Manila: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is stepping up efforts to engage Filipino youth nationwide to take an active role in land reform advocacy and support agricultural development. In a news release on Monday, DAR said it has conducted interactive forums in universities and schools from Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Cordillera Administrative Region in a series of Stakeholders' Engagement with the Youth events.
According to Philippines News Agency, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III stated that the initiative aims to promote the Support to the Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT) while inspiring the youth to pursue careers in agriculture. He emphasized the potential of young people to advance modern technology in agriculture, assuring them of DAR's support and guidance.
In Cagayan province, DAR Region 2 collaborated with Cagayan State University-Carig Campus, incorporating agrarian reform discussions into Development Communication and Mass Communication courses. A notable feature of the event was the launch of "PelikulAgraryo 2025", a short film competition encouraging students to highlight the stories and struggles of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, forums took place in five major universities, including Western Mindanao State University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University. These sessions informed students about Project SPLIT's role in promoting land ownership among farmers, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and driving economic progress.
Meanwhile, in Abra, over 200 students from the University of Abra and Northern Abra National High School participated in programs focusing on the DAR Scholarship Program for ARB Dependents (DSP-DARBs), which provides financial support for students pursuing agriculture-related courses. DAR has been encouraging students to pursue a four-year degree in agriculture or any related field to cultivate a new generation of farmers equipped with modern technology and tools.
