DAR Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II

𝑳𝑻𝑰𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗜 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆

NAGA CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II has acquired new Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) technology expected to significantly improve the accuracy of administrative land surveys for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province.

RTK uses Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and a local base station to provide highly precise positioning data within just a few centimeters. This will allow DAR surveyors to work faster and with fewer errors when measuring ARB landholdings.

“With the aid of our newest acquisition, we guarantee more seamless, efficient, and error-free administrative survey activities in our province,” said Engr. Renato C. Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to providing quality services to our agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Lea A. Villaraza, OIC-Chief for Operations, also assured that the Survey Unit personnel and Project SPLIT engineers are well-trained in handling the RTK. "We have conducted various training workshops for our personnel, including the most recent one last June 20–21 at MikeLiz Integrated Farm in Calabanga town, to ensure they have the necessary skills to optimize the RTK's performance during actual survey conduct," she said.

The new technology will benefit thousands of ARBs in the province, such as those who have landholdings subject to subdivision surveys under the Project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT).

Currently, the province is using RTK technology in the ongoing subdivision survey of landholdings under Project SPLIT.

✍: Charleymaine Venus B. Atienza, ARPO I-PIO
with reports from Neil Charles B. Francisco, ARPT-LTID
📸: Joseph Miguel M. Alteza, Engineering Aide

𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐘 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓. A team from the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 12 recently paid a courtesy visit to the DAR Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II to prepare for the upcoming 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 (𝘗𝘈𝘏𝘗) 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘒𝘶𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯 event.

OIC Assistant Regional Director Mary Jane Aguilar led the team with OIC-RPBDD Chief Maria Cecilia R. Macha and PAHP focal person Kristine Joy Carriedo (Regional Office), Kendy T. Embate (North Cotabato), Lorna S. Acanto (Sarangani), Clarice Ann F. Calixton (South Cotabato), and Blessy Anne L. Baraquia (Sultan Kudarat).

Engr. Renato C. Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, and other key officials of Camarines Sur II warmly welcomed them.

The PAHP Nationwide Knowledge Sharing and Kumustahan event will be held at the Summit Hotel in Naga City from August 13–16.

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙨: 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗕𝗦𝗨𝗔

PILI, CAMARINES SUR — In a bid to enhance their agricultural skill set, thirty farmers from the Visita de Salog Agrarian Beneficiaries Organization (VDSABO) recently participated in the Farm Business School Benchmarking Activity at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA). The event aimed to not only expand the farmers' knowledge of agricultural production and marketing but also equip them with the latest agripreneurial practices and technologies.

Dr. Jayson Dañas, Director of CBSUA's Technology Commercialization and Promotion Division, welcomed attendees to Agriville and the Learning Hub. Dr. Dañas underlined the facility's role in educating and motivating farmers, especially the younger generation, with the aim of developing the next generation of agricultural leaders in the Philippines.

The Agriville & Learning Hub, located on the CBSUA campus in Pili, is both a recognized Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) and an Agri-Tourism Site. This farmer-centric area has distinctive facilities, including the Farmers Ideation Building and the Soil Science Discovery Park.

The farmers participated in a variety of activities, including a tour of the "Describable Soil House," where they learned about soil cultivation and enrichment techniques, discussing everything from beneficial soil insects to vermicomposting techniques, nitrogen fixers, and natural mulches suitable for different types of farms. They also explored agricultural features like fish ponds, a greenhouse for plant cultivars, a dragon fruit plantation, and a mini vineyard.

Prof. Lilia C. Pasiona's knowledge of bees, beekeeping, and the various products derived from apiculture captivated the participants as the learning tour continued at the Regional Apiculture Center.

Participants discovered that the Philippines is home to four types of bees, each with their own distinctive characteristics. The discussion also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between bees and coconut trees, which has a beneficial effect on honey production and fruit yield.

Prof. Pasiona also highlighted the department's willingness to offer on-site training for those interested in beekeeping, which would add value to the participants' agricultural learning experience.

Buster A. Ibarbia, Project Development Officer II, and Reina Joy B. Mediado, Tourism Operations Assistant, also played a crucial role in the activity's success by contributing their expertise as CBSUA professionals.

The presence of OIC-Chief for Support Services Engr. Aiza B. Mendez, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Edgar Amoranto of Goa, Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Engr. Marlyn Navarroza, Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Paula Lorenz Rodriguez, and Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Jania Marie Follosco enhanced the participants' experience at this significant event.

The event provided valuable insights and best practices that will undoubtedly benefit the participants in their respective agricultural endeavors. Overall, it was a successful and impactful gathering that showcased CBSUA's dedication to agricultural development.

