 square meters hs manifolded 16 times over to an expansive 11.5 hectares which the family now manages. In this vast area livestock production of carabao and swine continues; it also boasts of pre and post harvest facilities of three (3) units irrigation pump, two (2) hand tractors, two (2) units warehouse and a solar dryer.

Now that life’s passage has brought him success, he repays his good fortune by allowing all farmers within the area to make use of his solar dryer for free. “I could ask for a fee for its use, but I don’t because God has been good to me and to my family” teary-eyed, he quipped.

Indeed, no dream is too big if one works hard to achieve it. It is not how big your land is, or how easy life is…It is about the farmer and how he journeys through life and how he carves his path to achieve a beautiful life. (Carla R. Yu)

The Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, and Agricultural Training Institute conducted a four-day training on Intensified Vegetable Production last December 16-19, 2014 in Guinobatan, Albay.

The activity was participated in by the officers and members of SARIGAN ARC MPC whose agribusiness project on High Value Vegetable Production, Processing, and Marketing was approved and funded under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Service of DAR.

Among the topics discussed were Cultural Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Post-harvest Processing of HVC. The resource speakers have also included special topics such as Organic Farming, Urban Gardening, and Natural Farming System. The participants were also brought to HVC Center in Buang, Tabaco City to let them gain more knowledge on HVC production.

According to Albay Provincial Agriculturist Ernesto dela Torre, Albay has not yet reached the optimum yield of high value vegetable crops. “For example, in ampalaya, the province has only an average yield of 6.75 mt/ha considering the potential yield of 14 mt/ha.” Dela Torre cited.

Thus, dela Torre said the activity is very important to ensure that farmers will be able to increase their production and their household income. He also added that farmers should be proud of their profession and encourage the youth to go into farming.

The DA and ATI are the extension service providers commissioned by DAR for ARCCESS Project to do the technology transfer for HVC as agribusiness project of SARIGAN MPC. (George P. Olayres)

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Pursuant to the directive of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) during the National Conference of PARCCOM Chairpersons in Binalonan, Pangasinan last October 7-10, 2014, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) of Masbate approved its Work Plan for 2015 during a special meeting on December 15, 2014 at the DAR Masbate Conference Room.

According to Florencio P. Iway, PARCCOM Masbate’s acting Chairperson, all the PARCCOMs in the country were instructed to come up with its respective Work Plan which should be geared at refocusing its activities and

programs and designed to cope up with the emerging challenges and future developments on CARP implementation.

One of the important activities included in PARCCOM Masbate’s work plan is the conduct of joint DAR-PARCCOM field verification of landholdings for inclusion in or deduction from the CARPER LAD database. Also the PARCCOM wants to ensure that the posting of the list of the said landholdings is made following the

provisions of DAR Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2014. These activities will guarantee that the requirements and procedures under the guidelines are strictly followed in relation to the committee’s signing of the resolution for deduction and/or inclusion and eventually its submission to the Regional LAD Balance Evaluation Team (RLBET).

Other important activities set to happen in 2015 are: Election of the new set of officers of PARCCOM Masbate who will serve a term of office from 2015 to 2018; Monitoring of DAR projects to ensure their

efficient and prompt implementation; Visits to ARCs and ARBOs in order to ascertain the progress and status of DAR’s development programs in these areas through the various CARP components on land tenure improvement, support services and beneficiaries development; Participation to line-agencies activities and PCIT meetings to strengthen the relationship of DAR with the LBP, DA, DENR and other CARP implementing offices; and yearend Assessment and Planning so that the committee together with the DAR Masbate Provincial Office could identify the operational problems and policy issues that affects the overall function of PARCCOM.

During the finalization of the new and revitalized PARCCOM Work Plan, Herald R. Tambal, OIC-PARPO I/PARCCOM Head Secretariat and his staff provided assistance to the members of the committee, particularly in the critiquing process and the determination of the budgetary requirement for the aforementioned activities.

