Aklan Farmers Are The Stars Of The 27th CARP Anniversary

Aklan Farmers Are The Stars Of The 27th CARP Anniversary

When two hundred twenty (220) multi-stakeholders and duty bearers gather, better things come in the way of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). The Department of Agrarian Reform in partnership with the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) conducted the Aklan Agrarian Reform Summit at the ABL Sports and Cultural Center, Kalibo, Aklan, last July 10, 2015. The event marked the 27th CARP and 6th CARPER anniversary in the country and highlighted the inclusive partnership of all concerned to uplift the lives of the Aklanon farmers.

Ma. Teresa C. Valencia, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II of DAR Aklan, said that the activity was a significant gathering for farmers, land owners and other partners in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). “Our   farmers are the stars of the occasion and they should be honored as they are our silent heroes, because they feed the Aklanons. Without them, we will all starve to death” enthused Ms. Valencia.

The turn-over of ceremonial checks underscored the credit line of more than one million pesos each for the four Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs). They are KAMMANA ARC, DUCOFA MPC, SANDONNA, and Aparicio AR Coops from the Land Bank of the Philippines under its Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP).  The LBP Board of Directors representing agrarian reform beneficiaries, farmers and fisher folks listened to an Aklanon, Crispino T. Aguelo, the keynote speaker.

The partnership forged with Manila Water Foundation was a plus factor to the event. Under its “Kabuhayan Para sa Barangay Project” (KPSB) the program provides P100,000.00 non-interest bearing loan to  cooperatives and initial six ARBOs qualified for the project. Ms Janie Rose Alfonso, Program Manager led the MOA signing among beneficiaries.

The AR Summit started with “Market Day”, a bi-monthly activity of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist bringing the harvest of farmers and fisher folks to employees at the Provincial Capitol, Kalibo. This also showcased other agricultural and fishery products in Aklan. Recognizing the ageing population of Aklanon farmers, DAR in coordination with the Department of Health, Region 6 and the Aklan Provincial Health and the Municipal Health Units of Kalibo, guaranteed that 150 farmers availed of the free pneumococcal vaccines.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of Aklan Salome David presented updates on agriculture while PENRO Ivene Reyes of the DENR discussed the agency’s programs under CARP. Meanwhile, the manager of the Social Security System, Ms. Elisa Llavan encouraged farmers to avail the services and enroll with SSS. Other agencies present were Cooperative development Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Trade and Industry.

Agricultural partners and other players were at hand to bring their products to the farmers such as SMART Communications/Koks, GLOBE Telecom which also came with their freebies. Others include Pilmico, Bigante, Syngenta, Victory Global, and Insol Agri.

The occasion  also served as venue for the  recognition of DAR’s partners in CARPER implementation as well as the Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB), Mr. Apolinario B. Francisco, and Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Napaan (KAMMANA MPC), the Most Progressive ARB Organization. /MP