09/10/2026
๐ฃ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ธ๐๐น๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ: ๐ช๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ
The stories of the countryside took center stage as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region VI celebrated the DAR Central and Regional Film Festival (DARCRFF): PelikulAgraryo 2026 Regional Awarding Ceremony, bringing together government officials, educators, student filmmakers, and advocates in a shared celebration of stories rooted in the lives, struggles, aspirations, and triumphs of agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Held on October 6, 2026, at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center in Iloilo City, the regional awarding ceremony marked the culmination of one of DAR Region VIโs major advocacy initiatives under Project SPLIT, strengthening the Departmentโs partnership with higher education institutions while creating a new avenue for the public, particularly the youth to understand and appreciate the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Program through the power of film.
The presence of key officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform further highlighted the importance of PelikulAgraryo as a strategic communication and advocacy initiative. Among those in attendance and involved in the program were Undersecretary Jesry T. Palmares, Undersecretary Rowena Niรฑa O. Taduran, Undersecretary Atty. Kazel C. Celeste, Undersecretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan, Undersecretary Jose Angelo S. Martires, CESO II, Assistant Secretary Atty. Quintin O. Magsico, Jr., Assistant Secretary Jose Jenil C. Demorito, Board Member Atty. Jim G. Coleto, Director Anacleta B. Mariano, Director Eric M. Arevalo, and Regional Director Anthony P. Arostique together with DAR Region VI officials, personnel, and members of the PelikulAgraryo 2026 Regional Working Committee.
Their presence reflected the Departmentโs commitment to supporting initiatives that bring agrarian reform closer to the public through innovative, accessible, and meaningful forms of storytelling.
The program featured the recognition of participating schools and production teams, special awards, the Regional Directorโs Awards, major individual awards, and the highly anticipated Best Film Awards for both the ARB and ARBO categories.
In his keynote message, Secretary Estrella delivered an appeal that went beyond the celebration of filmmaking. Addressing the youth, he encouraged them to pursue their dreams of becoming lawyers, engineers, doctors, teachers, and professionals, but urged them not to lose their connection to agriculture.
โMas maganda kung abogado ka, magsasaka ka rin; kung inhinyero ka, magsasaka ka rin; doctor ka, magsasaka ka rin.โ
His message carried a larger challenge: that the next generation must not only build careers, but also help ensure that the country continues to produce the food that sustains its people.
โSana ay magkaroon kayo ng hilig sa agrikultura para sigurado na may kakainin ang inyong mga kababayan,โ Secretary Estrella said.
The message struck at the heart of what PelikulAgraryo seeks to accomplish. The future of agriculture does not belong only to those who work the fields today. It also belongs to the young people who will shape the country tomorrow.
By bringing agrarian reform into film, PelikulAgraryo creates an opportunity for the youth to look at agriculture not as a distant or outdated concern, but as a continuing national responsibility. It invites them to see the farmer beyond the stereotype; to see the person behind the land, the family behind the livelihood, and the aspirations behind every harvest.
The ceremony also celebrated the people behind the stories. From directors and actors to writers, cinematographers, editors, production designers, sound artists, and the many individuals who worked behind the scenes, each production team demonstrated that storytelling could become a powerful instrument for advocacy.
PelikulAgraryo 2026 has proven that when the youth pick up the camera, the countryside gains a new generation of storytellers, and when those stories are seen, the work of agrarian reform reaches beyond the land and into the hearts of the people.
Held alongside the PelikulAgraryo 2026 Regional Awarding Ceremony was the Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF) complementing the celebrationโs broader goal of showcasing the gains of agrarian reform and empowering agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs). In line with PelikulAgraryoโs โPista sa Nayonโ event theme, the Agraryo Trade Fair served as a fitting partner initiative, bringing the festive spirit of a rural community celebration likewise providing ARBOs with an opportunity to showcase and sell their products. Together, these activities highlighted not only the stories, achievements, and aspirations of agrarian reform communities through film, but also their enterprise, productivity, and continuing journey toward economic empowerment.