The incumbent Sectoral Representatives of the PARCCOM Masbate are: Florencio P. Iway, Acting Chairman, PSR-Agricultural Cooperatives; Ernesto Delfin, PSR-Farmworkers; Justiniano C. Trogo, Sr., PSR-Farmers Organization; Avelina B. Guese, PSR-FBs/Farmworkers; Gregorio Esquillo, Sr., PSR-Landowners; Honorio L. Gigante, PSR-Landowners; and Jheric Estudillo, PSR-NGO. (Ross A. Lustestica)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

DAR Camarines Sur II lauds Rodrigo Bismonte and family in a simple ceremony last December 2014 at the DARPO Conference Room, where a Plaque of Recognition and a birthday cake to commemorate his 85th birthday were given to him. The ceremony was attended by the Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, ARDO Rodrigo O. Realubit, DAR Camarines Sur II’s management and staff, and leaders of agrarian reform beneficiary organizations.

In his speech, Rodrigo Bismonte recalled that at the tender age of seven, he was already tilling the land when other children his age were busy playing. He knew that life wasn’t fair but he accepted it without complain. He started dreaming and his dream unfolded when he became a recipient of an Emancipation Patent from DAR. Life changed thereafter and with hard work and painstaking sacrifices his dream slowly blossomed before his eyes. He thanked DAR for nominating him for the prestigious award. “This is the reward for sincerely upholding the ideals of what an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary should be. I knew land was capital which could help me improve my lot. I and the rest of the

ARBs are lucky to be given land; we owe it to the government and to the people of DAR to make it productive and useful. Without it, I would have still been a farmworker today or perhaps a farm labourer struggling to make both ends meet. No one wants to struggle through life, so let us appreciate and nurture what has been given us. Let us not forget that for every painstaking sacrifice, there is a reward”.

OIC-PARPO Maria Gracia R. Sales in her message thanked Mr. Bismonte for inspiring DAR people to continue working to give land to the landless. “This is a day for us to appreciate our work and how it affects peoples’ lives. Each of us can act responsibly to make life better for our farmers. Work becomes more purposeful if we have goals to achieve. Let’s look forward to that. To all the ARBs present here, no matter what situation you are in now, you have a choice. It’s all a matter of thinking of what you can or cannot do. It is never too late to realize that you too can achieve an award someday”.

Indeed, life is beautiful. It is about overcoming challenges and working responsibly for one self and for others. Sacrifices and difficulties are episodes which are essential to make us stronger. These are the old verities and truth of life, which Rodrigo Bismonte has proven to us all. (Carla R. Yu)

2015 PARCCOM Work Plan Finalized

The Albay Dairy Cooperative is working on the new packaging and label design of their freshmilk products after attending the two-day seminar on Product Packaging and Label Design sponsored by the Department of Agrarian Reform under the Product Development Component of the Up-valuing of ARB Products last December 16-17, 2014 at Charisma Restaurant, Guinobatan, Albay.

The activity assisted the cooperative to figure out the most appropriate packaging materials and label design for their products to attract more buyers.

The resource person has stressed the importance of expiration date and other product information that must be indicated in the label to ensure quality for the safety of the consumers.

The activity is part of the trainings under the product development component of Up-valuing of ARB Products wherein Albay Dairy Cooperative was selected as project recipient. (George P. Olayres)

Albay Dairy Cooperative to enhance freshmilk packaging and label design

DAR Honors Most Outstanding ARB Family

PARCCOM Head Secretariat Herald R. Tambal with the PARCCOM members during the critiquing process.

Mr. Bismonte receives his Plaque of Recognition from RD Luis Bueno, Jr. and PARPO Gigi Sales.

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DAR turns over CPWASH Facilities to ARC in Guinobatan The Department of Agrarian Reform in Albay has turned over the water &

sanitation facilities constructed under the Community-managed Potable Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) to the Barangay Local Government Unit of Sinungtan, Guinobatan, Albay last December 5, 2014.

