Pregnant NPA member, 5 others surrender to Army in Samar and Leyte Island

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
May 18, 2024

CAMP JORGE DOWNES, Ormoc City – Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including one pregnant woman, yielded to government forces this past few days in Samar and Leyte Island.

On May 16, 2024, Samar-based soldiers from the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion (78IB) and 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion facilitated the surrender of Gretchen Gonzaga Patricio @Megan/Danaya, a resident of Brgy Taluci, Giporlos, Eastern Samar together with her party husband Arnel Ohaya Encinas @Kiven/Keneth, a resident of Brgy Antol, Calbiga, Samar. The couple are members of Squad 2, Apoy Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). They handed over two (2) M16 rifles and various war materiel.

The 5-month pregnant Gretchen Patricio told the troops that she could no longer endure the hardships, hunger, and fatigue due to their constant movement because of the combat operations of the soldiers. “We are grateful to the Philippine Army for treating us well and for providing a comfortable place to my pregnant wife,” a teary-eyed Encinas said.

Meanwhile, the Political Guide of the group, Daniel Ecija Belicario @Remy, 62 years old and her party wife, Iluminada Macasojot Belicario @Lyka, 50 years old, the Finance Officer, both residents of Brgy Osmeña, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar together with Jeboy Andor Mabag @Sky/Hitman, 18 years old, single, a resident of Brgy Tabay, Hinabangan, Samar have voluntarily surrendered to 78IB with three (3) M16 rifles, on May 17.

Earlier on May 15, Juanito Dumpi alias Rensan /Sarmento /Jerni, a member of Squad 1, Platoon 1, IC-LEVOX, EVRPC, and resident of Brgy Caridad, Baybay City, Leyte also turned himself into the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion in Leyte Island.

The series of surrenders have reunited two NPA party couples with their families through the efforts of their respective relatives and the local government units.

This success is attributed to the result of the complimentary peace and security operations, and of the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families or “FReE Families”, an LGU-led localized peace engagement program aimed to call upon the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and embrace peace through their families and loved ones.

Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander, 802nd Infantry Brigade, said that the surrenderees will undergo medical check-ups and will be enrolled under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. He also ensures that necessary assistance is given to the pregnant woman whose condition might be delicate as at the moment.

“I welcome their surrender and also commend the families who are closely working hand in hand with their respective local government units in convincing their NPA family members to abandon the armed struggle,” Vestuir said.

Vestuir once again encouraged the remaining NPA in Leyte and Samar Islands to lay down their arms and peacefully surrender while giving assurance of their safety to rebuild their family and live harmoniously with the mainstream society.

CARD Bank president recognized as 2024 Outstanding San Pableño

By MARY ROSE JAVIER
May 16, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Bank President and CEO Marivic M. Austria has been awarded the 2024 Natatanging San Pableño in the banking sector by the City of San Pablo, coinciding with the City's 84th Charter Anniversary on May 7, 2024.

Out of 17 individuals acknowledged for their exceptional contributions across various fields, Austria was distinguished for her steadfast commitment to banking and microfinance, bringing honor to the entire CARD MRI.

"This recognition exemplifies how individuals can make meaningful contributions to our communities in their unique ways. I am deeply grateful to the City of San Pablo for acknowledging our persistent efforts, and to CARD MRI, where my journey in banking began more than 25 years ago," said Austria.

Austria began her professional journey with CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) on January 1, 1994, initially joining as an Administrative Officer/Bookkeeper. After three years, she transitioned to CARD Bank, where she took on the role as a cashier.

“Serving as a cashier was no easy feat. However, this experience was instrumental in sharpening my attention to detail and communication skills. I am committed to constant self-improvement in banking to utilize this knowledge for effective management in the future," recalled Austria.

From 1997 onwards, Austria has remained dedicated to CARD Bank, demonstrating her commitment through years of service. Throughout her employment, she embraced various positions that have shaped her career, including Compliance Officer, Vice President for Audit, and Senior Vice President for Risk before she was appointed President and CEO. For Austria, this journey served as a means to explore new avenues and expand her professional horizons within the banking sector.

"Being the President and CEO of CARD Bank is quite a challenging task. But with the trust and support of the management, I was able to contribute to the institution's mission of eradicating poverty," she said.

CARD Bank is a microfinance-oriented rural bank committed to providing a wide range of loan and savings products and other services tailored to meet the needs of its clients. Recognized for its dedication to eradicating poverty in the Philippines, the bank received the Digital Champion-MFI Category award during the 2nd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards in December 2023. Additionally, CARD Bank has been awarded as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Hall of Fame for financial inclusion. Under Austria's leadership, the bank launched the first Islamic Branch in the Philippines, located in Cotabato City, to further enhance financial inclusivity in the country.

