CSU-Carig Campus and ISU-San Mateo Campus bag major awards in DAR regional PelikulAgraryo 2025.

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 02 has launched PelikulAgraryo 2025, a regional short film competition aimed at showcasing the transformative journeys of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations through student-led storytelling.

With the theme “Pag-ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kuwento ng Pag-asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo” (Harvest of Dreams: Stories of Hope and Success in Agrarian Reform), the initiative invites tertiary-level students enrolled in communication and media-related courses across Region 02 to produce 10–15 minute films that highlight the real-life experiences of ARBs and agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). 

DAR Regional Director Primo C. Lara emphasized that the festival serves as a platform to bridge generational divides, making agrarian reform issues relatable and emotionally resonant, especially for the youth. 

The competition features two categories: the ARB Category, focusing on individual beneficiaries, and the ARBO Category, highlighting the achievements of organizations involved in DAR programs. Regional winners from each category will receive ₱30,000 and will advance to the national finals, where they stand a chance to win ₱60,000. Additionally, eight special awards with monetary prizes will be conferred at the regional level. 

A total of nine (9) entries were accepted from the students of state colleges and universities within Region 02 for the contest. Regional judging took place on June 11, with the awarding ceremony held on June 28. The top films will proceed to the national finals, where they will compete under the same theme. 

This initiative is part of DAR's broader effort to engage the youth in agrarian reform, encouraging them to become storytellers and advocates for rural development. Through PelikulAgraryo 2025, DAR aims to humanize land reform policies and inspire a new generation to appreciate and participate in the ongoing transformation of the agricultural sector.

Winners (Regional Level):

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) category: 

1st Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

2nd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

3rd Place: Quirino State University - Diffun Campus

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category: 

1st Place: Isabela State University - San Mateo Campus

2nd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

3rd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

Entries for the ARBO category

Entries for the ARB category

The short film Dalawamput Dalawang Krisantemo by Cagayan State University-Carig Campus won the regional Best Film under the ARBO category.

The short film BUNGA by Isabela State University-San Mateo Campus won the Best Film under the ARB category. 

Regional Winners under the ARBO category. 

Regional winners under the ARB category. 

DAR Turns Over P15-Million Farm-to-Market Road to ARBs in Sitio Dammang, Pamplona, Cagayan

Sitio Dammang, Barangay Bagu, Pamplona, Cagayan, June 17, 2025 - In a milestone event for rural development in Cagayan, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) formally turned over a newly completed 1.1-kilometer concrete farm-to-market road (FMR) to 261 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Sitio Dammang, Barangay Bagu.

The road project, which cost ₱15 million, was funded under the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), the government’s dedicated resource for supporting infrastructure and other development needs of agrarian reform communities. The turnover ceremony was witnessed by DAR officials, local government unit (LGU) representatives headed by Pamplona Mayor Digna Puzon-Antonio and members of the Santa Cruz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the lead ARB organization of the CURBASTA Agrarian Reform Community (ARC), which includes the barangays of Curva, Bagu, Santa Maria, and surrounding areas.

Regional Director of DAR-Cagayan Valley, Primo C. Lara, emphasized the significance of the infrastructure in his message: “This road is more than just concrete and gravel — it is a symbol of connectivity, opportunity, and progress. It empowers our farmers by bringing their produce closer to markets, reducing transportation costs, and improving their income potential.”

The FMR, which links the agricultural fields of Sitio Dammang to the main barangay roads and nearby trading posts, is expected to boost the mobility of agricultural goods such as rice, corn, root crops, and high-value vegetables. Before its construction, ARBs in the area endured long and difficult trips over muddy and impassable trails, especially during the rainy season.

“For many years, it was a struggle to transport our harvests. Sometimes we would lose part of our crops because we couldn’t deliver on time,” said a farmer-member of the Santa Cruz MPC. “Now, we can reach the market faster, and that means better prices and fewer losses.”

The road project is one of the major interventions under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP), which seeks to sustain land reform gains through infrastructure, livelihood, and institutional support.

CURBASTA Agrarian Reform Community: Nestled in the upland barangays of Cagayan province, CURBASTA ARC is a vibrant and growing cluster of agrarian reform areas composed of the barangays Curva, Bagu, and Santa Maria, hence the name “CURBASTA.” Established as a consolidated agrarian reform community in the mid-2000s, continues to thrive with the Santa Cruz MPC at the helm of collective efforts to strengthen agri-enterprise and cooperative operations. With the completion of the FMR, the community is optimistic that young people will also be encouraged to stay and engage in farming.

