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

The economic impact of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the Philippines

The economic impact of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the Philippines has been extensively studied, revealing a complex picture of both benefits and challenges. Below is a synthesis of empirical findings from various studies:

📈 Positive Economic Outcomes

1. Poverty Reduction and Income Gains

 Between 1990 and 2010, poverty incidence in ARC barangays declined by 28.3 percentage points, a slightly greater reduction than in non-ARC barangays. This suggests that ARCs contributed to faster poverty alleviation in rural areas. -ResearchGate

 A 2002 study by Celia Reyes found that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) experienced higher real per capita incomes and reduced poverty incidence between 1990 and 2000 compared to non-ARBs. -PIDS

2. Increased Agricultural Productivity

The Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project (ARCDP2) reported significant increases in crop yields post-implementation. For instance, hybrid rice yields increased by 30%, and traditional corn yields rose by 131%. -FFTC Agriculture Platform

3. Enhanced Access to Services

ARBs residing in ARCs had better access to basic services such as potable water and sanitary toilets, and higher ownership of household assets compared to non-ARBs. -FAOHome

Challenges and Criticisms

1. Decline in Farm Productivity

A study by Adamopoulos and Restuccia (2014) found that agricultural productivity under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) fell by 17%, alongside a 34% reduction in average farm size. -AmericanEconomic Association

2. Persistence of Rural Poverty

Despite land redistribution, a 2014 paper by Raul Fabella noted that poverty incidence among ARBs in ARCs stood at 54% in 2011, higher than the national average for farmers. This led to the characterization of ARBs as the "landed poor." -UP School of Economics

 3. Implementation Issues

 Critics argue that restrictions on land markets and the fragmentation of landholdings have hindered the potential economic benefits of agrarian reform.

While Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) have led to notable improvements in poverty reduction, agricultural productivity, and access to services for beneficiaries, challenges such as declining farm sizes, reduced overall productivity, and persistent poverty among ARBs highlight the need for policy adjustments. Addressing land market restrictions and providing sustained support services are crucial for enhancing the economic impact of agrarian reform in the Philippines.

Key policy adjustments made after 2010 in the Philippines aimed at improving the incomes of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs):

✅1. Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Program.

*Year Implemented: 2011

*Lead Agency: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Objective: Enhance productivity and income of ARBs by supporting ARB organizations (ARBOs) through: Enterprise development, Common Service Facilities (CSFs) like tractors and post-harvest equipment and Business development services and training. 

Impact: Helped ARBs transition from subsistence to commercial farming in many ARCs by integrating them into value chains and improving productivity.

✅ 2. Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP). 

*Year Implemented: 2012

*Lead Agencies: DAR, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Agriculture (DA)

*Objective: Provide accessible and affordable credit to ARBs for production inputs and agri-enterprises.

*Loan features: Low interest, no collateral for accredited ARBO members

*Impact: Bridged financing gaps for ARBs who previously relied on informal, high-interest sources.

✅ 3. Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP)

 *Year Implemented: 2014(pilot); expanded thereafter

*Lead Agencies: DAR, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DA

*Objective: Link ARBs and ARBOs to institutional buyers (e.g., feeding programs, schools) to ensure markets for their produce.

*Impact: Provided consistent income sources and market assurance for many farmer groups.

✅ 4. Split Project (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling)

*Year Implemented: 2020 (funded by the World Bank)

*Lead Agency: DAR

*Objective: Fast-track the parcelization of collective Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) into individual titles.

*Rationale: Individual titles give ARBs greater security, enabling access to loans, land-based investments, and formal markets.

*Target: 1.3 million hectares to be titled to 1.1 million ARBs by 2024.

*Impact: Aims to improve land tenure security and farmer confidence in long-term investment.

✅5. Executive Order No. 75, Series of 2019

 *Issued By: President Rodrigo Duterte

 *Purpose: Mandates the distribution of government-owned lands suitable for agriculture to qualified beneficiaries.

*Scope: Accelerated land distribution through administrative means, expanding the land reform coverage without judicial delays.

