The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has strengthened its cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to help improve the economic well-being of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region.

In a news release on Monday, DAR said the initiative intends to provide comprehensive support services for ARBs in the region, including infrastructure development such as farm-to-market roads and bridges, provision of common service facilities, including farm implements, machinery, and equipment, agri-enterprise development programs focused on community formation and strengthening ARB organizations, Islamic microfinancing schemes, legal assistance, and land tenure support, among others.

“BARMM is home to 67,777 ARBs, 280 ARB organizations, and 112 agrarian reform communities, all of which are set to benefit from a range of support services designed to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods,” DAR said.

DAR Office of Mindanao Affairs Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan said key officials from both agencies met on Jan. 30 and discussed strategic initiatives that would help enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods for Bangsamoro ARBs.

Bangsamoro Director General for Agrarian Reform Taugan Kikay who headed the MAFAR delegation, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for DAR’s steadfast support.

“This partnership will significantly contribute to the success of agrarian reform in Bangsamoro, ultimately empowering ARBs and fostering economic growth in the region,” he said.

In November 2023, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al Haj signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that formalized the collaboration between the two agencies.

The MOU aims to ensure resource sharing and coordinated efforts for the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the region. (PNA)