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.

DAR intensifies its legal measures vs premature and illegal agricultural land conversions

Illegal land use conversion remains a significant concern in the Philippines, particularly regarding the unauthorized transformation of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses without the necessary approvals.

Current Status and Challenges

Continued Unauthorized Conversions: Despite existing regulations, instances of illegal land conversions persist. These unauthorized activities often involve the premature development of agricultural lands for residential or commercial purposes without securing the required conversion orders from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Such practices threaten food security and undermine agrarian reform efforts.

Legislative Efforts: The proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA), aimed at harmonizing land use policies and providing a comprehensive framework for land use planning, remains pending in the Senate as of May 2025. The absence of this law contributes to inconsistencies in land use decisions and enforcement across different regions.

DAR's Enforcement Measures: The DAR has intensified its efforts to curb illegal land conversions by issuing cease and desist orders, conducting site inspections, and initiating legal actions against violators. For instance, in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the DAR has taken steps to prevent premature and unauthorized land conversions.

 

Legal Framework

Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (Republic Act No. 6657), specifically Section 65, the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses requires prior approval from the DAR. Unauthorized conversions are considered illegal and are penalized under Section 73 of the same law. The 2002 Comprehensive Rules on Land Use Conversion further define illegal conversion as the act of changing the current use of agricultural land into non-agricultural uses without the required order of conversion from the DAR.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has implemented significant updates to its land use conversion policies through Administrative Order (AO) No. 03, Series of 2021, and its amendment AO No. 03-A. These revisions aim to streamline the conversion process, enhance transparency, and strengthen enforcement against unauthorized conversions.

🔑 Key Provisions of DAR AO No. 03 & 03-A (Series of 2021)

1. Streamlined Application Process

Digital Filing: Applicants can now submit land use conversion applications electronically, reducing the need for physical submissions and expediting the process.

Reduced Bureaucracy: The requirement for clearances from agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been removed. DAR now solely evaluates conversion applications, significantly shortening processing times.

2. Enhanced Enforcement Against Illegal Conversions

Mandatory Conversion Order: Changing the use of agricultural land without a DAR-issued conversion order is explicitly prohibited. Unauthorized conversions are considered illegal and are subject to penalties under Section 73 of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (RA 6657).

Performance Bond Requirement: Applicants must post a performance bond to deter premature land development before obtaining official conversion approval.

Public Notice: Applicants are required to install visible billboards (4x8 feet) on the property, informing the public of the pending conversion application. This measure promotes transparency and allows for community feedback.

3. Protection of Agricultural Lands

Non-Negotiable Areas: Certain lands, such as those under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), mossy and virgin forests, riverbanks, and swamp forests, are strictly non-convertible to preserve ecological balance and food security.

Highly Restricted Areas: Lands with Notices of Land Valuation and Acquisition or those under Voluntary Land Transfer/Direct Payment Scheme agreements are highly restricted from conversion to protect the rights of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

4. Specific Rules for CLOA Lands

Five-Year Cultivation Rule: Agrarian reform beneficiaries must cultivate the land for at least five years before applying for conversion. Additionally, the land must be fully paid, and the area should have become urbanized or no longer economically viable for agriculture.

Ten-Year Alienation Restriction: Even after conversion, CLOA lands cannot be sold or transferred to non-qualified individuals within ten years from the registration date without DAR clearance.

These updated rules reflect DAR's commitment to balancing agricultural land preservation with the country's developmental needs. By streamlining procedures and enforcing stricter regulations against illegal conversions, the department aims to protect agrarian reform beneficiaries and ensure sustainable land use.

 

Implications

Illegal land use conversions have far-reaching implications, including the displacement of farmers, loss of agricultural productivity, and threats to food security. The continued vigilance of regulatory bodies, coupled with the enactment of comprehensive land use legislation, is crucial in addressing these challenges.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.panaynews.net/dar-warns-against-premature-illegal-land-conversion-in-wv/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DAR warns against premature, illegal land conversion in WV"

[2] https://www.lawyer-philippines.com/articles/land-use-conversion-for-cloa-title?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Land Use Conversion for CLOA Title - Respicio & Co."

