“PelikulAgraryo 2025” - A Cinematic Salute to Farmers’ Untold Stories

TUGUEGARAO CITY, June 13, 2025 - Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Cagayan Valley are stepping out of the fields and onto the screen, as DAR Region 02 unveils PelikulAgraryo 2025, a short-film competition that puts farmers at the heart of the story.

Lights, Camera, Agraryo! This year’s DAR Central and Regional Film Festival (DARCRFF) challenges tertiary-level students, especially from Cagayan State University-Carig Campus, to direct and produce short films that give voice to real experiences of land reform beneficiaries, cooperatives, and ARBO-led initiatives.

According to DAR Cagayan Valley Regional Director Primo C. Lara, the event is more than a creative showcase: it’s a platform to bridge generational divides, making agrarian reform issues relatable and emotionally resonant, especially for the youth.

Fresh Voices Illuminate Rural Realities. Past editions in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya provinces have shown the power of story: student filmmakers crafted narratives that blended legal battles, multigenerational wisdom, and the triumph of securing land titles.

One such film depicts a beneficiary’s journey from landlessness to cultivating ownership through Project SPLIT. Others highlight challenges, like protecting ancestral land or preserving agrarian legacy. These stories have captivated both judges and audiences.

Youth + Roots = Rural Renaissance. “Students are often unaware of agrarian reform’s impact,” DAR-Cagayan’s campaign explains. By having young creatives collaborate with ARBs, the festival fosters empathy, historical awareness, and even calls students to become future champions of rural development.

In Cagayan Valley, representatives from DAR and local universities have teamed up to mentor entries and urged filmmakers to dig deep into ARB communities for authentic, powerful stories.

On the Road to National Finals. PelikulAgraryo 2025 kicked off its call for entries in February. Regional judging will took place on June 11, 2025 - the Awarding will be on June 28, 2025 and the best films will move forward to the national finals under the theme “Pag‑ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kwento ng Pag‑asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo” (“Harvest of Dreams: Stories of Agrarian Hope and Success”).

Judges are looking for originality, strong storytelling, technical skill and most importantly, narratives that humanize land reform, going beyond policies and statistics.

Empowering Agrarian Reform Communities: DAR's VLFED Boosts Abulug Highway AR Cooperative

Abulug, Cagayan — Along the thriving rural roadways of northern Cagayan, the Abulug Highway Agrarian Reform Cooperative is steadily transforming into a model of grassroots enterprise through the Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project.

The VLFED initiative, a banner enterprise support program under DAR, is aimed at strengthening agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) by enhancing their agri-based enterprise capabilities through facility provision, technical assistance, and value-chain integration. In Abulug, this has become a game-changer.

The Abulug Highway Agrarian Reform Cooperative, known for its innovative pineapple vinegar production, received strategic support from DAR–Cagayan, enabling the cooperative to scale up operations, improve product packaging, and ensure food safety compliance. With better processing facilities and sustained training on financial management and marketing, members of the cooperative now stand prouder behind their product, reaching new markets while creating local employment.

The VLFED project is more than just infrastructure or training. It empowers our ARBOs to take ownership of their enterprise journey. The Abulug Highway Cooperative is proof that with the right support, local agrarian communities can compete and thrive.

The project has also opened doors for potential partnerships with local government units, microfinance institutions, and distributors, bridging the gap between farm-level production and market access.

For the members of the cooperative, many of whom are agrarian reform beneficiaries, the VLFED support is not just an investment in enterprise—it is an investment in dignity, self-reliance, and a better future for their families.

ARBs under RA 11953 (New Agrarian Emancipation Act) receive free crop insurance through PCIC via RSBSA registration.

Republic Act No. 11953, also known as the "New Agrarian Emancipation Act", is a Philippine law signed on July 7, 2023, that condones all unpaid debts of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) related to land awarded under agrarian reform programs. It cancels debts related to land amortizations, including interest, penalties, and surcharges. It applies to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) with land under PD 27, RA 6657, and other related laws. It frees land titles (e.g., CLOAs) from mortgage liens tied to unpaid obligations. It aims to help ARBs fully own their land and improve agricultural productivity. In short, RA 11953 gives ARBs a fresh start by making their awarded land debt-free and mortgage-free.