✍️📸: Sydrick D. Bicaldo, ARPO I-PBDD

Mura at preskong gulay at prutas ba ang hanap ninyo? Heto na ang sagot! 😉

Pumunta lamang sa LCC Mall CBD II Naga tuwing Sabado at Linggo, mula alas-otso ng umaga hanggang ala-sais ng hapon, at mamili ng mga produkto ng ating mga magsasaka! 🌾

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗔𝗥’𝘀 𝗩𝗟𝗙𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

NAGA CITY — The Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Camarines Sur II is gradually transforming the lives of farmer beneficiaries through calculated approaches aimed at enhancing skills, boosting productivity, and supporting sustainability.

This project provides DAR-assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) with training, resources, and partnerships to run successful enterprises. With the goal of expanding livelihood opportunities and boosting market competitiveness, the program focuses on value-adding organizations and cooperatives in the province.

"Our aim is to equip farmers with the tools to thrive as entrepreneurs," said Engr. Renato Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II. "By building capacity, facilitating collaboration, and imparting important business skills, we are ushering in a new era of empowerment and prosperity for local farming communities," he said.

Among this year's beneficiaries are the Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization Inc. (SARBO, Inc.) in Bombon, now in its second year with the program, and the Bolaobalite Farmers Association (BFA) in Tinambac, in its pioneering first year. Both groups have actively participated in activities like training on product enhancement, sanitation standard operating procedures, supply planning, mobilizing resources, and forging partnerships.

"This program has been invaluable for our farmers," said Emiliana Volante, President of SARBO. "The skills enhancement and consistent support from DAR have led to marked improvements in our operations and Banana Chips products.”

Through the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development project, Camarines Sur is paving the way for promising growth and sustainability by unlocking the potential of active farmer organizations.

✍️: Julie Ann B. Barcelon, ARPO I-PBDD

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗺

NAGA CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is steering agrarian reform beneficiaries in Camarines Sur II towards the cooperative path, conducting extensive trainings to guide farmers through the registration process and equip cooperatives with organizational management knowledge.

"We aim to unlock the benefits of formal cooperative movements for as many promising agrarian reform organizations as possible," said Engr. Aiza Mendez, OIC-Chief for Support Services.

"Capacitating farmers through cooperativism will allow ARBOs to pool their resources and strengthen their market access,” said Mendez. “This in turn can help increase the income of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and improve their overall welfare,” she added.

The recent initiatives involved seminars on cooperative basics for organizations like the San Roque Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (SRARBO), Canaman and the Bocogan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (BOFFA), Lagonoy. The DAR also assisted the neophyte Pag-Iribang Parauma Asin Parasira kan Del Pilar Agriculture Cooperative (PPAPDEL) in finalizing post-registration requirements.

Meanwhile, the agency held a CoopMustahan 2024 activity in April, with seminars on financial reporting, taxation, and organizational management for cooperatives across the province. "The activity was an excellent opportunity to enhance cooperatives' understanding of effective management," Mendez said.

Pre-Registration Seminars, in coordination with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), have also prepared groups like the Casuray Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (CARBO), Canaman for the registration process through introductory orientations.

"We provide mediation to resolve disputes and promote good governance, ensuring sustainability," the DAR official added. "With the right knowledge and support, these farmers can thrive as cooperatives."

The DAR's emphasis on cooperative training helps unlock economic potential for Camarines Sur's farmer organizations. As more agrarian reform beneficiaries formalize as cooperatives, they gain tools to lift their communities out of poverty.

✍: Angelic A. Recio, ARPO I-PBDD

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗣𝗠𝗣𝗖 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗔𝗥’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺

NAGA CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Camarines Sur II is helping smallholder farmers in Naga City by providing microfinance services to the Pacol Magsasaka Prime Community (PMPC). For PMPC members, the affordable credit offered aims to spur economic growth and boost individual enterprises.

The microfinancing services allow smallholder farmers to access the capital required to expand their operations. With increased access to credit, farmers can invest in improved equipment, high-quality inputs, and other necessities that enable their farms and agricultural businesses to flourish.

"We are committed to strengthening our province's small farms through innovative programs like microfinance," said Engr. Aiza B. Mendez, OIC-Chief for Support Services of DAR Camarines Sur II.

Mendez said "The loans provided through this initiative will have ripple effects throughout the local economy and raise the incomes of our farmers."

"This microfinance assistance is a huge help that now gives us independence," said Myrna E. Dolor, President of the PMPC. "Having lower interest rates for local borrowing is one way for us to progress, which we will value and cultivate."

On August 8, 2024, the PMPC made its first loan release of Php 15,000 to three initial member-borrowers. Currently, eight members have enrolled and initiated weekly savings obligations to participate.

"With this microfinance program, we now have the opportunity to progress independently," said Dolor. "It is a valuable way for us to cultivate our capabilities and unlock our full potential."