[3] https://pia.gov.ph/dar-intensifies-legal-measures-vs-agricultural-land-conversion/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DAR intensifies legal measures vs agricultural land conversion"

[4]: https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2021/07/19/383521/dar-allows-digital-filing-of-land-conversion-applications/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DAR allows digital filing of land conversion applications"

[5]: https://creba.ph/new-land-conversion-rules-to-boost-economic-recovery/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "New Land Conversion Rules to Boost Economic Recovery - CREBA"

[6]: https://media.dar.gov.ph/source/2021/07/06/ao-03-amending-certain-provisions-of-the-comprehensive-rules-on-land-use-conversion-under-dar-ao-no-1-series-of-2002-and-certain-provisions-on-dar-ao-no-1-series-of-2019-and-dar-ao-no-6-series-of-2019-to.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] administrative order no. 03 - Department of Agrarian Reform"

[7]: https://www.scribd.com/document/612805337/Partially-Revised-By-AO-3-s-2021-Comprehensive-Rules-on-Land-Use-Conversion-FINAL?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Partially Revised-By AO 3 S 2021 Comprehensive Rules On Land ..."

[8]: https://www.lawyer-philippines.com/articles/land-use-conversion-for-cloa-title?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Land Use Conversion for CLOA Title - Respicio & Co."

 

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Embrace Drone Technology to Revolutionize Rice Farming

In a transformative move towards modernizing agriculture, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the Philippines are increasingly adopting drone technology to enhance rice production. This shift is part of the government's broader initiative to promote precision agriculture, aiming to increase yields, reduce costs, and attract younger generations to farming.

In the rice paddies of Nueva Ecija, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It's not marked by loud protests or sweeping land reforms, but by the soft hum of propellers slicing through the air. These are not toys or tech novelties—they are agricultural drones, and for thousands of smallholder farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), they represent the future of farming.

From Hand Tools to High-Tech. For decades, agrarian reform in the Philippines has focused on redistributing land to landless farmers. While land ownership is a critical step toward equity, it has not always guaranteed prosperity. Many ARBs have continued to face poverty, largely due to high labor costs, low productivity, and limited access to modern technologies.

Now, with the introduction of drone technology through government and NGO initiatives, that paradigm is beginning to shift.

“Before, we needed five workers to plant seeds on one hectare. Now, a drone can finish it in under 30 minutes,” says Ricardo Santos, a 48-year-old farmer from Isabela and member of a local ARB cooperative. “We save money, time, and we can do it without exhausting ourselves.”

The Drones4RiceProject: Pioneering Precision Agriculture. Launched in April 2024, the Drones4Rice Project is a collaborative effort between the International RiceResearch Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine RiceResearch Institute (DA-PhilRice). The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for drone applications in seeding, fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By implementing these protocols, the initiative seeks to optimize input usage, leading to higher yields and cost efficiency for farmers.

Collaborative Efforts and Support. The Drones4Rice Project is also supported by various stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), and the CivilAviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). These collaborations aim to streamline regulations and facilitate the widespread adoption of drone technology among smallholder farmers.

Government Support and Subsidies. Recognizing the potential of drone technology, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated ₱300 million to support its commercial application. Through a voucher system, organized groups such as rice clusters, irrigators' associations, farmers' cooperatives, and ARB organizations can access drone services. Each beneficiary is entitled to a ₱2,000 voucher per hectare, covering comprehensive drone-assisted farming operations from pre-flight planning to pest and disease control.

Objectives and Scope. The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for drone-assisted applications in rice production, including seeding, fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By establishing these protocols, Drones4Rice aims to optimize input usage, enhance crop yields, and reduce labor costs, thereby promoting precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Implementation and Benefits. Drones equipped with advanced sensors are utilized to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and apply inputs precisely. This technology enables real-time data collection, allowing for informed decision-making and efficient resource management. The adoption of drones is particularly beneficial in addressing challenges such as labor shortages and high production costs, which are prevalent in the Philippine rice farming sector.