In a simple turnover ceremony, 1 unit of rain-water collector, 2 units of biogas digester, and 6 units of iron-removal filter were formally turned over to the barangay.

Present during the ceremony and signing of the MOA were DAR Bicol Assistant Regional Director for Operations Rodrigo Realubit, DAR Albay PARPO II Engr. Romulo A. Britanico, DAR Albay PARPO I Estreluna G. Ante, DAR Albay CARPO for PBD Engr. Herbert Tengco, DAR PBD Staff, LGU Guinobatan Representatives, and the Barangay Council of Sinungtan.

Certificates of Training were also awarded to five local masons who were trained in the construction of the facilities. They are now referred to as CPWASH Para-Engineers and authorize to offer CPWASH construction services in their area.

This project is a collaborative effort of DAR, Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) and the Local Government Unit of Guinobatan to provide safe drinking water, and promote environment protection especially in the upland areas with high incidence of water-borne diseases. (George P. Olayres)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

ARBs Take Their OathSeven Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) took their oath last December 3, 2014

before Judge Ricky Begino at the Municipal Trial Court of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur after they signed their Application to Purchase and Farmer’s undertaking.

The ARBs are actual farm tillers in the 15-hectare cocoland property of Enrique Pilapil who offered his property under the Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) scheme last January 2014.

Judge Begino in a cheerful mood reminded the ARBs of the significance of the oath taking and the fidelity that each of them needs to bear. “It signifies a pledge that once taken, the oath maker agrees to abide and be bound by the rules and conditions as an ARB,” he said. “Therefore, you cannot mortgage, sell or abandon your awarded land; else it will be taken back by the government and you lose your right over it before the law”.

MARO Rodel Martirez reiterated the importance of the oath taking and further said, “you are all lucky to be here now, soon you will be landowners in your own right and can design your future without a chain tied to your feet. The piece of land which DAR gives you is a symbol of hope that you can have a bright time ahead. I ask each of you to please love this moment, and hold true in your heart the words that would you utter and live by it. Remember that not everyone can be as lucky as you are, so be grateful for it and be very grateful by keeping your land and making it productive. One day, you will look back on this

day and I hope you will remember this with fond memories”.

Taking oaths became a symbolic concept in law practice that developed over time in different cultures. The vow is not as simple as it is, but it is about a declaration of a promise, where God as a witness, binds the promise they make. (Carla R. Yu)

Salvacion Farmers’ Development Cooperative (SAFADECO) successfully finished four (4) training courses such as the Cooperative Management and Governance; Financial Management; Leadership and Values Re-orientation; and Parliamentary Procedures, which are all mandatory trainings of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

SAFADECO, once a fledgling cooperative, is now raring to fly as it turns fourteen with growing businesses. It started with a copra trading and consumer’s store, then branching out later on into Savings and Credit Services, in partnership with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO). The partnership continues to strengthen as it ventures into other programs such as Regular Loan, Micro Loan, and Commodity Loan for Credit Services; Savings, and Time Deposit for Savings Services. And not long ago, they have started another endeavor – a Kiddie Savings for the children of their regular members. Way to go, SAFADECO! (Alura A. Jaso)

SAFADECO completes four CDA mandatory trainings

Maribel J. Lubiano, CAO Espinosa, Cristina L. Jasareno, & Alice Salvacion Nunez CARPO Liza, PARPO Felix, Salvador Dugan, and Imelda Jaraba

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In line with the Government’s promotion of Gender and Development (GAD) in the country, the DAR-Masbate Provincial Office together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and Provincial Social and Welfare Development (PSWD) conducted women empowerment on-site activities in MAMIA ARC in Dimasalang, Masbate and IGANG ARC in Masbate City.

The symposium in MAMIA Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) entitled: “Empowered Women in ARBOs – Increasing women’s involvement as leaders and members in ARBOs” was held on November 25, 2014. While the activity in IGANG ARC was part of the national observance of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW), with the slogan: “End VAW Now! It’s Our Duty” was held last November 26, 2014.

