Proposed DA-DAR merger seen aiding ARB integration into DA dev’t efforts

A PROPOSAL to merge the departments of Agriculture (DA) and Agrarian Reform (DAR) will serve to better integrate agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into DA programs, analysts said, though the sugar industry expressed its opposition to the idea.

- By Andre Christopher H. Alampay

“T agree that there is no need for two different agencies in charge of agricultural development. I would suggest that the DA include as part of its functions the provision of agri-support services for agrarian beneficiaries, including farmers,” according to Roehlano M. Briones, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, speaking to BusinessWorld by phone.

Fisherfolk advocate Norberto O. Chingcuanco added that a merger would increase inclusivity for fishing communities.

“Merge agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) with the DA's list of farmers and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource’s (BFAR) list of fisherfolk to better manage support. DAR can continue with land distribution matters while the DA handles livelihood by overseeing domestic production,” Mr. Chingcuanco told BusinessWorld via Messenger chat.

Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan floated the merger idea again at a budget hearing this week, after having initially made such proposals in 2020 and in 2022.

The main opposition is emerging from the sugar industry, which needs large tracts of land to ensure scale in sugar production.