✅ 6. Republic Act No. 11953 or the “New Agrarian Emancipation Act”

*Signed Into Law: July 2023

*Key Provision: Condones ₱57.6 billion in unpaid debts of over 600,000 ARBs

 *Goal: Free ARBs from amortization burdens and encourage reinvestment in agriculture.

*Impact: Expected to boost income by removing financial constraints tied to land repayment obligations.

In general, the ARC strategy has had a positive impact on poverty reduction, such as: (1) Faster Poverty Reduction in ARC Areas. A study by Ballesteros and dela Cruz (2016) from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed that poverty incidence declined faster in ARC barangays compared to non-ARC areas between 1990 and 2010. Poverty incidence dropped by 28.3 percentage points in ARC areas, slightly outperforming non-ARC barangays. This suggests that the integrated approach of providing land and support services (infrastructure, credit, training) had measurable effects on household welfare; and (2)  Improved Income and Welfare Indicators. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reported that ARBs in ARC areas generally had higher incomes, more assets, and better access to services (e.g., potable water, electricity, schools). World Bank evaluations (such as of ARCDP1 and ARCDP2) found that ARC strategies helped transition subsistence farmers to market-oriented production, boosting incomes and reducing vulnerability.

📌 Conclusion

The ARC strategy has contributed to poverty reduction among farmers by integrating land reform with support services and infrastructure development. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on sustained government support, cooperative development, and access to markets. In well-functioning ARCs, poverty reduction has been substantial; in weaker or poorly supported areas, gains were limited.

 

PBBM distributes 26,285 Certificates of Condonation 1,170 CLOAs to farmers

Cabagan, Isabela — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. visited Cabagan, Isabela on November 22, 2024 to personally lead the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), underscoring his administration’s commitment to equitable land distribution and rural development.

The event, held at the Cabagan Coliseum, gathered hundreds of farmer-beneficiaries, local officials, and national agency representatives to witness a significant milestone in the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) efforts under the Marcos administration. The ceremony was part of the broader initiative under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (RA 11953) signed into law by President Marcos in July 2023, which aims to condone the debt of farmers and provide them with full land ownership.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III led the distribution of 26,285 Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) to 21,496 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) condoning a total of P1.164 billion in loans from the provinces of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino of Region 2, on November 22, 2024, at Doña Josefa T. Albano Gymnasium, Centro, Cabagan, Isabela.

President Marcos also assured the farmers of the government’s continuous support especially those who have been struck by the recent series of typhoons.

Significance of the CoCRoM and CLOA Distribution

The CoCRoM and CLOA documents serve as legal instruments that formalize the transfer of agricultural land to qualified beneficiaries. The CoCRoM, in particular, addresses long-standing land issues from the Martial Law period, effectively correcting historical injustices by reaffirming rightful ownership. Meanwhile, CLOAs are awarded to ARBs to affirm their legal right to till and manage parcels of land as productive stewards.

During the event, the President likewise distributed a total of 1,170 Electronic Titles (E-titles) under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) under the regular (Land Acquisition and Distribution) program to 918 ARBs covering a total of 1,133.4261 hectares of land.

President Marcos Jr.'s Message to the Farmers

In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the central role of farmers in national development and food security. He stated: “Ang araw na ito ay patunay ng ating pangakong pagbibigay-lakas sa ating mga magsasaka. Hindi lamang ito simpleng dokumento—ito ay simbolo ng inyong pagmamay-ari at karapatan sa lupang inyong sinasaka.” (“Today marks the fulfillment of our promise to empower our farmers. These are not just documents—they are symbols of your ownership and right to the land you cultivate.”)

President Marcos also reiterated his administration’s drive to improve agricultural productivity, reduce rural poverty, and strengthen farmer support services such as irrigation, farm-to-market roads, mechanization, and access to credit and training.

Support from the Department of Agrarian Reform

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III joined the President in distributing the documents and highlighted the department’s accelerated processing of land titles and implementation of support programs to ensure the success of ARBs. He acknowledged the decades-long struggle of many farmers and stressed the importance of providing them not only with land but also with the tools and knowledge to improve their livelihoods. 