The microfinance services are part of DAR Camarines Sur II's broader efforts to create thriving communities of prosperous smallholder farmers across the province. With access to credit and other resources, the department aims to cement long-term growth and development for small-scale producers.

✍️📸: Jania Marie Follosco, ARPO I-PBDD

‘This market is a fantastic opportunity for Naga City shoppers to access fresh, local goods while playing a part in uplifting our farming community’

READ MORE at: https://tribune.net.ph/2024/08/06/farmers-weekend-market-debuts-at-naga-mall

​Farmers’ Weekend Market debuts at Naga mall The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Tuesday reported that it has partnered with LCC Mall to bring farm-fresh produce directly from agrarian reform benefi

𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐚 𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐨

Filipinos value tablea as a cultural and culinary heritage. It produces sikwate, a Filipino hot chocolate. Tablea is used in sweets and recipes, besides hot chocolate. You can add it to cakes, brownies, and champorado.

𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥 (𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯)

"A traditional Filipino dish made with minced cotton fruit (santol) cooked in rich coconut cream that include ground or minced pork for added flavor. Best enjoyed with a spicy kick.”

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝟮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆, 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹

NAGA CITY — On June 28, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Quezon II and Malayang Samahang Pangkabuhayan Tungo sa Tagumpay ng Guinayangan Inc. collaborated with DAR Camarines Sur to carry out a market study and benchmarking activity for their Farm Business School (FBS) program. The initiatives aimed to enhance the participants' understanding of marketing processes and identify ways to improve farming operations.

The delegation, headed by FBS focal person Ma. Carina Grace G. Zoleta and Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Celso B. Merjudio, traveled to Camarines Sur to conduct an in-depth market study at the Naga City People's Mall. There, Market Supervisor IV Nephthali Pabines, and other officials briefed them about the mall's management and operations. The group then conducted an in-depth market study to learn about key marketing elements.

The next day, the team visited the Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (SARBO) in Siembre, Bombon. Together with OIC-Chief for Support Services Aiza Mendez, Agrarian Reform Program Officers Marlyn Navarroza and Al Jerome Besinio of Camarines Sur II, they held focused discussions with SARBO officers and members. The benchmarking activity allowed them to compare SARBO's farm performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

"These initiatives provided extremely valuable insights that will allow us to further strengthen the Farm Business School program," said Zoleta. "By deepening our understanding of marketing and benchmarking with farmers, we can better equip agrarian reform beneficiaries to succeed," she said.

✍️📸: Engr. Marlyn R. Navarroza, ARPO II-PBDD

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗖𝗖 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

NAGA CITY — The freshest fruits, vegetables, and goods from local farmers are coming to LCC Mall CBD 2 in Naga City. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II has partnered with the mall to launch the LCC Weekend Market, offering shoppers farm-fresh produce direct from agrarian reform beneficiaries every Saturday and Sunday starting August 3.

"We are thrilled to connect our customers with local farmers through this exciting new weekend market," said Engr. Renato Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II. "Shoppers can purchase the freshest produce around while supporting our hardworking farmers."

The market will be open from 8:00AM to 6:00PM, coinciding with the upcoming Peñafrancia Festival which runs through September. It provides farmers a high-traffic retail space to sell their harvests directly to consumers.

This initiative stems from DAR's efforts to build sustainable sales channels for goods produced by agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Similar markets have been facilitated at the Philippine National Police Provincial Headquarters and SM Mall in Naga City. The 9th Infantry "Spear" Division of the Philippine Army has also recently signed a marketing agreement.

"This is another great way to make fresh, local goods available to Naga City shoppers while helping our farmers," added Bequillo.

With the launch this weekend, buyers can now enjoy the freshest produce around while supporting local agriculture. Be sure to visit the LCC Weekend Market every Saturday and Sunday morning for the best selection.

✍️: 𝘎𝘊𝘉𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢/𝘋𝘈𝘙𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘚𝘶𝘳2

𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 are the perfect crunchy and tasty snack that will satisfy your mouth with every bite. Perfectly crispy and crunchy, these chips taste like real bananas. The Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization makes each chip from fresh, selected, unripe bananas in eight flavor choices. Enjoy these guilt-free chips anytime and anywhere while sunbathing by the pool, sharing with friends, classmates, and officemates, or flavoring your favorite foods. Stop waiting and try SARBO Banana Chips for a delicious treat!

For ORDERS, please contact Ms. Emiliana Volante at 0919-802-5581.

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | The Provincial Project Management Office of Camarines Sur II conducted a Behavioral Event Interview today, July 31, at the DAR Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II, to evaluate the thirty applicants vying for the five vacant positions under the Redocumentation Completion Team (RCT) of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

The panel interview aims to assess the skills and competencies of the applicants suitable for the positions of Legal Officer, Engineer, Documentor, Verifier, and Encoder.

