The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is stepping up efforts to engage Filipino youth nationwide to take an active role in land reform advocacy and support agricultural development.

In a news release on Monday, DAR said it has conducted interactive forums in universities and schools from Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Cordillera Administrative Region in a series of Stakeholders’ Engagement with the Youth events.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the initiative aims to promote the Support to the Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT) while inspiring the youth to pursue careers in agriculture.

“Naniniwala ako na kayong kabataan ang may taglay na sapat na lakas, kaisipan, katalinuhan at kakayahan upang sumabay at tuluyan pang isulong ang makabagong teknolohiya (I believe that you young people have enough strength, intelligence, intelligence and ability to keep up with and continue to advance modern technology),” he said.

“Huwag mag-alala dahil narito kami sa DAR na laging malalapitan, handang gumabay at tumulong sa inyo (Don’t worry because we at DAR are here to support, guide and help you),” he added.

In Cagayan province, DAR Region 2 partnered with Cagayan State University-Carig Campus, integrating agrarian reform discussions into Development Communication and Mass Communication courses.

A highlight of the event was the launch of “PelikulAgraryo 2025”, a short film competition that encourages students to highlight the stories and struggles of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

In the Zamboanga Peninsula, forums were held in five major universities, including Western Mindanao State University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, where students were briefed on Project SPLIT’s role in promoting land ownership among farmers to help boost agricultural productivity and drive economic progress.

Meanwhile, in Abra, over 200 students from the University of Abra and Northern Abra National High School participated in the programs, with discussions focusing on the DAR Scholarship Program for ARB Dependents (DSP-DARBs), which provides financial support for students taking up agriculture-related courses.

DAR has been encouraging students to pursue a four-year degree in agriculture or any related field in a bid to produce a new breed of farmers equipped with modern technology and tools. (PNA)