Local Government and Community Response

Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III and Cabagan Mayor Christopher Mamauag expressed their gratitude for the President’s visit and for choosing Isabela as a site for the continuing rollout of agrarian reform initiatives. Local leaders committed to aligning municipal resources to support ARBs through cooperative development, agro-industrial initiatives, and agricultural training.

Farmers present at the event expressed emotional gratitude, with many sharing stories of their long wait for land ownership and how these certificates would change the course of their families’ futures.

The CoCRoM and CLOA distribution in Cabagan marks a powerful statement: that land reform is not merely a policy, but a moral imperative. Through direct engagement with farmer communities and swift implementation of legal land transfers, the government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and productive agricultural sector in the Philippines.

The President's presence in Isabela further cements his commitment to ensuring that the fruits of agrarian reform reach even the most rural corners of the nation, promising not just land, but also dignity, opportunity, and hope.

READ eBook/flipbook version: PBBM distributes 26,285 Certificates of Condonation 1,170 CLOAs to farmers 

Land use conversion exemptions

Here’s a comprehensive list of land and project categories that are exempt from land use conversion requirements in the Philippines, along with their corresponding legal bases:

I. Exempt Lands (No DAR Conversion Clearance Required)

1. Lands Already Classified as Non-Agricultural Before June 15, 1988

• If land was zoned as residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional before the effectivity of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), it is exempt.
• Legal Basis:
  
• Section 65, RA 6657 (CARL)
• DAR Administrative Order (AO) No. 1, Series of 2002, Section III(A)

2. Lands Reclassified by LGUs Under RA 7160 (Local Government Code)

• Land reclassified from agricultural to non-agricultural by LGUs, after consultation with DAR and approval by HLURB/DHSUD, is exempt from DAR conversion, provided:
  
• The reclassification was done within the limits of LGU authority; and
• DAR was notified within 30 days.
• Legal Basis:
  
• RA 7160, Sections 20 and 447
• DAR AO No. 1, Series of 2002, Section III(C)

II. Exempt Projects (Government or BOT Initiatives)

3. Government Infrastructure Projects

Includes:

• Roads, highways, and irrigation systems
• Public schools, hospitals, and government buildings
• Transmission and communication lines
• Disaster response or resettlement programs

Exempt from conversion if:

• Implemented by a government agency or LGU
• Located on land already acquired or owned by the government
• Legal Basis:
  
• DAR AO No. 1, Series of 2002, Section III(B)
• DAR Memo Circular No. 7, Series of 201

4. Projects Under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law

• Public infrastructure is undertaken by private entities under government partnership programs.
• Includes toll roads, power plants, water systems, etc.
• Legal Basis:
  
• RA 6957, as amended by RA 7718 (BOT Law)
• DAR Memo Circular No. 18, Series of 1999

III. Other Specific Exemptions

5. Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Housing Projects

• ARBs may use awarded lands for housing purposes under DAR guidelines.
• Conversion may not be required if housing supports agrarian reform objectives and gets DAR clearance.
• Legal Basis:
  
• DAR AO No. 5, Series of 2006

6. Ecozones, Resettlement, and Special Government-Designated Areas

• Areas legally declared as economic zones, resettlement sites, or public development projects under national legislation or executive orders may be exempt.
• Legal Basis:
  
• Special laws (e.g., PEZA Law – RA 7916), proclamations, and Presidential Decrees

Summary Table of Exemptions and Legal Bases

Exempt Category	Legal Basis
Pre-1988 Non-Agricultural Zoning	RA 6657 §65; DAR AO 01-2002, Sec. III(A)
LGU Reclassification under RA 7160	RA 7160 §§20, 447; DAR AO 01-2002, Sec. III(C)
Government Infrastructure Projects	DAR AO 01-2002, Sec. III(B); DAR Memo Circular 7-2011
BOT and PPP Projects	RA 6957 as amended by RA 7718; DAR Memo Circular 18-1999
ARB Housing	DAR AO 05-2006
Ecozones or Legally Declared Public Projects	RA 7916 (PEZA Law); other enabling laws or proclamations

Empowering Farmers in Northern Luzon: The Role of Integrated Farmers Cooperative (IFC) in Agrarian Reform

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan — In the heart of the Cagayan Valley, the Integrated Farmers Cooperative (IFC) stands as a model Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO), playing a transformative role in uplifting the lives of smallholder farmers through inclusive growth, sustainable agriculture, and community development.

