# Senate Committee on Finance: DAR - September 17, 2026 — Source-Linked Digest

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU4s6vf0M7s

AI-assisted working draft. AI can make errors. Always verify consequential interpretations and wording against the cited transcript and official video.

## At a glance

- **Budget proposal and committee disposition:** Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III presented the department's FY 2027 proposal. Subcommittee Chair Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan asked how funding would translate into resilient, productive farms; Senate Majority Leader Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri expressed support, while Senate Committee on Finance Chair Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito noted that the committee would prioritize programs within limited fiscal space. Estrella also asked the committee to consider transferring slow-moving or non-performing funds to DAR, without specifying an amount; no disposition is recorded in his presentation. Ejercito moved to advance the budget, and Pangilinan seconded subject to DAR submitting requested information and documents.

- **Debt condonation and land distribution:** Estrella said DAR met the Agrarian Emancipation Act deadline to complete debt condonation, with remaining certificate distribution in the Bangsamoro area after processing and validation. He reported progress in land-title distribution and described remaining work on tenure security, digitized records and beneficiary services.

- **SPLIT titles and field delivery:** Pangilinan asked about the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project's extended schedule and counterpart funding. DAR Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Jesry T. Palmares said the project was in progress and on schedule, that DAR had requested no additional budget or loan, and that completion and catch-up plans extended into the following years. Estrella attributed delays in distributing processed electronic titles to successive typhoons, field access and the focus on meeting the certificate deadline; he said distributions would resume.

- **Farm support, roads and market access:** Estrella described irrigation projects funded through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), as well as farm-to-market roads. Senators also discussed direct public purchasing under the Sagip Saka Law, farmer access to markets and the need to measure whether assistance raises farm incomes. Zubiri described reduced transport costs in Bukidnon after roads made truck access possible. Estrella described DAR's market-linkage and Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty initiatives; Pangilinan requested success stories and income data. He also described equipment, training and credit assistance, while senators stressed cooperative capacity and extension services.

- **Agrarian justice and land-service policy:** Pangilinan asked how Department of Justice Opinion No. 16 affected farmers' access to DAR services. DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Napoleon U. Galit explained the department's interpretation concerning private agricultural land coverage and said consultations would continue before the Secretary decided whether to issue an administrative order. The exchange distinguished the affected private-land coverage from DAR's continuing acquisition of government-owned public land.

- **Bridge financing and project locations:** Ejercito asked about an agrarian-reform bridge program involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local governments. Palmares described loan and government-counterpart financing and said the proposed sites had been narrowed through National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) review. He promised a location list but requested discretion because of attempted negotiations in project areas; Estrella said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had been alerted.

- **Farmer organization and food supply:** Pangilinan argued that clustering and stronger extension support can help small farms produce at scale, and asked DAR to provide data on Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). Palmares described the IPARC research and Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) initiative. Members also discussed public food purchasing through the Sagip Saka Law; Estrella identified the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Philippine Army and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as direct purchasers from agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Reading note: Statements, reported results, forecasts and legal interpretations are attributed to the speakers. The overview distinguishes project financing and implementation outcomes from the annual proposed appropriation, and keeps support, requests and referrals distinct from adopted funding or completed follow-up. The original DAR submission total to the Department of Budget and Management was not stated in the hearing.

## Agency budget summary

### Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), FY 2027 budget proposal

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III presented an approximately PHP 16.935 billion National Expenditure Program (NEP) allocation for FY 2027 and attributed the increase to anticipated overseas development assistance. The hearing did not state a separate total for DAR's original submission to the Department of Budget and Management.

