The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday said the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) has approved the PHP19 billion funds to boost countryside development initiatives.

In a news release, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the approved budget will be used to fund the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (Project PBBM), the development of farm-to-market roads, and the procurement of farm machinery and equipment essential to increase productivity of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and farmers organizations.

Project PBBM aims to construct modular steel bridges to enhance mobility, boost productivity and increase the income of over 350,000 households.

Estrella said these investments are critical for improving access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, especially in remote areas where such services have traditionally been hard to reach.

PARC approved the funding during the council meeting on Oct. 25, when members also discussed the funding for Land Compensation Cases which will ensure timely settlements for landowners to prevent high interest rates due to delayed payments.

The council emphasized the importance of a scholarship program for the children of ARBs, to align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision outlined in his State of the Nation Address.

“These projects reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing the livelihoods of rural households, paving the way for a more sustainable and productive agrarian sector,” Estrella said. (PNA)