• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) across the Negros Island Region (NIR) are expected to gain improved market access and stronger economic opportunities through ongoing infrastructure projects being implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Island Region presented critical infrastructure updates during the Regional Development Council – Economic Development Committee (RDC-EDC) 2nd quarter meeting held on Tuesday in Bacolod City, which was presided by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, chairperson of the RDC-NIR Economic Development Committee.
During the meeting, DAR-NIR highlighted its efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods through enhanced support services and infrastructure development.
Among the key agenda items endorsed to the RDC-NIR were the implementation of Republic Act 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, the 2025 Regional Development Report presented by the regional offices of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology, as well as updates on the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBM) Bridge Projects.
Mark Anthony Caraig, officer-in-charge DAR-NIR Program Beneficiaries Development Division, presented the status of the PBBM Bridges Project, a flagship program designed to improve connectivity in agrarian reform communities.
Caraig said the bridge projects serve as critical economic lifelines for farmers, enabling ARBs to transport sugarcane, rice, and other agricultural products safely and efficiently to local markets and milling centers. The improved infrastructure is expected to reduce transportation challenges, particularly during adverse weather conditions, while lowering logistical costs for farmers.
He emphasized that DAR-NIR will continue to work closely with the Regional Development Council to ensure that land distribution efforts are complemented by support services and infrastructure investments that directly benefit agrarian reform beneficiaries.*
