DAR CamNorte initiates DARAVAN project, provides services to agrarian reform beneficiaries

A total of 184 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in remote areas of Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte, were provided with additional knowledge by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through a DARamayan sa Pamayanan or DARAVAN to further develop and protect the lands provided to them by the government through Certificates of Land Ownership and Award (CLOAs).

DAR Camarines Norte OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer and Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Alicia A. Almacin said the DAR is committed to improving the quality of lives of ARBs and rural communities in the area by ensuring the delivery of necessary support services and resources right at their doorsteps.

“Aligned with the DAR's vision "Sariling Lupa para sa Bagong Bukas na Masagana,” we are committed to empowering the ARBs with practical strategies and tools to enable them to further develop their livelihoods and achieve sustainable success,” Almacin said.

Almacin disclosed that the DARAVAN featured comprehensive discussions on how farmers can protect their earnings, including the importance of securing insurance for their crops, plants, and farm animals as explained by Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) representative Alvin Soleybar.

Representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) Lovely Jane A. Mabanglo, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Jeorshwin Jo, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lovely Jane A. Mabanglo, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Tobias Obrero also discussed the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or Kabuhayan Program, DOLE TUPAD, DOLE AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation), Livelihood and Agri-business Seminars and Skills Training, and Support Programs for Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprise.

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) representative Mark Anthony Castaneda discussed the importance of registering in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Programs for available technical/vocational training.