The leadership of Austria is instrumental in the further growth and development of the bank, which contributed significant effects on its clients and the community as a whole.

"I owe where I am today to the support of CARD. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Dr. Dolores M. Torres, and Dr. Lorenza dT. Banez, my first ever mentors, for believing in me and my potential since the beginning of my journey with CARD," she expressed. “I am also grateful to all the staff who have been my guiding light through difficult and challenging times; their support and commitment are immeasurable, and this award belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me,” she said. "I am committed to upholding the high standard of service we have established and to share all the knowledge I have gained in banking so that many others can also positively impact our communities," Austria concluded.

The San Pablo City 84th Charter Anniversary was held at Auravel Grande Hotel and Resort and was attended by local government officials, various socio-civic groups, and media representatives.

Save the Children Philippines and advocates clamor for urgent passage of teen pregnancy prevention bill

Press Release
May 15, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Save the Children Philippines, in collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and passionate adolescent advocates, has issued a compelling plea for the prompt enactment of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. This legislative initiative aims to empower adolescents to prioritize education and health over parenthood, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to combat adolescent pregnancy rates nationwide.

During a recent press briefing, stakeholders underscored the critical need for inclusive sexual health dialogues within communities and government institutions. The proposed bill garnered support from key organizations, including the Department of Education, Commission on the Welfare of Children, Commission on Population and Development, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development, Young Feminist Collective, Oxfam Pilipinas, and Global OFW Advance Movement.

Government reports highlight a troubling trend: an increase in pregnancies among girls aged 10-14. Between 2016 and 2020, there was an 11% rise in registered births to mothers in this age group, translating to an average of 5-7 births daily. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (2020), 59.5% of these births were fathered by adult men aged 20 and over, representing nearly 6 out of every 10 adolescent births. Alarmingly, about 1 in every 5 registered adolescent births lacks information about the father's age. This issue is particularly pronounced among the 10-14 age group, where over 40% of adolescent births lack father's age information, compared to just 17% in the 15-19 age group.

Amid these concerning statistics, various advocates have spoken out about the need for comprehensive education and open dialogue on sexual health. Sydney, a passionate adolescent advocate, emphasized that open conversations about sexual health within families and communities are not indecent but a fundamental right. Sydney stressed that sexual health encompasses broader rights beyond mere activity and should be discussed openly and respectfully.

In addition to Sydney’s advocacy, Julia Mari, representing the Young Feminists Collective, underscored the importance of honoring motherhood by empowering young people to make informed decisions about parenthood. According to Julia, the bill seeks to safeguard the future by equipping youth with the knowledge and resources necessary for their well-being and success.

Furthermore, Pastor Jo Biasong, a family planning advocate and evangelist, highlighted the need to establish safe and supportive spaces within religious congregations. Pastor Jo emphasized that child protection is integral to fostering open dialogue and enabling children to advocate for their rights within church communities.

From a governmental perspective, Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban of the Department of Education emphasized the critical link between adolescent pregnancy and overall well-being. Secretary Galban highlighted the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Department of Education (DepEd), beginning with age-appropriate information and progressing as learners mature. This initiative aims to prioritize youth and contribute to national development.

Echoing the need for innovative solutions, Undersecretary Angelo Tapales of the Council for the Welfare of Children stressed the necessity for new approaches to address these challenges. He emphasized the importance of trusting children to make decisions that are best for them.

In a call to action, Acting Division Chief Mylin Mirasol Quiray of the Commission on Population and Development urged Malacañang to re-issue Executive Order 141, making adolescent pregnancy a national priority beyond family concerns. Chief Quiray emphasized the significant impact of adolescent pregnancy on girls' lives and the national economy.

The legislative response to this issue has seen varying levels of progress. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill (HB 8910) received overwhelming support in the Lower House with 232 affirmative votes. However, its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 1979, faces uncertainty as it awaits consideration for the Second Reading.

Advocates stress the urgency of passing the bill. Aurora Quilala, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development, cited extensive consultations and alignment with ground realities, underscoring the critical need for legislative action.

With Congress soon adjourning and reconvening in July, advocates are urgently pressing for the bill's passage. They particularly urge the Senate to conduct the Second Reading promptly. Immediate action is crucial before the legislative session pauses for recess until after the State of the Nation Address in July and shifts attention to re-election campaigns in October. Advocates emphasize the critical importance of advancing this legislation swiftly to address the pressing issue of adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines.