These activities were primarily aimed at enhancing the participation and involvement of women as pro-active leaders and members of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in the province of Masbate. This will enable rural women to gain knowledge, and enhance skills and confidence that they need to take part in crucial decision-making and leadership roles in their respective ARBOs.

“Besides educating the rural women about the laws that protect their rights and the State policies that promote gender sensitivity in the society, this kind of undertaking could also help them become responsible parents and conscientious members of the community,” said Police Inspector Vina Zarina M. Zaldana, Crime Lab Chief, PNP Masbate Provincial Headquarters.

The contingent of resource speakers and organizers of the said activities were composed of: Police Officers Rowena N. Hermosa, Jasmin B. Duran, Mehana F. Banculo of the PNP-Women and Children Protection Unit; Police Inspector Vina Zarina M. Zaldana; Provincial Director Myrna L. Guban of the NAPOLCOM; and Marialuz P. Azares, ARPO I/GAD Point Person of DARPO-Masbate. (Ross A. Lustestica)

Three (3) series of Organic Vegetable Production Training cum Hands-on Application of Organic Technology through setting-up of farms in eight (8) barangays of Castilla, Sorsogon - San Isidro, San Rafael, Pili

Poblacion, Miluya, Mayon, San Vicente, Maracabac and Monte Carmelo, had been conducted by DAR Sorsogon through the leadership of Felix E. Fruto, OIC PARPO II.

Said trainings which were attended by sixty (60) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, aimed at establishing a 200-square meter farm for the fifty one (51) participants and a 1000-square meter farm for the nine (9) participants, in connection with the implementation of the Partnership against Hunger and Poverty (PHP) program in Castilla, Sorsogon.

The Mayon Farmers Association (MAFA), an agrarian reform beneficiary

organization in Bgy. Mayon, Castilla, will take lead in supplying the daily vegetable needs of the day care centers once the farms have been established. On the other hand, other farmers who have embraced Organic Vegetable Production were urged to join the organization. “They were taught how to apply different

organic concoctions on land preparation; seed sowing, transplanting, coop management and other technologies to prepare them as future food

suppliers of day care centers,” said Anna Mae Ebuenga, member of the PHP Team in Sorsogon.

The trainings were accompanied with the provision of good seeds such as squash, papaya, water melon, pechay, tomato, eggplant, upo, okra, ampalaya, and beans. “So far, there are

already ten (10) ARB-Cooperators who have received these seedlings while we are still distributing the others to the rest depending on the preparedness of their planting area. We are also providing Vermicast, an organic fertilizer produced by composting earthworm known as African night crawler or ANC,” said Thomas Diesta, Organic Agriculture Provincial Point Person of DAR Sorsogon. He has also accessed organic seeds from the Bureau of Plant Industry in Los Baños, Laguna which he distributed to the farmers in Castilla.

According to Ms. Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBD of DAR Sorsogon, more trainings and support materials are coming in Castilla since it is one of the pilot areas of PHP program in

the Bicol region. Later, these ARB-Cooperators will not just engage in vegetable production but in livestock as well. With the organic agriculture coming from local farmers, there is an assurance that the children-recipients of PHP program will get the proper nutrition they need.

Meantime that the ARB-Cooperators for organic agriculture are on their first stage of vegetable production, one member, Allan Marchan, who has already established his farm prior to the inception of the PHP program, will continue to supply the organic vegetable needs of the day care centers. (Alura A. Jaso)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

PHP program blends with Organic Agriculture in Castilla

Women Empowerment Activities Conducted in ARCs

The Organic Seeds and spray distributed by DAR Sorsogon to ARBO-Cooperators for the PHP Program