Efficiency and Cost Reduction. The adoption of drones has significantly improved farming efficiency. For instance, drone seeding can complete crop establishment in just 20 minutes per hectare, compared to half a day or more using traditional methods. This rapid deployment not only saves time but also reduces labor costs by up to 50%. Additionally, drone-assisted operations have demonstrated higher yields; a study showed that drone-seeded fields produced 6.85 tons per hectare, surpassing the 6.38 tons achieved through manual broadcasting.

Empowering Farmers and Promoting Inclusivity. Beyond efficiency, drone technology is empowering farmers by reducing the physical demands of farming, making it more accessible to women and the youth. The ease of operating drones for tasks like seeding and fertilization is encouraging more individuals to participate in agriculture, promoting gender inclusivity and rejuvenating the farming workforce.

Women and Youth in the Fields—Again. Perhaps one of the most powerful impacts of drone adoption has been social. Farming, once seen as a physically grueling and low-prestige profession, is being reimagined as a modern, tech-enabled enterprise.

“Drones have made farming attractive again, especially for young people,” says Angelica Ramos, a 26-year-old ARB and agribusiness graduate who now manages a drone service cooperative in Bukidnon. “We used to think we had to leave the farm to succeed. Now, the farm is where the future is.”

Women, too, are stepping into leadership roles in drone operations, as the technology lessens the need for brute strength and rewards technical skills and organizational savvy.

Regulation and Safety Measures. To ensure the safe and effective use of drones in agriculture, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is developing regulations and protocols. These measures aim to safeguard users, consumers, and the environment, while also preventing potential misuse of drone technology.

Challenges and the Road Ahead. While the benefits are clear, challenges remain. Not all ARBs have immediate access to drone services, especially in remote areas. There's also a learning curve—farmers need training not just in how to operate drones, but how to interpret the data they provide.

To address this, Drones4Rice and its partners have launched capacity-building programs that include hands-on training, certification, and community-level workshops. Pilot sites in Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Iloilo have become models of success.

A Glimpse into the Future. The integration of drone technology into Philippine agriculture marks a significant step towards modernization. As ARBs continue to embrace these innovations, the country moves closer to achieving sustainable and efficient farming practices, ensuring food security and improved livelihoods for its farmers.

As the Philippine agriculture sector grapples with the impacts of climate change, aging farmers, and global competition, drone technology offers more than just convenience—it offers resilience and hope.

“We’ve always worked hard,” says Santos, shading his eyes to watch a drone sweep across the sky. “Now, with these new tools, our hard work is finally paying off.”

In the skies above Philippine rice fields, drones buzz quietly, almost humbly. But on the ground, their presence is anything but silent. For agrarian reform beneficiaries reclaiming not just land but dignity and opportunity, these machines are heralds of a new, more equitable agricultural era.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Information Agency

Debt-Free Farmers: CoCROM Brings Hope to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Cagayan

SOLANA, Cagayan - The dream of land ownership has finally come full circle for thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Cagayan Province. In December 2024, the government took a historic step in alleviating the financial burdens of farmers by awarding Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage(CoCROM) to over 6,300 ARBs. This momentous event marked the condonation of a staggering ₱392.68 million in land-related debts, freeing farmers from financial obligations that have hindered their progress for decades.

A Milestone in Agrarian Reform. The awarding of CoCROM is part of the implementation of Republic Act11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, signed into law in July 2023. This legislation mandates the condonation of all unpaid amortizations, interests, penalties, and surcharges owed by ARBs who were awarded land under the agrarian reform program. Nationwide, the law benefits over 610,000 farmers, wiping out a total of ₱57.65 billion in agrarian arrears.

The event in Cagayan was graced by Senator Imee R. Marcos, who emphasized the significance of this debt relief initiative. "Wala na kayong kailangan bayaran sa lupang ipinagkaloob sa inyo ng pamahalaan," she declared, highlighting the government's commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring a self-sustaining agricultural sector.