Soldier sacrifices life in armed encounter, protects civilians against communist-terrorism

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 15, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A military personnel from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army was killed following an armed encounter with the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Gayondato, San Jorge, Samar on May 14, 2024.

Corporal Reycon Remedio who hails from Carigara, Leyte was fatally hit on the left side of his head during a 45-minute firefight. Another soldier was also injured.

The armed encounter ensued between troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) and remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Residents had reported the presence of CTG members in the hinterlands, prompting military action.

Responding to the information, the troops moved to drive away the armed group. However, as they approached the area, they were fired upon by the CTGs resulting in the encounter.

The 3IB troops were in the area to facilitate the delivery of basic services through the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP) to the community.

Lieutenant Colonel Fritz Montemor, the commanding officer of the 3IB, condemned the continued violence perpetrated by the CTGs in Samar.

"Our troops were deployed to the community to facilitate the delivery of basic services to improve socio-economic development in the area. The people want to live in peace, free from harassment and intimidation. Let us give peace a chance," said Lt. Col. Montemor.

Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 8ID, expressed his deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Cpl. Remedio.

"It is unfortunate that another life was lost in the pursuit of peace. He offered his young life protecting the residents of Gayondato to attain lasting peace in Eastern Visayas. This will not deter our resolve to continue our sworn duty to ensure the safety and security of our communities. There will be no let-up in our operations. I further call on the remaining rebels to lay down their arms, avail themselves of the government’s peace program, and reunite with their families to live a peaceful life," Maj. Gen. Ligayo stressed.

BotiCARD opens its 19th branch in San Pablo City

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
May 10, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – BotiCARD, Inc. opened its doors to serve the community of Barangay San Jose in San Pablo City, Laguna on May 8, 2024. This expansion aligns with the pharmacy’s goal of reaching more communities to provide access to quality health and wellness products and services.

“In line with CARD MRI’s mission to eradicate poverty, we firmly believe that breaking the poverty cycle includes improving the health and wellness of people by providing them with the quality products and services they need,” said BotiCARD President Rosenda Aquino.

While promoting generic medicine as the pharmacy’s primary mission, people living in the area now have easy access to affordable generic medicine, basic health supplies, hygiene products, and selected supplements. Some branded products are also available.

“With this branch opening, people can now purchase generic medicines with the same dose, quality, and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts,” Aquino explains.

Consequently, free medical consultation, dental extraction, blood pressure monitoring, and other freebies are also provided for those who attended the branch opening.

Aside from providing affordable medicines, each BotiCARD pharmacy strategically positioned a clinic to ensure accessible health and wellness services. Through these clinics, doctors and nurses from CARD MRI offer free medical services under the Microfinance and Health Protection Program (MaHP).

The newly launched BotiCARD branch is located at Purok 2, Barangay San Jose, San Pablo City, Laguna.

BotiCARD is a member institution of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of institutions sharing the same goal and objective of poverty eradication and improving the lives of Filipino families.

Today, BotiCARD Inc. has 19 pharmacies and serves more than 1.9 million clients nationwide.

Save the Children aids El Niño-impacted farming families in Samar

Press Release
May 9, 2024

QUEZON CITY - The worsening drought and dry conditions in Western Samar are significantly affecting the education and welfare of children in farming households. Save the Children Philippines is responding by offering conditional cash transfers and introducing climate-resilient livelihood options to aid approximately 200 farming families impacted by the El Niño phenomenon.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Report, more than 800,000 families in about 5,000 barangays across 14 regions are facing agricultural losses and water shortages. This crisis is impacting around 3.6 million Filipinos, including children, due to heatwaves, droughts, and dry conditions. The economic fallout from agricultural losses has reached P6 billion, with rice, the main crop, accounting for about P3 billion in damages.

Inadequate water for farming compromises soil health, making crops more susceptible to pests and diseases, which in turn drives up food consumption rates. Meanwhile, escalating prices of vital farming resources like electricity and packaging materials add to the challenges. Livestock face heightened risks of contagious diseases, potentially triggering outbreaks like African swine fever, possibly exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions.

The worries of farming families in Western Visayas are evident. Teresita Abides, a 46-year-old mother whose family depends heavily on rice farming, expressed her concerns: “Before, our two-hectare farm used to produce around 70 sacks of rice, but because of the impact of El Niño, we lost everything.” Teresita mentioned that her children had to halt their schooling to help their father cope with the difficulties on the farm caused by the drought. This circumstance has deprived the children of their educational and recreational opportunities.

