DAR Antique Province

𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗤𝗨𝗘 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝟯𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗥𝗕𝘀

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Antique formally turned over a P300,000 Swine Fattening Project — complete with starter feeds — to the Hacienda Bernabela Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HABARFA), Inc. in Barangay Asluman, Hamtic, Antique on June 3, 2026.

The project, funded under the Climate-Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program – Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas (CRFPSP-SL), will benefit 129 HABARFA members — helping them generate additional income, strengthen food security, and build resilience against climate change.

Together, we build stronger and more resilient agrarian reform communities. 💪🌾

Read the full story here:
https://www.dar.gov.ph/region-vi-news-antique/25064

𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲

Agrarian reform beneficiaries and field implementers came together to shape a shared vision for sustainable community development during a three-day Training Writeshop on the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Development Plan, held on May 18–19 and 21, 2026, at Costa Madrangca, San Jose, Antique.

Organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Antique, the writeshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders — including Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs), Development Facilitators (DFs), and community representatives from two ARCs: IGMAES (Igpalge, Magtulis, Esparar) and BBC (Buluangan I, Buluangan II, Canipayan) in Clusters 3 (Barbaza) and 5 (Valderrama). The activity was led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) Mary June B. Andres, together with the Provincial Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) staff.

At its core, the writeshop was about giving communities a voice in planning their own future. Participants worked side by side to identify the most pressing concerns facing their ARCs, craft targeted interventions, and map out development strategies designed to uplift the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries. Through collaborative planning sessions and technical discussions, they translated community needs into concrete, actionable plans.

"Completing substantial outputs is not just an administrative requirement — it is a commitment to the communities we serve," PARPO I Andres stressed as she guided participants through the planning process. She set a clear benchmark: at least 60–70 percent of the ARC Development Plan must be accomplished by the activity's close, underscoring the urgency of delivering results for the farmers and families depending on these plans.

To ensure focused and organized outputs, DARPO Antique formalized the process through Provincial Memorandum Order No. 152-26, which created a dedicated task force for ARC Development Plan preparation. Participants were divided into two teams — one for each ARC — with responsibilities distributed according to each member's area of expertise, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability across the group.

The writeshop became more than a planning exercise. It was a space where field workers, technical staff, and community leaders aligned their efforts, bridged gaps in data, and forged a common understanding of what meaningful development looks like for their communities.

As the activity drew to a close, participants left not only with draft plans in hand, but with strengthened relationships, renewed commitment, and a clearer roadmap toward building more resilient and self-reliant agrarian communities in Antique.





Photo and Article by Apple Jane Nadong

LOOK: Marcos Designates DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III as Government Caretaker During Japan Trip

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III as one of the select caretakers of the national government during his official working visit to Japan. The designation underscores the President’s deep trust in Estrella, whose quiet competence, consistent field performance, and dedication to agrarian reform have made him a key pillar in the administration's goals for food security and rural development.

𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗖'𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗖

In the lush green mountains of Barbaza lie the bountiful produce of hardworking farmers. Through blood, sweat, and tears, this abundance has become a bridge toward the community’s success and progress.

The Esparar Multi-Purpose Cooperative (EMPC), nestled in the serene landscape of Barbaza, stands as one of Antique’s successful cooperatives, strengthened through the interventions of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Over the years, EMPC has worked hand in hand with DAR, championing innovative and healthy food products.

Here, no vegetables go to waste. The richness of their harvest is transformed into value-added products turning squash and malunggay into nutritious noodles, and processing turmeric, batwan, and ginger into powders. This innovation allows EMPC to bring healthier food options to more towns, reinforcing their belief that caring for the community begins with caring for its people. Through this, EMPC continues to promote a healthier lifestyle in every home and on every table.

This success story sparked inspiration among members of the Montecarba Agrarian Reform Cooperative (MOARC) of Capiz during their benchmarking visit to EMPC. EMPC generously shared its processes and experiences, guided by the expertise of its manager, Zennia Nacionales. Through this exchange, knowledge was not only transferred but also cultivated with a shared vision. Eager to learn, each member carefully documented insights and best practices, preparing themselves for their own future operations.

For Liezl Labanza Gaborno, a MOARC member, the visit was more than just an educational opportunity - it was a realization of how environmental resources can be maximized not only for organizational growth, but also for the benefit of the wider community.

For the betterment and health of communities, EMPC continues to open its doors, proving that true success is not measured by achievement alone, but by the willingness to uplift others.

In the end, every shared lesson from the benchmarking plants a seed of hope - ready to grow, to nourish, and to transform MOARC.

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗗𝗦𝗣'𝘀 𝗖𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗥𝗣𝗦

On May 20, 2026, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) conducted its CY 2026 1st Semester Review and Planning Session (RPS), bringing together Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) personnel, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs), and DAR Municipal Office (DARMO) staff.

The activity aimed to assess accomplishments, address operational concerns, and align strategies for the succeeding semester.

PARPO I Mary June B. Andres, representing PARPO II Geralyn E. Cañas, emphasized the importance of collaboration, commitment, and coordination in ensuring the effective delivery of programs and services to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs).

A major highlight of the activity was the presentation of accomplishments per cluster, wherein MARPOs provided updates on programs, projects, activities, and the operational status and income of enterprises of assisted ARBOs. The session also served as an avenue to identify the problems encountered and share best practices and field experiences among clusters.

The consolidated provincial CY 2026 1st Semester Accomplishment Report, along with prevailing challenges, was likewise presented and discussed. Participants shared recommendations and proposed interventions to further enhance program implementation and support services for ARBs and ARBOs.

