DAR Region VIII, Eastern Visayas

TRIBUTE. On Friday, May 29 this year, members of the executive committee (EXECOM) at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas, headed by the regional director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, paid tribute to three pillars before they bowed out from government service two days later.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officers (PARPOs) Alfonso Catorce, Ma. Elsa Veloso and Segundino Pagliawan finally bade “stress,” which every employee, without exception, encounters in the workplace, goodbye. All three of them started as Agrarian Reform Technologists (ART) and retired as PARPOs.

Catorce, 64, spent 37 years serving in government. He joined DAR on April 1, 1989. He rose from the ranks. From ART, he was promoted to Senior Agrarian Reform Program Officer (SARPO) before becoming Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO). He also served as Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) for the Beneficiaries Development Coordinating Division (BDCD). In 2022, Catorce was appointed PARPO II by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and had the opportunity to serve the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar on separate occasions.

Meanwhile, Veloso, 64, started her 43-year career in DAR on May 23, 1983. From ART, she became SARPO for almost 30 years. She was promoted to Supervising Agrarian Reform Program Officer (SuARPO) during the rationalization. Last year, Veloso was appointed Regional Chief Administrative Officer (RCAO). Early this year, she was named PARPO I for the province of Leyte, though in an officer-in-charge capacity.

On the other hand, from ART, Pagliawan was promoted to Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (ARPO I) then to ARPO II, before becoming MARO. In 2022 he was appointed PARPO I by President Marcos, and was designated PARPO II for Samar in 2024, which he held until his retirement. Pagliawan opted to end his 35-year career in government earlier at the age of 60.

According to DAR Assistant Secretary for Finance Management and Administration Office (FMAO), Atty. Quintin Magsico Jr., who graced the said occasion, “Retirement is hard because it is saying goodbye. But the best way to say goodbye is to say thank you.” “Thank you for all of your substantial time. The best time of your life giving it to DAR,” Magsico said as he addressed the three retirees.

𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗔 𝟭𝟮𝟮𝟯𝟭

Yesterday, the Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office (DARRO) VIII conducted an orientation on the Preparation of the Optimization Plan in compliance with Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12231, otherwise known as the Government Optimization Act.

The activity gathered officials and personnel from different DAR offices in Eastern Visayas to widen the understanding of the law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) thereby aligning DARRO VIII’s organizational plans with the government’s optimization initiatives.

During the morning session, Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Ronelo Jose K. Zamora discussed key provisions of the IRR of R.A. No. 12231, with particular emphasis on Rule IX – Personnel Options and Policies, including Sections 31 and 32. The discussion provided guidance on personnel-related policies and the transition measures necessary under the optimization framework.

In the afternoon, all provincial offices presented their proposed Optimization Plan . The activity served as a venue for collaboration, exchange of insights, and strengthening institutional strategies toward a more efficient and responsive public service.

DAR VIII continues to reaffirm its commitment to organizational excellence and effective governance through initiatives that promote accountability, efficiency, and improved service delivery for agrarian reform beneficiaries and stakeholders.

𝘼𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚, 𝙍𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙩𝙨𝙤!

𝘝𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘺𝘴𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘋𝘈𝘙-𝘝𝘐𝘐𝘐 ||
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘴

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘𝗢𝗗𝗕 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Anchored on the theme, “Achieving Results through Transparency and Accountability Towards a More Productive Bagong Pilipinas,” the Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office VIII joins the celebration of the 2026 Ease of Doing Business Month.

Captured during today’s flag raising ceremony, this moment reflects our continued commitment to honest public service, faster and better delivery of programs, and meaningful support for our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and the communities we serve.

Together, we move forward with integrity, accountability, and service that truly reaches the people.

𝘼𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚, 𝙍𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙩𝙨𝙤!

𝘝𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘺𝘴𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘋𝘈𝘙-𝘝𝘐𝘐𝘐 ||

INFORMATION DRIVE. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office VIII, headed by Atty. Robert Anthony YU, Regional Director, warmly welcomed guests from the Human Settlement Adjudication Commission, headed by Atty. Juan Manuel Cadano, chief of the Legal Division, who conducted information drive during Monday’s flag program. Will there be another collaboration for the benefit of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and/or agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in the near future?

𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗧 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 || 𝗗𝗔𝗥, 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥, 𝗟𝗕𝗣, 𝗟𝗥𝗔 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗘. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀, 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Atty. Rexie Maristela of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office commended DAR’s partnership with other government agencies in Eastern Visayas as manifested in its impressive accomplishment on Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

Maristela, Director of the Bureau of Land Acquisition and Distribution (BLAD) and the Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement (BLTI), commented, “This accomplishment reflects the strong coordination and cooperation among our partner agencies,” following DAR Eastern Visayas’ presentation of the 2025 land acquisition and distribution (LAD) milestones on the third day of the DAR Assessment and Strategic Planning Workshop with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), for Regions VII and VIII, held here on May 18 to 21 this year.

She congratulated the delegation from Region-VIII, highlighting the importance of DAR’s relationship with other agencies which resulted to a cumulative accomplishment of 200,406.15 hectares on field validation; 141,476.81 hectares on redocumentation; 61,668.99 hectares on E-title registration; and 60,498.38 hectares on E-title distribution under the SPLIT Project as of March 31 this year.