In response to El Niño's impact on children and families, Save the Children Philippines partnered with the Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF) Inc. to distribute an initial conditional cash grant installment of P6,000 to 200 farming households in Western Samar.

The purpose of these grants is to assist families in establishing livelihoods that are resilient to climate change. Additionally, each household received five drought-resistant seeds for cultivation in their backyard gardens, ensuring a sustainable food supply capable of enduring dry seasons.

“Families reliant on farming are facing mounting challenges due to the scorching heat, affecting their ability to support their children's health, survival, and education,” stated Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines.

Apart from providing financial aid and seeds, the 200 farming families engaged in technical training sessions centered on animal husbandry, vegetable cultivation, and crop production. Ali emphasized, "We developed these sessions to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and improve livelihood opportunities for families."

Teresita Abides expressed optimism that the cash assistance would alleviate financial concerns and pave the way for a better livelihood, despite El Niño's challenges. “I appreciate the assistance because it helps us endure,” Abides shared. “We recently bought a pig, which we plan to raise and eventually sell.”

Through its Generation Hope Campaign, Save the Children Philippines actively advocates for climate adaptation measures to safeguard the well-being of children affected by climate crises.

Rex Abrigo, Environment and Climate Change Advisor at Save the Children Philippines emphasized that climate challenges disproportionately impact children, despite their minimal responsibility for causing climate change. Children endure the most severe consequences of these challenges. This disparity highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities, especially children, from the effects of climate change.

ROTC cadets undergoes Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection in Biliran

By 93rd Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
May 9, 2024

BILIRAN – About 300 cadets and cadettes from the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) unit of Biliran Province State University, undergoes Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) held at the Oval of Biliran Province State University (BIPSU) yesterday, 8 May 2024.

The 93rd Infantry Bantay Kapayapaan Battalion attended the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) represented by 2LT ERWIN T ROLOYAN (INF) PA together with Sgt Efren Tenedero (Inf) PA and Cpl Micheal Rivera as part of the RAATI team who will participate the scoring of the ROTC cadettes at Biliran Province State University (BIPSU). The program started with a courtesy call to the University president Dr. VICTOR C. CAÑEZO JR., CHRP, and together with Mr. BENEDICTO G. BATISTIS, MAIE, NSTP Director, they welcomed the RAATI team headed by LTC BENJY ROBERTO G FERRERAS MNSA PA (RES) COMMANDER, 804RRIB, chairman of RAATI TEAM together with MAJ ALTON V DURANO PA (RES) who led the turnover and acceptance of the unit color.

The inspection aims to test the units’ degree of administrative efficiency, training management, proficiency, and quality of training attained by the Corps of Cadets.

These includes Administrative Inspection, Ceremonial Parade, Rank Inspection, Operation Order writing, Map Reading, Assembly and Disassembly of M16 Rifle and Cal. 45 pistol, Company Drill, Method of Instructions, Small Unit Tactics and Disaster Response and Rescue Operations. This also intends to test the operational readiness of ROTC unit and allow the students to experience the real meaning of basic soldiery.

DAR-EV chief directs MARPOs to take the lead in SPLIT implementation

By MARVIN R. ORQUIOLA
May 8, 2024

MARABUT, Samar – “MARPOs should be at the forefront of the field validation process!”

This was the stern order of Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, Regional Director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas, to the municipal agrarian reform program officers (MARPOs) during the first quarter assessment of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project for the provinces of Western Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar held on April 17 to 19 this year in this town.

He explained that though field validation teams (FVTs) were hired to conduct the validation process, MARPOs should closely supervise them and take the lead.

Yu issued this order in reaction to the accomplishments of the above-mentioned provinces.

Though Northern Samar accomplished 116.55 percent or 2,588.65 hectares of its 2,221-hectare target in field validation for the first quarter, Western Samar was just able to accomplish 47.97 percent or 1,868.08 hectares of its 3,894-hectare first quarter target. Eastern Samar was also short by almost three percent as they were only able to meet 97.11 percent of its 3,499-hectare target by validating 3,397.98 hectares.

Since the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, Yu emphasized the significant role of the provincial and municipal implementers in achieving the regional target, particularly in field validation, which is crucial in the effective implementation of the SPLIT project since it is a pre-requisite in the generation of individual titles.

He reiterated the directive of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III to complete the validation of landholdings by the second quarter, except for Leyte, which has been given an extension until the end of the third quarter, considering the large volume of landholdings to be validated.