Formed under the Department of Agrarian Reform's community-based rural development approach, CURBASTA ARC brings together agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who were awarded lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and organized into cooperatives and farmers’ associations.

At the heart of CURBASTA’s development is the Santa Cruz Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC),  the lead ARB organization that has played a crucial role in uniting farmers and spearheading livelihood activities. Over the years, the community has evolved from subsistence farming to more market-oriented agriculture, producing rice, corn, root crops, bananas, and native delicacies. With support from DAR and partner agencies, CURBASTA ARC has benefited from infrastructure projects, farm inputs, capacity building, and livelihood support. 

The recent completion of the 1.1-kilometer concrete farm-to-market road in Sitio Dammang marks another step forward in CURBASTA’s continuing journey toward inclusive rural development and agricultural sustainability. Today, the community stands as a testament to the impact of collective action, government support, and grassroots leadership.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Val M. Cristobal reiterated DAR’s commitment to supporting rural communities beyond land distribution. “Infrastructure like this farm-to-market road is critical to making agrarian reform truly transformative. We will continue to work with our ARBOs to ensure inclusive and sustainable rural development.”

The project forms part of the government’s strategy to climate-proof and economically empower agrarian communities, aligning with the broader goals of poverty reduction and agricultural modernization in Region 2.

As the sun set on Sitio Dammang that day, the newly paved road gleamed with promise, not just of faster travel, but of a brighter, more hopeful future for the farmers who till the land.

Photos: DARPO Cagayan-Batanes

Exemptions from DAR Clearance for transfer of agricultural lands

In the Philippines, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Clearance is generally required before transferring ownership of agricultural lands to ensure that such transfers comply with agrarian reform laws. However, there are specific exemptions from the requirement to secure DAR Clearance. These exemptions are outlined in various laws, especially in DAR Administrative Orders (AOs) and Republic Act No. 6657, as amended.

Common Exemptions from DAR Clearance Requirement for Land Transfers:

1. Land not classified as agricultural

   * Lands already classified as residential, commercial, industrial, or other non-agricultural uses before June 15, 1988 (effectivity of RA 6657).

  * Lands reclassified by local government units (LGUs) before June 15, 1988, as non-agricultural, supported by proper documentation.

2. Retention Area of Landowners

   * Lands retained by landowners under the retention rights provided in agrarian laws, especially if not tenanted or not subject to CARP coverage.

3. Transfer through Succession

   *Transfers of land ownership via hereditary succession (e.g., inheritance) do not require DAR clearance.

4. Landholding below CARP coverage limit

   * Agricultural lands with a total area of five (5) hectares or less owned by a person not already owning other agricultural lands may be exempt if not under CARP coverage.

5. Exempt under DAR AO No. 6, Series of 1994 (as amended)

   Lands that were exempted or excluded from CARP coverage due to being:

     * Government reservations

     * Forest lands

     * Pasture lands

     * Watershed areas

     * Mineral lands

     * National parks

6. Land acquired before CARP and tenanted land already covered by Emancipation Patents (EPs) or Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). 

* Requires an Order approving the transfer of EP/CLOA pursuant to DAR A.O. No. 08, Series of 1995. 

7. Transfer to government agencies or local government units for public use, e.g., for roads, school sites, government housing, etc.

8. Conveyance involving corporate restructuring

* Internal transfer of ownership within the same corporate group without change in beneficial ownership, subject to proper documentation and DAR confirmation.

Important Notes:

* Even if exempt, it is often advisable to apply for a Certificate of Exemption or a Certification from DAR to avoid issues at the Register of Deeds (ROD).

* If the land is covered by CARP, transfers may be restricted and require DAR clearance regardless of the buyer or purpose.

* Always check the latest DAR Administrative Orders and consult the Municipal or Provincial DAR Office for the most accurate and case-specific guidance.

Legal bases and key issuances for the exemptions from securing DAR Clearance for the transfer of agricultural land:

1. Republic Act No. 6657, as amended (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law)

*Section 3(c) – Defines agricultural land.

*Section 4 – Lists lands covered under CARP, which implies that non-agricultural lands are not subject to agrarian reform requirements.

*Section 6 – Grants landowners the right to retain 5 hectares, exempting these lands from redistribution.

*Section 6 (second paragraph) – Landowners may transfer retention areas to heirs without clearance.

