Officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have reaffirmed their commitment to improving the economic well-being of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region.
Key representatives from both agencies convened on January 30, 2025, at the DAR Central Office in Quezon City to discuss strategies for providing comprehensive support services to Bangsamoro ARBs. The meeting was led by DAR Undersecretaries Amihilda Sangcopan from the Office of Mindanao Affairs and Rowena Taduran from the Support Services Office, with Bangsamoro Director General for Agrarian Reform Taugan Kikay heading the MAFAR delegation.
BARMM is currently home to 67,777 ARBs, 280 ARB organizations, and 112 agrarian reform communities. These groups are set to benefit from a range of support services aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The support package includes:
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of farm-to-market roads and bridges
- Common Service Facilities: Provision of farm implements, machinery, and equipment
- Agri-Enterprise Development: Strengthening ARB organizations and promoting community formation
- Islamic Microfinancing Schemes: Tailored financial support for ARBs
- Legal Assistance and Land Tenure Support: Ensuring secure land ownership and legal protection
Sangcopan emphasized that these initiatives are part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on November 28, 2023, by DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al Haj.
The MOU formalizes the partnership between DAR and MAFAR, promoting resource sharing and coordinated efforts to effectively implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) across the region.
Director General Kikay expressed his gratitude for DAR’s continued support, noting that this strengthened collaboration will play a vital role in empowering Bangsamoro ARBs, fostering economic growth, and driving sustainable development in the region.