launch a landmark initiative that seeks to uplift the lives of farmers across the Philippines. Known as the Inclusive Partnerships for Agrarian Reform Communities (IPARC) Project, this ambitious program is designed to empower agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through improved access to support services, stronger market linkages, and modern farming technologies.
At its core, IPARC aims to improve farming incomes and build resilient communities by giving small farmers not just land, but also the skills, tools, and networks they need to succeed.
Empowering Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. The project targets 300,000 ARBs nationwide, most of whom are SPLIT beneficiaries who have received their electronic land titles. Notably, 30% of the target participants are women, recognizing their vital roles in production, post-harvest, and marketing of priority commodities. By ensuring inclusivity, the project opens opportunities for women farmers to take active leadership roles in community-based enterprises.
Component 1: Integrated Support Services for Productivity and Market Linkages. One of IPARC’s main thrusts is to organize and strengthen ARB organizations (ARBOs) and develop cluster farms, groups of contiguous farmlands cultivating single or multiple crops.
Through social preparation, participatory planning, and market studies, farmers will be mobilized into strong organizations capable of negotiating with buyers and accessing financial support.
Cluster farms will be formed in two modalities: Large Farm Clusters: Covering 100 hectares or more, often focusing on one or multiple major crops. Small Farm Clusters: At least 50 hectares, grouped by crop type and location.
To make these clusters market-ready, IPARC provides capacity building, farmer field schools, business training, and financial management coaching. Farmers will benefit from shared resources, synchronized production schedules, and stronger bargaining power in marketing their products.
Equity-Based Grants ranging from ₱100,000 up to ₱5 million will be available for farm machinery, post-harvest facilities, and value-chain agribusiness ventures—helping ARBOs scale their operations sustainably.
Component 2: Rural Infrastructure. Recognizing that farm productivity is only as strong as the infrastructure that supports it, IPARC will finance the construction of farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, storage and cooling facilities, and processing centers. These facilities are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses, improving product quality, and connecting farmers directly to markets.
Component 3: Digital Transformation of DAR Systems. IPARC also introduces a digital transformation agenda for DAR. By modernizing and integrating information systems, DAR aims to provide farmers with efficient, transparent, and technology-driven services.
This includes: (1) Nationwide socio-economic profiling and ARB ID issuance for better targeting of services; (2) -Digitization of land parcel data linked to ARB IDs for transparent land management; and (3) Development of a Support Services Information System (SSI) for real-time data sharing and monitoring.
Such innovations will not only improve farmer support but also foster stronger inter-agency coordination.
Component 4: Project Management and Monitoring. To ensure smooth implementation, DAR will establish Project Management Offices (PMOs) at the central, regional, and provincial levels. These offices will oversee coordination, financial management, procurement, social and environmental safeguards, and monitoring and evaluation.
The result will be a responsive and accountable system that guarantees farmers receive the right support at the right time.
Towards a Brighter Future for Farmers. The DAR–World Bank IPARC Project represents more than just infrastructure or training. It is about building sustainable partnerships, empowering communities, and transforming farming into a viable livelihood.
By harnessing collective farming, equitable access to resources, and digital innovations, IPARC is set to create a future where Filipino farmers are not only landowners but also successful entrepreneurs and active contributors to national development.
