10/09/2025
MOISES PADILLA ARBO RECEIVES MAJOR CROP-BASED BLOCK FARM PROJECT
09/10/2025
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Occidental 2 conducts turnover ceremony of Major Crop-Based Block Farm Project. The recipient of the said project is the Bungahin Irrigators Association (BIA) Incorporated of Barangay Odiong, Moises Padilla town represented by their Chairman Marianito Perolino, Jr.
The turnover is attended by DAR Negros Occidental 2 officials, headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I Edna M. Villaruel, together with Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Rizalina V. Yuguing, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Danlee Mangao and Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Catherine T. Lana from DAR Regional Office - NIR. Also present during the activity are, 2nd Lt. Jefferson Dandoy of the 94th Infantry Battalion, and Janet Pecaoco from the Municipal Agriculture Office - Moises Padilla.
The project includes the provision of vital farm machinery and facilities such as a rice reaper, a walk-behind transplanter, and a water pump irrigation system. These Common Service Facilities (CSFs) are expected to strengthen the operations of small farmer organizations by reducing production costs, increasing efficiency, and introducing appropriate technology to rice block farming enterprises.
The project specifically aims to assist two farmer organizations with a minimum farm area of 50 hectares owned by Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). Its objectives include increasing farm productivity and rice production yield by 20 percent, improving soil organic matter, and decreasing the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, it is envisioned to increase farm income per hectare, reduce farming expenses through the adoption of organic practices, and improve labor efficiency through the commercial use of CSFs.
Another important component of the project is capacity building. Farmer organizations will be trained on applicable technologies and skills to enhance rice block farming production. The initiative also seeks to empower rural women by providing opportunities to generate additional income through vegetable farming and bio-organic production.
Through this turnover, DAR Negros Occidental 2 reaffirms its commitment to supporting agrarian reform beneficiaries in achieving sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods. The project demonstrates the agency’s continuing effort to uplift farmers’ welfare, promote modern and climate-resilient farming practices, and strengthen the role of ARB organizations in local agricultural development.