The review and planning session also served as a platform and mechanism for evaluating program performance, strengthening coordination among implementers, and harmonizing plans and strategies for the remaining period of CY 2026.

The activity concluded with a closing message from CARPO Lucy Lin N. Gomez, who expressed appreciation to all participants for their dedication, efforts, cooperation, and continued commitment in advancing the goals and objectives of the ARBDSP.

Article and Photos by Kristy Marie T. Eldo

𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗙𝗔𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗖, 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘇

“Life is about sharing. If we are good at something, pass it on.” – Mary Berry
As the saying goes, if we are experts at something, we must have best practices that should be shared and passed on.

In the fields of Antique, farmers carry the sweetness of muscovado sugar as part of their history and heritage. From its roots to its juice, every Antiqueño sugar farmer remains steadfast in preserving traditional practices, expertise, and knowledge in sugar production through the decades.

Consumers also acknowledge that no refined sugar can match the richness of muscovado, and the neighboring provinces understand this well.

And heritage, as ancestors believe, must be shared.

The spirit of sharing reached Capiz, the neighbor of Antique. Teresita Billonid, Montecarba Agrarian Reform Cooperative (MOARC) chairperson, shared that their major crop is sugarcane and noted that their province currently has no muscovado sugar manufacturers. Driven by hope, MOARC begins to write its own story of becoming the first producer of muscovado sugar in Capiz.

As the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project of the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Capiz opened doors for inspiration, learning, and connection, MOARC was determined not to miss the opportunity to gain practical insights into muscovado production and the proper implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Through eagerness, MOARC explores new opportunities, particularly learning from the sweetness of Antique. All the way from Capiz, MOARC travels to Patnongon, Antique, and learns new knowledge from the Aureliana Apgahan Agrarian Reform Community Farmers Association (AAARCFA), Inc., sharing what they know and learning what they still need in the sugar-making process.

From simple talks to a room filled with insightful discussions, MOARC members attentively listened to Carlos Marcelino, President of AAARCFA, who shared generations of knowledge in muscovado sugar production.

At the sugar mill, MOARC members carefully examined each tool, continuously learning and taking notes on how they could apply these insights to their own future operations. MOARC remarked: “Ready to take the leap!”

More than the process of muscovado production, this exchange of best practices among farmers across Western Visayas proves that unity is key to uplifting one another for the progress of Region VI and in championing muscovado sugar in the region.

Because in the end, the true sweetness lies not only in the sugar but in the hands that pass it on.

WORLD ATHLETICS DAY at DAR be like…

👨‍💼 Millennial DAR StratComm Team:
“Through athletics, we promote discipline, teamwork, and nation-building towards a healthier Bagong Pilipinas.” 🏃‍♂️🇵🇭

📱 Gen Z DAR StratComm Team:
“Cardio from chasing signatures, running after attachments, at sprint kapag may ‘urgent’ 😭💨”

Different generations.
Different caption styles.
Same deadline pressure 🌾🔥

Kayo, alin ang mas nakakarelate kayo? 👀
Millennial StratComm o Gen Z StratComm? 😂

𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗽𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗥𝗕!

Balikan natin ang makasaysayang tagumpay ng mag-amang Ronnie at Josh Gabriel Salcedo sa Palarong Pambansa 2025 na ginanap sa Ilocos Norte.

Nagsimula ang lahat sa simpleng pangarap. Noong Grade 4 pa lamang si Josh, sinimulan na siyang sanayin ng kanyang ama na si Ronnie. Si Ronnie ay isang magsasaka at Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) mula sa Valderrama, Antique. Isa rin siyang dating atleta na patuloy na nangangarap at nagsisilbing inspirasyon at gabay sa kanyang anak.

Dahil sa pandemya, pansamantalang nahinto ang kanilang pagsasanay noong Grade 6, ngunit hindi kailanman nawala ang kanilang determinasyon. Pagsapit ng Grade 9, muli nilang binuhay ang kanilang pangarap, mas matatag, mas determinado.

Hindi man marangya ang kanilang pinagmulan, naging sapat ang kanilang kapaligiran upang hubugin ang galing ni Josh.

Ang lupang ipinagkaloob sa kanilang pamilya sa ilalim ng DAR ang naging pundasyon ng kanilang tagumpay at tahanan ng kanilang mga pangarap. Ang pansakahan ni Ronnie, na karaniwang ginagamit sa pagtatanim at pag-aalaga ng hayop, ay kanyang ginawang training ground. Dito hinasa ang kakayahan ni Josh, habang sabay na inaalagaan ng kanyang ama ang kanilang mga hayop at binabantayan ang kanilang mga pananim.
Higit pa sa pagiging ama, si Ronnie ang naging unang coach, gabay, at inspirasyon ni Josh. Sa bawat pawis na tumutulo at bawat pagsubok na kanilang hinarap, nabuo ang isang kuwento ng tiyaga at sakripisyo.

Sa huli, ang kanilang pangarap ay nagbunga. Nakamit nila ang isang gintong medalya sa Palarong Pambansa noong 2025 at nakapagtala ng bagong rekord sa kasaysayan ng Palaro na 45.52 meters. Isang tagumpay na hindi lamang para sa kanilang mag-ama, kundi para rin sa lahat ng magsasaka na patuloy na nangangarap.

Si Josh Salcedo, anak ng isang Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB), ay patunay na ang tagumpay ay hindi nasusukat sa yaman, kundi sa sipag, dedikasyon, at pagmamahal sa pangarap. Ang mag-ama din ang patunay na ang tamang sipag at dedikasyon ay namumunga ng tagumpay.

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗽𝘂𝗽𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼!

For more updates, please visit the official pages of 𝐃𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 and 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 at:
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