Roots in Agrarian Reform

The IFC was established in response to the Philippine government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), aimed at redistributing agricultural land to landless farmers and promoting social equity in rural areas. Composed primarily of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), IFC serves as a collective platform for former tenant farmers and landless rural workers in Tuguegarao and surrounding municipalities to gain ownership of land and access to economic opportunities.

As an ARBO recognized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), IFC provides vital support services to its members, including access to credit, training, marketing assistance, and capacity-building programs. These services are instrumental in ensuring that the gains from land ownership translate into improved productivity and income.

Advancing Agricultural Productivity

One of the cooperative’s core missions is to enhance the productivity and profitability of its members. Through partnerships with government agencies such as DAR, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Local Government Unit (LGU), IFC has facilitated the distribution of farm inputs, equipment, and access to farm-to-market roads. It also plays a key role in introducing sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices tailored to the local agricultural conditions of Cagayan Valley.

Members benefit from technical training on crop diversification, pest management, and organic farming, which help improve yield and ensure food security in the region. In addition, IFC acts as a marketing arm, aggregating produce and negotiating better prices for members through collective bargaining and value chain integration.

Inclusive and Cooperative Governance

IFC operates under democratic and transparent governance, with elected officers accountable to the general assembly of members. The cooperative's inclusive approach ensures that all members, regardless of farm size or experience, have a voice in decision-making. Women and youth are also actively encouraged to participate, strengthening the social fabric and intergenerational sustainability of the organization.

From the national government agencies’ projects, and programs that the Integrated Farmers Cooperative (IFC) has accessed or partnered with in line with its role as an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO), the following has significantly helped support its agricultural productivity, enterprise development, and ARB empowerment:

1. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS): Provided agricultural machinery, capacity-building, and market linkages to boost ARBOs’ productivity and enterprise viability.

• Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS): Offered farm inputs and equipment like tractors and water pumps to improve climate resilience.

• LinkSFarM (Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets): Enabled IFC to access market-driven training and value chain support.

2. Department of Agriculture (DA)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF): Supplied farm machinery and training under the mechanization and extension components.

• High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP): Assisted IFC members engaged in diversified crop production through seeds, fertilizers, and technical training.

• Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP): May have funded infrastructure or enterprise sub-projects proposed by IFC or its LGU partners.

3. Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP): Provided affordable loans to IFC for production and livelihood support.

• Enhanced Credit Support for ARBs (through ARBOs): Offered working capital for inputs and agri-business enterprise development.

4. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Shared Service Facilities (SSF): IFC may have received post-harvest or processing equipment to support product value-adding and cooperative enterprises.

• KAPATID Mentor ME Program: Provided mentorship and business development training for cooperative officers and farmer-entrepreneurs.

5. Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Cooperative Capacity Building Programs: Offered governance, financial literacy, and enterprise management seminars.

• Assistance in Cooperative Compliance and Registration: Provided guidance and resources to ensure IFC meets regulatory and reporting requirements.

6. Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST): May have assisted IFC in technology upgrading, particularly for food processing and packaging.

• Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP): Possible support for the productivity enhancement of IFC-led agri-enterprises.

7. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Programs/Projects Accessed:

• Agri-related skills training: For cooperative members in areas like farm machinery operation, crop production, and food processing.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, IFC continues to face challenges such as climate variability, limited market access, and fluctuating commodity prices. To address these, the cooperative is investing in digital tools, exploring value-added processing, and advocating for stronger ARB support policies.

Looking ahead, IFC envisions itself as a hub for agri-entrepreneurship and a vital stakeholder in regional food systems. By leveraging its ARBO status, it seeks to expand its impact beyond Tuguegarao, serving as a beacon for agrarian reform success stories across the country.

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