DAR Marks Milestone in Agrarian Reform Program During Midyear Formative Assessment

CEBU CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has concluded a five-day midyear formative assessment in Cebu City from July 29 to August 2, 2024. This significant event reviewed the agency’s achievements in the first semester of 2024 and formulated plans for improved performance in the second semester.

The event reaffirmed the department’s commitment to complete the country's comprehensive agrarian reform program.

The assessment focused on evaluating DAR’s performance in various key programs, including the Land Tenure Security Program (LTSP), Agrarian Justice Delivery Program (AJDP), Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP), and the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

The review was conducted against approved targets and fund utilization, with emphasis on ensuring alignment with the development thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.

In the absence of Secretary Estrella, DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs, Napoleon Galit, relayed a congratulatory message, commending the team for a fruitful first semester. He expressed gratitude for their dedication and hard work, noting that the Secretary expects them to continue their excellent service to the agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Although unable to attend, Secretary Estrella shared his thoughts, emphasizing the department's commitment to increasing the issuance of individual CLOAs and expediting the provision of various support services to ARBs. “Our President, from the beginning, has been championing the cause of small farmers. We assure you that all our efforts will be in their best interest and the improvement of the agricultural sector,” Estrella stated.

DAR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Research Office Luis Meinrado Pangulayan highlighted the importance of the assessment in identifying issues and concerns related to the delivery of 2024 targets. This process enables targeted interventions to address potential challenges and improve overall performance. Furthermore, the assessment will develop catch-up plans for the second semester of 2024 to mitigate any delays encountered in the first semester,