Economic and Social Impact on Farmers. For many ARBs, this development is life-changing. The burden of unpaid land amortizations had long prevented them from fully benefiting from their awarded lands. With their debts erased, farmers can now invest more in productivity, improve their livelihoods, and secure a better future for their families.

"Napakalaking ginhawa po ito para sa amin," shared Ernesto Villanueva, a farmer from Tuguegarao. "Matagal naming pinangarap ang ganitong pagkakataon na tuluyang mapasaatin ang lupang sinasaka namin. Ngayon, mas makakapag-focus na kami sa pagtatanim at pag-unlad."

The debt relief is expected to stimulate economic activity in the region, as farmers will have greater financial flexibility to purchase better farming equipment, increase crop production, and expand their agricultural ventures. Additionally, with the removal of financial constraints, ARBs can now access government support services such as farm-to-market road development, irrigation projects, and livelihood assistance programs.

Strengthening Agrarian Reform Support Services. The issuance of CoCROM is just one of the many efforts by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to strengthen the agrarian reform program in Cagayan. Complementing debt condonation are infrastructure projects, farm modernization initiatives, and capacity-building programs for farmers.

DAR-Cagayan has been actively implementing various support services, including the distribution of farm machinery, establishment of farm cooperatives, and technical training on modern farming practices. These initiatives ensure that ARBs are not only relieved of financial burdens but also empowered to maximize the potential of their lands.

A Brighter Future for Cagayan Farmers. With the implementation of CoCROM, the future looks promising for agrarian reform beneficiaries in Cagayan. By freeing farmers from the weight of unpaid amortizations, the government has paved the way for more inclusive agricultural growth and rural development. This initiative reaffirms the country's commitment to social justice and economic progress, ensuring that ARBs are given the support they need to thrive.

As the farmers of Cagayan embrace this new chapter, their resilience, hard work, and dedication to the land will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger and more productive agricultural sector—one that benefits not just them but the entire nation as well.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed 6,803 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) to 6,300 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from the province of Cagayan condoning a total debt of P392,675,939 covering 6,303 hectares

The event was likewise attended by Cagayan province Gov. Manuel N. Mamba and DAR officials. 

In December 2024, Cagayan province took a historic step in alleviating the financial burdens of farmers by awarding Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage(CoCROM) to over 6,300 ARBs

 The event marked the condonation of a staggering ₱392.68 million in land-related debts, freeing farmers from financial obligations. 

The distribution activity, led by Senator Imee Marcos and Agrarian Reform Regional Director Primo
Lara was held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Municipal Gymnasium of Solana.

 

DAR Region 02 Regional Director Primo C. Lara: RA 11953 condones all loans, including interest, penalties, and surcharges incurred by ARBs.

DARPO-Cagayan officials and employees cheerfully witness the successful implementation of RA 11953. 

Republic Act No. 9700: Once a CLOA, always a CLOA title.

 A lot of people who desire to buy agricultural lands often ask: Can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), which is also a TCT title, be sold and converted into a regular TCT title? And the answer to that question is generally, a CLOA title CANNOT be converted into a regular TCT title.  

Section 27 of Republic Act No. 6657, as amended by Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9700, reads as follows: 

"SEC. 27. Transferability of Awarded Lands. - Lands acquired by beneficiaries under this Act or other agrarian reform laws shall not be sold, transferred or conveyed except through hereditary succession, or to the government, or to the LBP, or to other qualified beneficiaries through the DAR for a period of ten (10) years: Provided, however, That the children or the spouse of the transferor shall have a right to repurchase the land from the government or LBP within a period of two (2) years x x x."

"The title of the land awarded under the agrarian reform must indicate that it is an emancipation patent or a certificate of land ownership award and the subsequent transfer title must also indicate that it is an emancipation patent or a certificate of land ownership award.