Undersecretary for Field Operations Office (FOO), Atty. Kazel Celeste, delivered her message online, saying, “This workshop will synchronize our visions and plans,” highlighting the importance of unity and proactive action among partner agencies. “Let us be more candid and proactive so that no farmer is left waiting for their (land) title,” she added.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for FOO and National Project Director of SPLIT Project, Atty. Marjorie Ayson, emphasized to the participants, “We need to address concerns through clear, practical and coordinated solutions to ensure the smooth and efficient implementation of the program.”

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty, Robert Anthony Yu, presented the problems, issues, needs and concerns (PINCs) that were encountered in the implementation of the SPLIT Project in the region. But he emphasized that all PINCs were addressed accordingly.

From the DENR Regional Office-8, Engr. Ma. Dioleta Vilas, chief of the Surveys and Mapping Division, expressed their agency’s full support for the SPLIT Project, especially in speeding up verification and documentation processes.

The four-day event was hosted by DAR Region-XII under the leadership of Regional Director Mariannie Lauban-Baunto.

World Bank-funded SPLIT Project subdivides landholdings covered by collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) issued under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and generates individual land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to improve tenurial status and strengthen ownership over their awarded lots. SPLIT Project will end in 2027.

Photos by Kathleen S. Pagayon

𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵-𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹

The Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office VIII (DAR RO VIII) formally conducted an oath-taking ceremony for newly promoted and newly appointed personnel from the Regional Office and the DAR Provincial Office (DARPO) of Northern Samar, marking another milestone in strengthening the agency’s workforce and commitment to public service.

Taking their oath were the following personnel from DARPO Northern Samar:

•Roxan Golondrina – Administrative Officer IV / HRMO II
•Vincent R. Arteche – Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PBD)
•Henrich Benedick D. Lobos – Senior Agrarian Reform Program Technologist
•Micah Fe S. Olaguer – Agrarian Reform Program Technologist
•Graciela R. Sales – Agrarian Reform Program Technologist

From DAR Regional Office VIII, Amor Grace D. Colasito also took her oath as Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (LTI).

The ceremony celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and commitment of the newly promoted and newly appointed employees who continue to serve agrarian reform beneficiaries and farming communities across Eastern Visayas.

Delivering his inspirational message, Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Atty. Bryan Lassiter congratulated the oath-takers, recognizing the hard work they consistently put in every day. He emphasized that their promotion is well-deserved and a testament to their dedication to their duties.

Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Ronelo Jose K. Zamora reminded the group that they were chosen because of their capabilities and potential. He encouraged them to face any situation or challenge with professionalism, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Meanwhile, Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony P. Yu, highlighted the deeper responsibility that comes with their new roles. He stressed that their appointment is not only about work but also about public trust. Additionally, he underscored the importance of meeting standards, maintaining the right work attitude, and remaining dependable in delivering services to the public. He concluded by congratulating the newly sworn personnel, affirming that they were chosen because they are among the best to help move the agency forward.

The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment from the personnel to uphold the office’s mission and continue serving with integrity, dedication, and excellence.

𝘼𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚, 𝙍𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙩𝙨𝙤!

𝘝𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘺𝘴𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘋𝘈𝘙-𝘝𝘐𝘐𝘐 ||
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢

Happy birthday ASEC Marjorie P. Ayson!

𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗨𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘-𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗧

The Pre-Assessment Activities for the DAR–Land Registration Authority (LRA) Assessment on the Generation and Issuance of E-Titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project for CY 2026 successfully concluded.

The activity served as a significant avenue to check progress, share field experiences, and fine-tune strategies for the year ahead. Updates focused on the redocumentation of CCLOAs, e-title registration, reissuance and generation of Owners’ Duplicate Copies (ODCs), ongoing survey activities, and the validation of unclassified Agrarian Reform Receivables (ARRs), including the processing of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM).

Representatives from the DAR Provincial Offices of Leyte,Southern Leyte,Biliran, Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Eastern Samar joined the discussions, contributing insights and practical solutions drawn from their day-to-day work with agrarian reform beneficiaries.

The event concluded with a synthesis of agreements led by Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Atty. Bryan Lassiter; SPLIT Area Assistant Project Manager Renato G. Badilla; DENR/LRA Survey Coordinator Engr. Imee Sabillo; and Engr. Michael Lanzarrote, setting clear directions and shared commitments to accelerate the delivery of individual land titles in the region.

Together, we move forward with one goal, bringing secure land ownership closer to every agrarian reform beneficiary.

𝘼𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚, 𝙍𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙩𝙨𝙤!

𝘝𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘺𝘴𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘋𝘈𝘙-𝘝𝘐𝘐𝘐 ||
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘴

BID OPENING ON MAY 18, 2026 at 9:00 A.M.

To our interested suppliers drop your bids 📩📨

⏰ on or before 8:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2026
📍RPBDD Conference Room, DAR Regional Office VIII, Tacloban City

You may drop your bids any day before set date. Bid opening shall immediately follow at 9:00 AM at the RPBDD Conference Room, DAR Regional Office VIII, Tacloban City

You may also e-mail: [email protected], for any concerns or questions.