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆

PILI, CAMARINES SUR — In a first-of-its-kind agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Camarines Sur II Provincial Office has connected nine agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in the province with the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division of the Philippine Army based in Pili, Camarines Sur, as a guaranteed buyer of farmers’ agricultural produce and processed food products.

The agreement, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding and Marketing Agreement signed on July 26 at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, aims to offer a consistent supply of fresh farm produce to Army personnel while establishing a regular market for local farmers' groups.

This partnership is part of the DAR’s Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program implemented through the Program Beneficiaries Development Division.

“We hope to support our farmers with sustainable programs like this partnership while helping the government eliminate agrarian conflict in our communities,” said Major General Adonis R. Bajao, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, during the signing.

The ARBOs participating in the program are agrarian reform cooperatives and associations from Bombon, Tigaon, Pili, Ocampo towns, and Naga City.

“Before, we struggled to find buyers. Now we have another guaranteed customer, so no produce will go to waste,” said Emiliana Volante, President of the Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization in Bombon.

DAR Bicol Regional Director Reuben Theodore C. Sindac commended the Army for promoting rural community welfare through this collaboration. “This harmonious collaboration fulfills our shared mission as public servants,” he said.

The 9th Infantry Division is the first Army unit in Bicol to sign such an agreement with local farmers’ groups.

“It will serve as a tool for our agrarian reform beneficiaries to have an assured market for their products and open opportunities for them to reach more buyers, like the AFP,” explained Engr. Renato C. Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II.

“This innovative partnership exemplifies DAR’s commitment to not just land distribution but also providing marketing support to increase productivity and profits for farmers,” Bequillo added.

The activity was also attended by OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Engr. Rodel C. Martirez, OIC-Chief for Support Services Engr. Aiza B. Mendez, personnel of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division, 9ID Philippine Army, and other participating agrarian reform beneficiaries.

𝑷𝑩𝑫𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆

CANAMAN, CAMARINES SUR — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Camarines Sur II recently launched the Bawa Farmers' Organization (BAFO) in San Francisco, Canaman, Camarines Sur as a new microfinance provider under the agency's Enterprise Development and Economic Support (EDES) Program. This pioneering initiative aims to help smallholder farmers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) to become financially independent through microfinance services.

On July 10, 14 member-borrowers received the initial loan release of PHP 100,000 from BAFO. In total, the microfinance organization has enrolled 22 members who have started their weekly savings, capital build-up, and social fund contributions.

"Let's all help each other prosper. DAR will always be there. Even if DAR goes away someday, we will already be prosperous," said Nicanor de Castro, BAFO President.

By developing microfinance capabilities, ARBOs like BAFO can sustainably provide financial services directly to smallholder farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries. This enables farmers to develop agro-entrepreneurship skills beyond just farming, enhance production, and scale up profits. Ultimately, the goal is to pave the way for financial prosperity and sustainability.

"With improved capacities, ARBO microfinance providers like BAFO can serve as a conduit to sustainably provide financial services and expand reach to other communities," said Engr. Renato Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II.

"By supporting farmers through microfinance, DAR and BAFO are enabling agrarian reform beneficiaries in San Francisco to flourish financially," said Bequillo.

Through pioneering initiatives like BAFO, DAR aims to create prosperity for smallholder farmers across the province via microfinance and agro-entrepreneurship. This milestone launch marks an important step in empowering farmers and rural communities to take control of their financial future.

✍️📸: Jania Marie A. Follosco, ARPO I-PBDD

𝑨𝑳𝑨𝑫 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 | 𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀

NAGA CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Camarines Sur is bringing free legal services directly to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through a Legal Clinic program.

The Legal Clinic, conducted by DAR's Agrarian Legal Assistance Division, dispatches legal teams to remote municipalities to provide on-site legal counsel and advice to farmers who otherwise have limited access to agrarian legal services.

"Some ARBs find it difficult to travel to our provincial office for legal assistance. Instead, we are bringing our legal services to them through mobile legal clinics," said Atty. Ramon SG. Cabañes, Jr., Chief Legal of DAR Camarines Sur II.

"This initiative aligns perfectly with our Agrarian Justice on Wheels program to eliminate barriers preventing farmers from accessing our services," said Engr. Renato C. Bequillo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II. "We will continue developing innovative ways to deliver the best possible services to our farmers."

This mobile legal clinic is DAR Camarines Sur II's latest effort to increase accessibility and provide free consultations to local farmers. DAR plans to expand the clinics to other remote municipalities across the province.

The activity was held in Presentacion, Camarines Sur, on June 20–21, 2024.

✍️📸: Charleymaine Venus B. Atienza, ARPO I-PIO