[01:01:51 · asr-001012](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001012) · [01:02:13 · asr-001015](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001015)

## Department of Agrarian Reform budget

### FY 2027 DAR proposal and climate-resilient farm support

In his opening remarks on the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) fiscal year 2027 proposal, Subcommittee Chair Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan said its PHP 14.69 billion proposed new appropriation was 13% below the FY 2026 General Appropriations Act budget. He said PHP 5.9 billion was allocated for agrarian reform beneficiary development and sustainability, including PHP 949 million for climate-resilient farm productivity support. He supported the direction but asked whether the funding would deliver practical support and more resilient, productive and profitable farms for agrarian reform beneficiaries.

[00:16:02 · asr-000088](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000088) · [00:16:11 · asr-000089](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000089) · [00:16:18 · asr-000090](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000090) · [00:16:37 · asr-000094](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000094)

### Support for DAR funding amid limited fiscal space

Majority Leader Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri praised the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) secretary and staff for helping farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries, particularly in Bukidnon. He said he supported DAR's budget and hoped it could receive more funding. Committee on Finance Chair Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito responded that agencies commonly request increases, but fiscal space was limited; the committee would assess which programs most needed priority. Their remarks expressed support and a promise to assess priorities, without a specified augmentation amount or a recorded vote on DAR funding.

[00:24:56 · asr-000214](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000214) · [00:25:50 · asr-000239](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000239) · [00:25:56 · asr-000255](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000255)

### NEP allocation by expense class

Within the FY 2027 NEP, approximately PHP 7.066 billion (41.72%) was for personal services, PHP 8.621 billion (50.90%) for maintenance and other operating expenses, and PHP 1.249 billion (7.37%) for capital outlays. Estrella described maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) as supporting program implementation and daily delivery, personal services as staffing from the central through regional and provincial offices, and capital outlays as operational investments.

[01:02:31 · asr-001017](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001017) · [01:02:42 · asr-001018](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001018) · [01:02:51 · asr-001019](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001019)

### GAA appropriations, FY 2023-2026

Estrella's historical General Appropriations Act (GAA) series was PHP 9.861 billion in FY 2023, PHP 8.081 billion in FY 2024, PHP 10.442 billion in FY 2025, and PHP 16.849 billion in FY 2026. He linked the FY 2026 increase to the scale and urgency of implementation of the Agrarian Emancipation Act, land-tenure security, agrarian justice, and support services. This is the GAA appropriation series, separate from the FY 2027 NEP allocation.

[00:39:19 · asr-000520](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000520) · [00:39:24 · asr-000522](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000522) · [00:39:28 · asr-000524](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000524) · [00:39:38 · asr-000529](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000529)

### Allotments and budget utilization

The separate utilization presentation reported a FY 2023 budget of PHP 17.049 billion, with a 74% obligation rate and 82% disbursement rate; a FY 2024 allotment of PHP 17.385 billion, with 88.67% obligated and 73.74% disbursed; and a FY 2025 allotment of PHP 20.555 billion, with 91.49% obligated and 74.65% disbursed. As of June 2026, the stated total allotment was PHP 18.379 billion, with 47% obligated and 70% disbursed at mid-year. Estrella projected utilization could exceed 93% by year-end, and cited a September 7, 2026 Department of Budget and Management (DBM) letter commending DAR for surpassing targets and achieving high utilization. These figures are described as budget/allotment and utilization, and are not reconciled in the presentation to the preceding GAA appropriation series.

[00:59:02 · asr-000973](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000973) · [00:59:08 · asr-000976](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000976) · [00:59:12 · asr-000978](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000978) · [00:59:18 · asr-000981](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000981) · [00:59:24 · asr-000984](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000984) · [00:59:28 · asr-000986](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000986) · [00:59:34 · asr-000989](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000989) · [00:59:41 · asr-000992](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000992) · [00:59:47 · asr-000995](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000995) · [01:00:00 · asr-000999](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000999) · [01:00:13 · asr-001000](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001000) · [01:00:21 · asr-001001](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001001) · [00:59:04 · asr-000974](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000974) · [00:59:36 · asr-000990](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000990)

