DAR to tap experts on Boracay agrarian reform

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will seek the help of experts to ensure that the plan to dump topsoil on more than 800 hectares of agricultural land in Boracay – set to be covered by agrarian reform – will be a safe method to make the land productive.

DAR Undersecretary for policy, planning and research David Erro said the DAR will ask concerned agencies if it is possible for them to conduct a study that will support the plan to deposit soil following demolition of commercial and residential structures in the area.

“Under an executive order that the department recently crafted, we are authorized to mobilize government agencies to help us in the process of implementing land reform program in the island,” he added.

DAR agricultural engineers earlier recommended the dumping of topsoil, about a foot to three feet deep, to make sure that crops will grow.

President Duterte earlier promised to distribute Boracay lands to farmers after declaring the 1,032-hectare resort island an agrarian reform area.

Erro said a team from the DAR identified more than 800 hectares in Boracay that could be covered by the government’s agrarian reform program. About 25 hectares could be immediately subjected to land reform and will be distributed to 80 Ati families on the island.

The EO to be signed by the President will also authorize the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to transfer management of the agricultural areas to DAR.

“This will take effect 15 days after the President signs the EO. Once the President signs this, we can immediately begin work in the island,” Erro said.

He added that it will take time before the land could be covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program since the demolition of structures would have to be completed first before topsoil could be dumped on land.

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