2. DAR Administrative Order (AO) No. 1, Series of 1989

*Subject: Rules and Procedures Governing the Acquisition and Distribution of Private Agricultural Lands

*Provides guidelines on the issuance of DAR Clearance for land transfers and enumerates cases exempt from the requirement.

3. DAR Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2002

*Subject: 2002 Comprehensive Rules on Land Use Conversion

*Section 4 – Exempts lands classified as non-agricultural before 15 June 1988 from DAR coverage, hence not requiring DAR Clearance.

*Legal basis for the exemption of non-agricultural lands from agrarian reform.

4. DAR AO No. 7, Series of 2011

*Subject: Rules and Procedures Governing the Acquisition and Distribution of Agricultural Lands under CARP

*Clarifies that lands not classified as agricultural or not covered under CARP are exempt from the issuance of DAR Clearance.

5. DAR Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 1997

*Subject: Transfer of Ownership of Agricultural Lands

* Clarifies that transfer of agricultural lands by hereditary succession is exempt from DAR Clearance.

6. DOJ Opinion No. 44, Series of 1990

*States that lands reclassified to non-agricultural use before June 15, 1988, by LGUs or other agencies are outside the coverage of CARP.

7. DAR AO No. 6, Series of 1994

*Subject: Guidelines for the Exclusion of Landholdings Forming Part of the Forest Zone, Mineral Lands, National Parks, etc.

*Serves as the basis for exemption of non-CARP areas such as forest reserves, national parks, and military reservations.

 

Dalayap Coco Jam: The Sweet Heart of Allacapan

Nestled in the rural barangay of Dalayap, Allacapan, Cagayan, lies a humble story of transformation, where coconut trees sway, and community spirit thrives. Here, amid rice paddies and vegetable plots, a group of dedicated women from a local agrarian cooperative have crafted something truly special: Dalayap Coco Jam.

🌾 From Barangay to Breakfast Table. Dalayap is a small barangay of just over 600 residents, with farming as its backbone, around 80 % of households till the land for rice, vegetables, corn, and coconuts. It’s in this fertile setting that coco jam was born—not just as food, but as a lifeline and a source of collective pride.

🍯 A Sweet Tradition Revived. Using coconut milk and brown sugar, boiled low and slow over wood-fired stoves, the women churn out a velvety spread that’s rich, naturally sweet, and dairy-free. The result? A beautifully caramelized jam that glistens under the morning sun—a taste that brings memories of warm pandesal breakfasts and heartfelt conversation.

🤝 A Community United. What began as a home kitchen project quickly blossomed into a cooperative endeavor. Through support from the Department of Agrarian Reform’s livelihood-development programs, such as the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project, these women received training in food safety, packaging, and branding. Working together in shared facilities, they ensure consistency, quality, and a story behind every jar.

🌍 Farms to Fairs — With Heart. Their coco jam travels beyond Dalayap’s humble roads. It has made its way to Allacapan’s town fairs, local Kadiwa markets, and even regional showcases like the National Agraryo Trade Fair. Each jar carries more than sweetness—it carries a community’s resilience, its heritage, and the promise of sustainable rural development.

💛 The Ripple Effect. *Healthier choice: Made from all-natural ingredients—coconut milk, brown sugar, no preservatives, ideal for modern, health-conscious consumers.

*Women-led growth: Managed by local agrarian women, the enterprise uplifts household incomes and fosters financial independence.

*Sustainable farming: Uses coconuts grown in local backyards, promoting biodiversity and reducing reliance on monocrops.

*Pride & identity: Each jar tells a story of Dalayap—its coconut groves, its hardworking families, and its vibrant culture.

✨ Tasting Notes & Traditions

Try Dalayap Coco Jam:

* Warmed atop fresh pandesal or rice cakes.

* Stirred into oatmeal for a tropical twist.

* As filling for local pastries—mini ensaymadas, bibingka, or scones.

* Straight from the spoon, when you need a simple, sweet moment.

💬 Voices of Dalayap. The smiles of the women who produce it tell the real story. Teams open jars, exchange family anecdotes, and talk about dreams, plans to expand, (already FDA certification), or supply cafés in Tuguegarao. For them, coco jam isn’t just food—it’s proof that community effort makes sweetness.

Dalayap Coco Jam isn’t your ordinary spread. It’s home, heritage, and hope—bottled. With every spoonful, you savor the flavor of Dalayap’s soil, the warmth of its people, and the promise of rural renewal.

“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)