6 PHOTO NEWS NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

The Stakeholders Conference cum Workshop of Project GROWTH to be funded by the World Bank was held on Nov. 27, 2014 at DAR Camarines Sur Conference Room, Naga City. Participants include the farmer’s organizations from the municipalities of Bula, Baao, Tigaon, Pili, and Ocampo and their respective LGU technical staff. In the photo are PARPO II Leo Gaveria, DTI representative, CARPO Lerma Dino of DAR Regional office V as resource person, and PARPO I Raquel Claveria. Project GROWTH is the acronym for “Gearing Rural Organizations for Wealth Creation towards Household Income Improvement.” (Joey D. Co)

DAR Cam Sur I’s Anti-Violence against Women campaign. In the photo are DAR Cam Sur I personnel headed by PARPO II Leo Gaveria joining the “Campaign to End the Violence against Women “ on November 25-December 12, 2014. Symposia on relevant laws on women’s rights and protection were conducted in Districts I, II, & V of Camarines Sur. (Joey D. Co)

Ten agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) composed of irrigators associations and cooperatives in the province of Albay attended the two-day training on Negotiation Skills last December 16-17, 2014 at Casa Basilisa Resort, San Rafael, Guinobatan, Albay.

According to Engr. Luis Bragais, the commissioned resource person of the activity, one of the reasons of organizational collapse is poor resolution of disagreements that arise within the organization. He added that through proper negotiation skills, farmer organizations are assured of success and opportunity to achieve beneficial results.

DAR Albay Provincial Director Engr. Romulo A. Britanico has also delivered his message for ARBO Officers emphasizing that DAR envisioned for an industrialized farming communities. He encouraged each ARBO to utilize the new skills learned in the training in their daily business transactions.

The activity is part of the seven trainings offered under the capacity development component of the Agrarian Production Credit Program of DAR. (George P. Olayres)

Negotiation Skills - secret to successful business transaction

Final Inspection of the Junction National Road/Farm-to-Market Road (JNR-FMR) from Sitio Luksohon to Sitio Bayanihan, Cueva in San Pascual, Masbate held on December 11, 2014. The members of the inspection team were: Engr. Danilo C. Cea, Infrastructure Engineer of DARRO-V; Engr. Ramon A. Reorizo, Municipal Engineer; Engr. Jovito O. Rejuso, PPMO-ARISP III; Engr. Danilo Sabaldica, DAR-Masbate-M&E Specialist; DPWH Engineers Egan Nuñez, Rolando Layco and Nestor Vallon. (Ross A. Lustestica)

DANCING DUO. PARPO I Quelly and PARPO II Leo are the dynamic tandem of DAR Cam Sur I that brought its accomplishment to new heights by synchronizing their moves, and steps....even on the dance floor! (Joey D.Co)

MASBATE

ALBAY

CAMARINES SUR A

CAMARINES SUR A

CAMARINES SUR A

7PHOTO NEWSNOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

Three (3) series of APCP – CAP-DEVT related trainings had been successfully conducted by DAR-Sorsogon to seven (7) ARBOs. Photos show the training facilitators, speaker, and participants during the final day of courses on Financial Management, Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants and Financial Management. (Alura A. Jaso)

SORSOGONSOCIAL MARKETERS. (left) RD Boy Bueno appearing as a guest on DAR-Albay’s radio program “Tingog Kan Paraoma” over PBN-DZGB Legazpi. With him are the program’s anchors PIO George Olayres, Weng Dia & Ancie Lawenko;(right) RD Boy Bueno recording a radio plug on DAR 5’s 2014 accomplishments as well as his Christmas message to the ARBs and other CARP stakeholders. (MTVGeneral)

CF Deductible Day. DARRO and DAR-Masbate Operations Group convoke for the documentation of deductible landholdings in Masbate. (MTVGeneral)

DARRO V CHRISTMAS SPORTSFEST 2014.The spirit of joy prevails where the spirit of camaraderie (feeling of mutual trust) exists. (MTVGeneral)