"If the land has not yet been fully paid by the beneficiary, the rights to the land may be transferred or conveyed, with prior approval of the DAR, to any heir of the beneficiary or to any other beneficiary who, as a condition for such transfer or conveyance, shall cultivate the land himself/herself. Failing compliance herewith, the land shall be transferred to the LBP which shall give due notice of the availability of the land in the manner specified in the immediately preceding paragraph.

"In the event of such transfer to the LBP, the latter shall compensate the beneficiary in one lump sump for the amounts the latter has already paid, together with the value of improvements he/she has made on the land." (Source: Republic Act No. 9700)

NOTES: 

DAR Administrative Order No. 06-16 

x x x

Section 9. Judicial Form for Transfer of Awarded Land. – The judicial form of the Certificate of Title resulting from the transfer of an Awarded Lands (sic) after the holding period (henceforth becoming TAL) shall not be an EP or CLOA, but shall state the EP or CLOA number of the Awarded Land.  Therefore, such Title need not be generated by the DAR nor be signed by the Secretary of Agrarian Reform.

The judicial form of the Certificate of Title resulting from the transfer of a TAL shall also not be an EP or CLOA but shall state the EP or CLOA number of the original Awarded Land.  Such Title need not also be generated by the DAR nor signed by the Secretary of Agrarian Reform.

The judicial form of the Certificate of Title resulting to the transfer of an Awarded Land pursuant to intestate succession or testate succession of a legitime during the holding period (henceforth remaining as an Awarded Land) shall be an EP or CLOA, as the case may be.  Such Title must be generated by the DAR and signed (through signing machine) by the Secretary of Agrarian Reform.

 

DAR Region 2 distributes Php17.6 million worth of farm machinery and equipment.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial offices in the Cagayan Valley region (Region 2) have procured and distributed Php17.6 million worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME) consisting of tractors, combine harvesters, delivery trucks, etc., to nine (9) agrarian reform beneficiaries' organizations (ARBOs) in the different provinces in the region. The FME would help farmers modernize their operations and increase their yield resulting to increase in income.  

According to DAR region 2 Regional Director Primo C. Lara, the farm machineries and equipment for distribution to selected agrarian reform beneficiaries' organizations is being implemented under the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities Project (SuRe ARCs), a DAR program for farm machines aimed to improve farm productivity and increase thehousehold income of ARBs through the ARBOs where they are a member.  

The turnover of the farm equipment was graced by the presence of Atty. Kazel Celeste, DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations (FOO) and Atty. Marjorie P. Ayson, DAR Assistant Secretary, FOO. The FME was distributed to the following ARBOs: Sunrise Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Garita Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, the Farmers of Luna Agriculture Cooperative, Villaverde Development Cooperative, Brgy. Paitan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc., San Salvador ARB Association, Luttuad ARB Farmers Association, San Francisco ARB Farmers Association, Maui Farmers' Cooperative, Dicamay Farmers Agri Cooperative, Greenfield Cabatuan Agriculture Cooperative, Nam-Ay Farmers Association, Western Aurora Agri Cooperative, Upper Forest Region Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Reform Farm Workers Association, Sinili Vegetable Growers Cooperative, and Rotary Community Corps of Cauayan City Producers Cooperative. 

The SuRe ARCs is a program of the Department of Agrarian Reform that aims to support the agricultural sector and enhance food security. In addition to farm mechanization, the project is also establishing enterprise-based crop nurseries with greenhouse facilities and tissue culture laboratories in agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, state universities and colleges, and local government units within Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).  

Turnover of farm machinery and equipment under DAR Project SuRe ARCs.  

DAR Usec Atty Kazel C. Celeste (left) and DAR Asec Atty Marjorie P. Ayson. 

Delivery truck for hauling of ARB agri products. 

Combine harvesters and tractors. 

Four-wheeled tractors for ARB coops. 

DARPO Cagayan-Batanes PARPO II Val M. Cristobal and staff.

Sunrise MPC officers and members - recipients of delivery truck.