A Certificate of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (COCROM) under RA 11953 is an official document issued to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) whose land-related debts have been condoned. COCROM is the legal proof that an ARB's financial obligation is wiped clean and their land is fully theirs, debt-free and unencumbered.

One of the mandates of RA 11953 is the RSBSA registration requirement of ARBs to receive government support, including the PCIC premium subsidy. An ARB must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Participation - Crop Insurance Program. All ARBs are entitled to 100% premium subsidy for those insured under RSBSA - meaning ARBs don’t need to pay premiums.

The impact of PCIC crop insurance on RSBSA-registered agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs):  

1. Free Insurance Coverage. ARBs registered in RSBSA are automatically eligible for 100% government-subsidized crop insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). Covers rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and non-crop assets (e.g., tools, facilities).

2. Protection Against Loss. Provides financial compensation in case of: Natural disasters (typhoons, floods, drought), Pests and diseases, and Accidental fire or damage.

3. Reduces Risk for Small Farmers. Insurance reduces financial vulnerability, allowing ARBs to recover faster after crop failures. Encourages continued planting and investment in better farming practices.

4. Improves Access to Credit. With insurance coverage, ARBs become more creditworthy to banks and cooperatives. Reduces lending risk for financial institutions.

PCIC crop insurance, when combined with RSBSA registration, gives ARBs a safety net against agricultural losses, improves their access to government support and financing, and helps ensure sustainable livelihoods.

 LINKS:

RSBSA Insurance Program

RSBSA Registration and Updating

RSBSA Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Government Optimization Act (RIGHTSIZING) Incentives for Affected Personnel

Senate Bill No. 890, also known as the Government Optimization Act, was ratified by the Senate on June 4, 2025. This legislation empowers the President to streamline the executive branch through a five-year rightsizing program aimed at eliminating redundant functions and improving service delivery.

The bill (as filed) provides several incentives for government personnel who may be affected by the rightsizing program:

1. Retirement Benefits: Eligible personnel may opt for retirement benefits under existing laws, such as:

   * Retirement gratuity under Republic Act No. 1616;

   * Retirement benefits under Republic Act No. 660; or

   * Retirement, separation, or unemployment benefits under Republic Act No. 8291.

2. Separation Incentives: In addition to retirement benefits, affected personnel who choose to retire or be separated are entitled to separation incentives based on their years of service:

   * ½ of the actual monthly basic salary for every year of government service for those with less than 11 years of service;

   * ¾ of the actual monthly basic salary for every year of government service for those with 11 to less than 21 years of service;

   * The actual monthly basic salary for every year of government service for those with 21 to less than 31 years of service;

   * 1¼ of the actual monthly basic salary for every year of government service for those with 31 years of service and above.

   A minimum of five years of government service is required to avail of these separation incentives.

3. Other Benefits:

   *Refund of Pag-IBIG Contributions: Affected personnel who are members of the Pag-IBIG Fund are entitled to a refund of their contributions, both personal and government shares, pursuant to existing rules and regulations.

  *Commutation of Unused Leave Credits: All affected personnel are entitled to the commutation of their unused vacation and sick leave credits in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

4. Reemployment Restrictions: Personnel who avail of the retirement or separation incentives are prohibited from reemployment in any agency of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, for a period of five years, except as teaching or medical staff in educational institutions and hospitals. Reemployment within the prohibited period will require the refund of the separation incentives received on a pro-rated basis.

5. Manpower Pool and Redeployment: Affected personnel with permanent appointments who do not opt for retirement or separation will be placed in a manpower pool managed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The CSC, in coordination with other government agencies and relevant private institutions, will retool and deploy these personnel to agencies that require their qualifications, skills, and competencies.

These provisions aim to ensure that the rightsizing program enhances government efficiency while safeguarding the welfare of affected employees.

Senate Bill No. 890, also known as the Government Optimization Act, is a legislative measure passed by the Philippine Senate on June 2, 2025 and was passed by the Bicameral Conference Committee on June 4, 2025. Its primary aim is to streamline the executive branch of the government to enhance public service delivery.

Key Objectives:

• Eliminate Redundancies: The bill seeks to remove obsolete positions and overlapping functions within government agencies.

• Simplify Processes: It aims to simplify rules, regulations, and procedures to make government operations more efficient. 

• Empower the President: The President is authorized to reorganize executive agencies, including scaling down or abolishing certain offices, to optimize performance.