Meanwhile, in the registration of the electronically-generated individual titles (e-titles), Northern Samar accomplished 69.43 percent of its 517-hectare first quarter target with 212 e-titles registered involving 168 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Western Samar accomplished 30.49 percent of its 106-hectare target with 21 e-titles registered involving 16 ARBs, while Eastern Samar reported an 8.89 percent accomplishment against its 721-hectare target for the first quarter with 68 e-titles registered involving 62 ARBs.

SPLIT project, which is funded by the World Bank, subdivides landholdings covered by collective Certificates of Land Ownershp Award (CLOAs) issued under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for the eventual issuance of individual CLOA to improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of ARBs.

KARAPATAN denounces freezing of Leyte NGO’s bank accounts

Press Release
May 7, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Human rights alliance KARAPATAN decried the recent freezing of the bank accounts of a multi-awarded development non-government organization based in Leyte province.

In an order dated May 2, 2024, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) ordered the Tacloban branches of PSBank and Metropolitan Bank to freeze the accounts of the Leyte Center for Development Inc. (LCDe), as well as the personal bank accounts of its executive director and members of its staff.

LCDe is a 36-year old development NGO based in Palo, Leyte that has won numerous awards for assisting poor and marginalized communities in Eastern Visayas, especially in disaster preparedness and response. Its funds are sourced from private donors and at least seven countries, and it has partnered with 23 local government units in Samar and Leyte.

According to the AMLC, its freeze order stems from alleged findings that LCDe executive director Jazmin Jerusalem and her staff had been providing funds to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA). The AMLC also claimed that Jerusalem and the LCDe staff had earlier been designated as a "terrorist group/individual,” though no public information is available attesting to this designation.

"This is yet another example of the arbitrariness and anti-poor character of the Anti-Terrorism Council's (ATC) designation of persons or groups as 'terrorist' or 'terrorist financiers','' said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay. "This time, the ATC is focusing on LCDe which has long been providing much- needed assistance to the most impoverished rural communities of Samar and Leyte and had many times been acclaimed for it's work, even by the Department of National Defense," added Palabay.

“By freezing its accounts, the ATC has effectively sabotaged the LCDe 's projects in these communities and deprived them of the services that the LCDe has been providing,” she said.

"As in other cases of this nature," said Palabay, "the AMLC based its unjust designation and freeze orders on the perjured testimonies of a so-called rebel returnee who claimed to have founded the LCDe in 2002, when the LCDe has, in fact, been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 1988."

"This case also amply demonstrates the real dangers of red-tagging and how it swiftly leads to terror-tagging," said Palabay.

"Jerusalem has long been the subject of red-tagging and harassment by state forces in the course of her activism and development work. She was falsely accused of involvement in a 'communist' purge in Leyte in the 1980s even if she was still a college student in Cebu at the time of the alleged incident. In 2018, she was among some 600 respondents in the government's proscription case against the CPP-NPA, which was eventually dismissed by a Manila court. Now, she is accused of being a terrorist. Where will this end? In her unjust arrest and detention, forcible disappearance or extrajudicial killing?” she stated.

"Karapatan demands an end to terror-tagging. Government bodies like the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), ATC and AMLC whose reason for being is to surveil, profile, red- and terror-tag human rights defenders, development workers and political activists must be abolished, and the fascist and anti-people policies that engendered them, revoked," concluded Palabay.

DAR employees endure heat, hike 5-km to validate ARBs

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
May 5, 2024

HILONGOS, Leyte – While many people now just want to stay in a cool environment, personnel from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) endured the heat in reaching this town’s farthest village to validate agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) covered by the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project.

Heeding to the order of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III to complete the validation of ARBs by the third quarter of this year, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Ruben Rebato, together with his field validation team (FVT), proceeded to Barangay San Antonio, which is some 30 kilometers away from the town proper on Wednesday, April 3.

Rebato reported that they had validated more than 50 ARBs listed in three collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) covering an aggregate area of 132.6 hectares of farmlands located in the said village.

He shared that they had to hike more than five kilometers uphill for about two hours to reach this village situated on top of a mountain.

In the validation process, ARBs are being checked whether they are still the ones in possession of the lots awarded under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). If found out that the actual tiller is no longer the registered ARB, an investigation report will be prepared by the FVT and file a petition for the disqualification of the registered ARB and reallocation for the actual tiller or qualified ARB to receive the individual CLOA.

SPLIT project subdivides lots covered by collective CLOAs and replaces with electronically-generated individual land titles to improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of the ARBs.

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, Rebato reactivated by reorganizing the Barangay Agrarian Reform Council (BARC) of Barangay San Antonio considering the important role the latter plays in the implementation of the World Bank-funded SPLIT project.