SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, June 2 – During this chaotic time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) finds the means to extend assistance to the affected Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).
The inception of this program dubbed "PaSSOver: ARBold move for the Deliverance of our farmers from COVID 19 Pandemic" is the agency's response to Republic Act 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” which intends to provide immediate and essential support to the farmer-beneficiaries, mitigate the impact brought about by the ongoing community quarantine and address the demands affecting the agricultural sector upon the start of the "new normal."
A total of 992 qualified ARBs all over the province has received the supplemental food and non-food packs led personally by PARPO II Jamil P. Amatonding Jr. and other members of the Management Committee.
PARPO Amatonding said that although the packs cannot be compared to those relief goods given by the LGUs and other agencies, however, it is enough to withstand hunger for the next three days or more.
He further emphasized that DAR, through the directive of Secretary John R. Castriciones has always value the importance of the farmers as the front liners in terms of food security to ensure that there is a constant supply of food in the table in time of a global crisis.
"Being religious is not enough to show compassion, but by taking the opportunity for kindness and making a difference to people's lives no matter how big or small,” he added.
Arturo Libahan, 70, one of the lucky beneficiaries was beyond grateful upon handing the food packs with rice, noodles, canned goods, bath soaps, washable masks, and vitamin C.
“Daghang salamat sa DAR sa padayon nga pag amuma kanamo nga mga mag-uuma. Salamat niining ayuda mga among nadawat. Dakong tabang kanamo sa panahon karon sa krisis (Thank you so much DAR for the care you showed to us, farmers. Thank you for these goods that we have received. A big help for us in this time of crisis),” Libahan said.
The ARBold Move Project has four main components: (1) Support to ARBOs as Front liners in the Food Supply Chain; (2) Farm Productivity Assistance to ARBs; (3) Livelihood Support for Women in Crisis Situation and (4) Package of Supplemental Food and Non-Food Items. (Rechel D. Besonia, DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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