LUNA, Apayao — Highlighting the transformative power of unity and agricultural development, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III pledged to accelerate land distribution and bolster the cacao and coffee industries in the Cordillera region during the 31st founding anniversary of Apayao province.
Speaking during the celebration, Estrella lauded the province’s rapid modernization, noting the shift from the “shrublands and forests” of his youth to the “beautiful structures” and progress visible in Apayao today. He attributed this growth to the spirit of unity, emphasizing that cooperation within the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is key to surpassing development goals.
“Instead of pulling each other down, we are pushing each other up,” Estrella said in Filipino. “I hope this happens across our entire country”.
Estrella added a central piece of this development strategy is the Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) project, and joint initiative between the Philippine government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) designed to strengthen inclusive value chains in vulnerable upland areas.
In Apayao and in the Cordillera region, the project specifically targets the development of the cacao and coffee sectors.
By promoting climate-resilient farming and sustainable resource use, VISTA aims to increase food security and protect natural ecosystems while alleviating poverty among smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
Estrella underscored that supporting farmers is an economic necessity, as they represent the largest consumer group in the country.
“If our farmers have income, they have the power to buy their needs. When they buy, manufacturers earn, and when manufacturers earn, their employees receive salaries,” Estrella explained.
“We must help the farmer because they feed us and they are the biggest consumer group in the whole country,” added Estrella.
Estrella also expressed optimism that DAR is targeting to distribute all remaining land titles by 2027, a year ahead set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to Estrella, approximately 750,000 hectares remain to be distributed nationwide with the department aiming to process 500,000 hectares this year, followed by the final 250,000 hectares next year.
He noted that while distribution is nearly complete in Luzon with some areas still pending in the Bicol region, the remaining bulk of the land is located in the Visayas and Mindanao. Roderick Osis
DAR Chief vows boosting of Apayao coffee and cacao industries, pushes for 2027 land distribution finish
