LUNA, Apayao – Governor Elias Bulut Jr. met with officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to discuss programs aimed at improving the productivity and income of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province last July 3, 2023.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Undersecretary Marilyn Barua-Yap, Undersecretary Jesry Palmares, and Assistant Secretary Susana Serrano.
Gov. Bulut highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment to enhance the agricultural capabilities of the ARBs in the province. He underscored that although the emancipation of lands through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) was a significant achievement, it alone does not guarantee substantial net income for farmers. The high costs of inputs, such as fertilizers and farm equipment, often burden the ARBs, limiting their profit.
In response to Bulut’s concerns, Sec. Estrella pledged to provide funding for the construction of bridges under the Tulay ng Pangulo (TPKAP) program.
These bridges will enhance connectivity within the province, facilitating the transportation of agricultural products to the market. Additionally, the Secretary promised to allocate resources for the development of irrigation facilities and farm-to-market roads (FMRs), which are essential for efficient transportation and irrigation in rural areas.
He also took the opportunity to share the DAR’s most significant accomplishment, the passage of the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act. This new legislation aims to support ARBs by condoning all unpaid debts incurred by farmers who were awarded lands under the CARP. By easing the financial burden on ARBs, the Act aims to provide them with a fresh start and enable them to fully utilize their lands for agricultural production.
Furthermore, Sec. Estrella lauded Gov. Bulut for his solid support for farmers during his chairmanship of the House Committee on Agrarian Reform in the 14th Congress. Both the Governor and the Secretary served as contemporaries in the said congress, where they worked together to champion the cause of farmers and advance agrarian reform initiatives.
Gov. Bulut thanked Sec. Estrella and the DAR officials for their support and commitment. He stressed that the programs and initiatives discussed during the meeting would be implemented efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the ARBs in the province.
With the assurance of both parties, it is hoped that the proposed infrastructure projects and the implementation of the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act will bring about positive change and enhance the agricultural sector in the province, ultimately improving the livelihoods of the ARBs. By JCM