Scope and Exemptions

• Covered Entities: All agencies under the executive branch, including departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils, and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) not covered by Republic Act No. 10149, are subject to this act.

• Exempted Entities: The legislature, judiciary, constitutional commissions, the Office of the Ombudsman, local government units (LGUs), and teaching-related positions in the education sector are exempted.

Implementation

Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch (COEB): A committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the optimization program. It will be composed of the Executive Secretary (chairperson), the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (co-chairperson), and other key officials.

Duration: The authority granted to the President under this act will be effective for five years from its enactment.

Employee Welfare

Career Advancement: The bill emphasizes that rightsizing is not solely about reducing the workforce but also about creating new positions and opportunities for career growth through upskilling and reskilling.

In summary, the Government Optimization Act aims to create a leaner and more efficient government structure by removing redundancies and simplifying processes, all while considering the welfare and development of government employees.

 LINK: Senate Bill 890 (Rightsizing) 

 

Key Features of RA 11983 (New Philippine Passport Act)

Republic Act No. 11983, enacted on March 11, 2024, introduces significant reforms to the Philippine passport system, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and security. This law repeals the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (RA 8239) and aligns passport services with modern technological advancements and international standards.

1. Digitalization and Streamlined Application Process

*Online Application Portal: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is mandated to establish an online portal and electronic one-stop shop for passport applications, simplifying document submission and reducing in-person visits.

*Offsite and Mobile Services: The DFA can provide passport services beyond consular offices through offsite and mobile units, increasing accessibility for Filipinos in remote areas.

2. Enhanced Validity and Ownership Provisions

*Passport Validity: Regular passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 18. The DFA may issue passports with shorter validity when necessary for national interests.

*Government Ownership: Passports remain the property of the Philippine government and cannot be confiscated by any entity other than the DFA. Unauthorized withholding is subject to penalties.

3. Inclusive Services and Special Lanes

*Special Lanes: The law mandates the establishment of special processing lanes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, minors aged seven and below, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers, and individuals with urgent cases.

*Support for Muslim Pilgrims: The DFA is tasked with accommodating Muslim Filipinos participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as coordinated with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

4. Reversion to Maiden Name

*One-Time Reversion: Married women may revert to their maiden names upon passport renewal, provided all other identification documents reflect the maiden name. This reversion is allowed only once.

5. Strict Penalties for Passport-Related Offenses

*Illegal Withholding: Unauthorized confiscation or withholding of passports is punishable by imprisonment of 12 to 20 years and fines ranging from ₱1 million to ₱2 million.

6. Passport Revolving Fund

*Service Fees: The DFA may collect service fees up to 30% of regular passport fees for special services, which will constitute a Passport Revolving Fund. This fund supports the improvement of passport and consular services, subject to auditing and congressional review.

RA 11983 represents a comprehensive overhaul of the Philippine passport system, aiming to provide more efficient, secure, and accessible services to Filipino citizens.

Link: Republic Act No. 11983 (The New Passport Law)  

Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative: Driving Food Security and Economic Growth under DAR’s PAHP

Solana, Cagayan — The Bantay Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) Cooperative in Solana, Cagayan, has emerged as a vital force in the fight against hunger and poverty through its active participation in the Department of Agrarian Reform’s PartnershipAgainst Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program.

In January 2024, the cooperative received a multicab utility vehicle valued at ₱299,500 from the Department of Agrarian Reform provincial Office of Cagayan (DARPO-Cagayan). This provision, under the PAHP and Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program, aims to bolster the cooperative's logistical capabilities, facilitating the efficient transport of agricultural products and enhancing market access for its members.

The PAHP initiative, a collaborative effort among various government agencies including the DAR and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), seeks to address food insecurity and poverty by integrating community-based organizations like the Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative into institutional food supply chains. Through this program, cooperatives are linked to government feeding programs and other institutional buyers, ensuring a stable market for their produce and contributing to the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.

Since its inception, the PAHP program has significantly impacted agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) nationwide. As of April 2024, these organizations have collectively earned over ₱2.3 billion by supplying agricultural products to institutional markets. This success underscores the program's effectiveness in enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

In Solana, the local government's support for agricultural development is evident through initiatives like the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Distribution Caravan and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. These programs provide financial aid and direct market access to farmers, complementing the efforts of cooperatives like Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative in strengthening the local agricultural economy.

