The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is intensifying efforts to preserve the Carood watershed, a critical natural resource that supplies water to households, farms, and irrigation systems across seven municipalities in eastern Bohol.

In a news release on Thursday, DAR said the Carood watershed, spanning more than 20,400 hectares, supports the towns of Alicia, Anda, Candijay, Guindulman, Mabini, Pilar, and Ubay.

Despite its importance, DAR said, the watershed is under threat from soil erosion, flooding, and unsustainable farming practices.

Since November 2022, DAR has been an active partner in the province-wide “Trees for Unity” reforestation program, led by the provincial government of Bohol.

The initiative aims to combat watershed degradation by planting trees that help prevent soil erosion, replenish biodiversity, and secure water supplies for rivers and irrigation dams.

“Our major crop here is rice, and nearly all our farmers rely on the Malinao Dam. It’s the main water source for agriculture in Pilar,” Municipal Agriculturist of La Suerte, Pilar, Irene Cubrado Jr., said.

Beyond reforestation, DAR is empowering agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations through livelihood assistance, technical training, and the promotion of organic farming.

One DAR beneficiary, the La Suerte Organic Vegetable Growers Association (LASOVEGA), has received various support for promoting sustainable agriculture.

The department said LASOVEGA produces vermicast fertilizer, grows organic vegetables, and supplies fresh produce to local markets and institutions.

In Barangay Mahayag, Alicia town, DAR recently turned over farm machinery and equipment under the Major Crop Block Farming Program and awarded electronic land titles covering nearly seven hectares to members of the Mahayag Alicia Farmers’ Association, Inc. (MAFAI).

The interventions, DAR said, are expected to enhance both rice and upland crop production.

Meanwhile, DAR-assisted cooperatives are also contributing to watershed conservation, including the Mabini Reforestation Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which reported PHP51,000 in earnings from tilapia sales as of January, demonstrating the potential of watershed-based enterprises.

DAR also said additional aid under its Sustainable Livelihood Support Project is scheduled for rollout soon, including the distribution of goats, pigs, hand tractors, and water pumps to agrarian reform beneficiary organizations in Alicia and Mabini this May, to further bolster food production and environmental sustainability in the area.

DAR’s initiatives are part of the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development, a collaborative program with other government agencies aimed at promoting inclusive growth, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship in key areas like the Carood watershed. (PNA)