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The San Antonio Farmers Irrigators Multi-purpose Cooperative (SAFIMCO) of Buhi, Camarines Sur was awarded as the “Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Organization for Bicol-Visayas” on November 24, 2014 at the Bureau of Soil & Water Management Convention Center, Quezon City during the celebration of the 2014 International Year of Family Farming. In the photo (from left to right) during the Awards & Recognition Ceremonies are SAFIMO Vice-Chairman Elvis O. Macasinag (2nd from left), DAR Usec Rosalina Bistoyong, SAFIMCO Chairman Loreto B. Ceneta, CARPO Augusto SA Medina, Jr. and ARPO I Monalyn C. Abelinde of DAR Camasines Sur I, and Asst. Regional Director Rodrigo O. Realubit of DAR V. (Joey Co /Photo Credit Joy Pamittan)

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

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014

The all-natural coco vinegar and toyo were among the ARB Organization products commended by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Review Mission during its visit in Camarines Norte in 2014. According to the mission team, the DAR has to take a closer look on the potentials of the coco vinegar and toyo as ARBO micro-enterprise considering the demands of these products in the market especially today where most consumers are into healthier options. Congruently, the outcome of the synchronized Target setting and Planning by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) surfaced the need for enhancement of coco vinegar production considering the abundance of major raw materials in the province, the coco water. Along this line, the DAR took a step further by distributing equipment to Daguit Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (DARBO) to improve the technology and boost the production of all natural vinegar and toyo (sauce) made from coconut water.

The equipment includes an Acetator Set composed of Jacketed Kettle 40 Litters Capacity including high pressure burner, 1 drum & a 2hp compressor. Other equipment include digital PH meter, large plastic containers and blue carbon containers, 1 unit double burner gas stove with LPG cylinder tank, large casseroles, working table, hot-air gun, seals and caps costing about two hundred thousand pesos (P200,00.00). In handing over the equipment, PARO Olayres of DAR Camarines Norte enthused that the DARPO finds no reason for the ARBO-recipient to slacken off the production and halt their micro enterprise venture considering

further that even a sack of sugar and 30 liters mother

v i n e g a r h a v e

b e e n

provided to the organization to instantly produce quality all-natural vinegar and toyo.

Prior to the provision of said equipment, the DAR in partnership with DTI packaged various technology trainings for the ARBs such as the One-day Learning Expedition for Coco Vinegar and Coco Toyo Production on

November 27, 2014 with resource speaker Mr. Medardo Noscal. The training aims to expose the ARB-vinegar producers to the actual utilization of the acetator set, show them the latest farming

innovations for coconut, as well as equip them knowledge on the production of various coconut by-products. A follow through Skills Upgrading and Exposure was also undertaken on December 16-18, 2014 to backstop the initial production of coco vinegar and toyo using the equipment provided by the office. The speaker said the project seeks to maximize the use of coconut to increase household Income of farmer-beneficiaries and help generate jobs for local residents, particularly women.

The product commands better price in the market especially for health-conscious individuals. Coconut vinegar is rich in minerals. The sap contains phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, sulfur, boron, zinc, manganese and copper. It is especially rich in potassium which is important in balancing electrolytes, controlling

high blood pressure and metabolizing sugar. According to the DTI, these products are one of those saleable items during the 2014 trade fare in Manila. At present, the Daguit ARB Organization has already produced and disposed of 200 liters all-natural coco vinegar using the acetator set from DAR. (Nilla P. Lagatuz/Hannah Mendoza)

DARBO on the go..for all natural coco suka and toyo

Photo shows the ARBs of Dangit, Labo, Camarines Norte with the equipment provided by DAR, and the DARBO finished product.

MOST PROGRESSIVE ARBO

(1) CARPO Salve Noami A. Lo of DAR Camarines Norte handing over the PHmeter kit to DARBO President Ramon Iligan.(2) PARPO Olayres of DAR Camarines Norte turning over the acetator set worth P105 thousand to the DARBO President Ramon Iligan.

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