The Bantay Farmers ARB Cooperative's active engagement in these programs exemplifies the potential of grassroots organizations to contribute meaningfully to national goals of food security and poverty alleviation. Through continued collaboration with government agencies and sustained community involvement, the cooperative is poised to further its impact on the well-being of its members and the broader community.

 

Cagayan Valley’s Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Shine at 'The Grand Bagsakan in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The heart of Binondo pulsed with the vibrant energy of Cagayan Valley's agricultural heritage as "The Grand Bagsakan" and the inaugural Negosyo Agraryo Fair unfolded on June 19, 2024, at Lucky Chinatown Mall's Ground Atrium and 2nd Floor Railings.

This landmark event spotlighted the rich array of products from Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) of Region II, also known as the Cagayan Valley region. Organized collaboratively by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, the fair aimed to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers, providing ARBOs with a platform to showcase and sell their goods directly to Metro Manila's bustling market.

A Cornucopia of Regional Delights

Visitors were treated to a diverse selection of fresh produce, including highland vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and chayote, as well as lowland staples such as tomatoes and eggplants. The fair also featured an assortment of processed goods: the region's renowned chicharabao (crispy carabao skin), milk candies, and various non-food items reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Cagayan Valley.

Empowering Local Enterprises

The event brought together 63 participants, with 30 representing the One Town One Product (OTOP) program and 33 hailing from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). These participants had undergone extensive training and seminars to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, ensuring they were well-prepared to engage with a broader market and seize new business opportunities.

Institutional Support and Market Expansion

The significance of the fair in expanding market access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local farmers is part of ongoing efforts to provide wider market opportunities for MSMEs and local farmers, allowing them to introduce their products to Metro Manila and beyond.

The fair also attracted institutional buyers, further amplifying the potential for sustained business relationships and market growth for the participating ARBOs.

Specifically, Promoting Cagayan Valley agrarian reform beneficiaries' (ARBs) products in Metro Manila serves several important economic, social, and developmental goals:

1. Expanding Market Access

Cagayan Valley is an agricultural powerhouse, but its local market is limited. Bringing ARBs' products to Metro Manila — the Philippines’ largest consumer base — allows farmers to:

• Sell in higher volumes.

• Command better prices.

• Reduce reliance on middlemen.

This helps ARBs generate more income and scale their agribusinesses sustainably.

2. Enhancing Economic Inclusion

Agrarian reform aims to empower smallholder farmers and rural communities. Promoting their goods in urban centers like Manila:

• Levels the playing field between rural producers and large agri-corporations.

• Brings marginalized farmers into the mainstream economy.

• Showcases that ARBs can be agri-preneurs, not just producers.

3. Supporting Food Security and Localization

Manila relies heavily on rural regions like Cagayan Valley for food. Highlighting these producers:

• Strengthens regional food systems.

• Encourages urban consumers to support local and traceable food sources.

• Reduces supply chain risks by promoting direct-from-farm sourcing.

4. Fostering Product Recognition and Branding

Many ARBOs produce high-quality but underrecognized products. Exposure in Metro Manila helps:

• Build product awareness and brand identity.

• Attract partnerships with institutional buyers, hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

• Set the stage for future exports or expansion.

5. Encouraging Investment and Policy Support

Visibility in the capital often draws attention from:

• Policymakers and legislators.

• NGOs and development partners.

• Investors looking for inclusive business models.

This exposure can unlock more funding and support for regional agribusinesses.

6. Strengthening the Agrarian Reform Program

Ultimately, showcasing ARB products in Manila validates the long-term vision of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). It proves that:

• Land reform can lead to viable rural enterprises.

• Small-scale farmers can compete in national markets.

• With the right support, agrarian reform beneficiaries can thrive.

Also, promoting Cagayan Valley ARBs' products in Metro Manila isn't just about selling produce — it's about connecting economies, reducing inequality, and empowering rural communities through inclusive development.

A Model for Sustainable Development

The success of "The Grand Bagsakan" and the Negosyo Agraryo Fair underscores the potential of collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities in promoting sustainable economic development. By providing a platform for ARBOs to showcase their products, the event not only celebrated the agricultural richness of Cagayan Valley but also highlighted the importance of empowering rural communities through market integration.

As the fair concluded, the enthusiasm and positive feedback from both vendors and consumers signaled a promising future for similar initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth and bridging the urban-rural divide.