The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) have pledged to strengthen their collaboration to advance agrarian reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a press release on Friday, the DAR said the agencies convened their first Joint coordinating committee meeting to align strategies and plans.

“This committee is a platform and a testament to our shared commitment to advancing agrarian reform for progress, peace, and equity, not just for ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries) but for all Bangsamoro people,” DAR Office for Mindanao Affairs Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan said.

MAFAR-BARMM Minister Mohammad Yacob underscored the alignment of national and regional priorities, urging both agencies to ensure programs have meaningful impacts on the lives of Bangsamoro farmers.

The meeting prioritized distributing the remaining 113,917.89 hectares of agricultural land under the Land Acquisition and Distribution initiative, to benefit approximately 67,777 ARBs.

Land allocations span Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City, and the Special Geographic Area.

Additionally, discussions addressed support services for farmers and agrarian justice to ensure sustainable agricultural development and equitable growth for the Bangsamoro community. (PNA)