THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday said the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) has approved a P19-billion funding to support the agency’s several crucial projects in the countryside designed to spur rural development.
The funding approval was a key highlight of the 40th PARC meeting, presided over by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, PARC vice chairperson Kazel Celeste last Oct. 25.
“These projects reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing the livelihoods of rural households, paving the way for a more sustainable and productive agrarian sector,” Estrella said.
One of the projects to be implemented under the approved fund is the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka which aims to construct modular steel bridges to enhance mobility, boost productivity, and increase the income of over 350,000 households.
A portion of the approved funds would also be directed toward developing farm-to-market roads and procurement of farm machinery and equipment, the DAR chief said.
The investments are critical for improving access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, especially in remote areas where such services have traditionally been hard to reach, he added.
During the meeting, funding for land compensation cases was also tackled to ensure timely settlements for landowners to prevent high interest rates due to delayed payments.
The council underscored the importance of a scholarship program for the children of agrarian reform beneficiaries to align with President Marcos’ vision outlined in his State of the Nation Address.