### Debt condonation and land-tenure delivery

Estrella described Republic Act No. 11953, the Agrarian Emancipation Act, as requiring the completion of qualified beneficiaries' debt condonation. DAR reported that it met the statutory June 30, 2026 deadline; distribution of certificates of condonation and release of mortgage remained for the Bangsamoro area after processing and validation, with distribution held until after the election. For FY 2025, he reported 252,953 certificates and approximately PHP 35.69 billion in debt condoned. By August 12, 2026, DAR said it had distributed 703,047 certificates covering 901,246 hectares, with approximately PHP 54.70 billion condoned; the law's identified scope was 620,255 beneficiaries, 1,184,633 hectares, and approximately PHP 57.76 billion in agrarian debt. 

[00:37:57 · asr-000491](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000491) · [00:38:09 · asr-000494](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000494) · [00:42:49 · asr-000623](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000623) · [00:42:53 · asr-000625](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000625) · [00:42:59 · asr-000630](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000630) · [00:43:02 · asr-000631](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000631) · [00:43:08 · asr-000634](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000634) · [00:43:13 · asr-000637](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000637) · [00:43:19 · asr-000640](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000640)

### CARP-funded irrigation projects

DAR said it monitors irrigation projects funded through its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program funds and implemented by the National Irrigation Administration. From July 2022 to July 2026, it facilitated 285 projects: 233 completed and 52 ongoing, at an approximate project cost of PHP 5.02 billion, covering 34,711.74 hectares and benefiting 40,775 farmers. Estrella said most facilities were solar-powered.

[00:47:53 · asr-000702](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000702) · [00:48:07 · asr-000703](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000703)

### Request to consider additional project funding

Estrella asked the committee to consider assigning DAR slow-moving or non-performing portions of other government expenditures, arguing that spending should support quality projects. He gave no amount or named funding source in this presentation, and no committee response or disposition is recorded in this unit.

[00:51:08 · asr-000748](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000748) · [00:51:12 · asr-000750](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000750) · [00:51:31 · asr-000759](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000759)

### Market-linkage and PAHAP sales

For July 2022-July 2026, DAR reported PHP 28.98 billion in total sales associated with market opportunities. Its Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHAP) project generated approximately PHP 9.972 billion in gross sales from 2022 to July 2026. These are reported sales outcomes, separate from DAR's appropriation.

[00:57:02 · asr-000917](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000917) · [00:57:05 · asr-000918](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000918) · [00:58:01 · asr-000946](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000946) · [00:58:03 · asr-000947](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000947)

### SPLIT project schedule and counterpart funding

Pangilinan asked about the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project, whose completion he understood had moved from 2023 to 2028. He cited about 16 billion in development aid and about 5 billion in counterpart funding, without stating a currency in this exchange, and asked whether more counterpart funding was needed. Undersecretary Jesry T. Palmares said the project was in progress and on schedule, that DAR had requested no additional budget or loan, and that it aimed to complete the remaining 250,000 hectares after that year and catch up by the end of 2027 or 2028; he also referred to a target of at least 1.3 million hectares overall. The completion timing remained imprecise between the end of 2027 and 2028.

[01:08:41 · asr-001157](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001157) · [01:09:05 · asr-001169](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001169) · [01:09:08 · asr-001170](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001170) · [01:09:09 · asr-001171](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001171) · [01:09:31 · asr-001182](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001182) · [01:09:41 · asr-001188](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001188) · [01:09:50 · asr-001193](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001193) · [01:10:06 · asr-001205](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001205)

### Sagip Saka purchases and farmer market access

Pangilinan asked how Sagip Saka support services were helping farmers and compared them with direct purchases through irrigators’ associations and local governments. He cited farmers’ sales of about PHP 1.6 billion in agricultural products, separate from local-government purchases, and said irrigators’ associations sold PHP 500 million worth of rice to local governments. He also cited PHP 23 billion in Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) funding and an approximately PHP 2 billion Quezon City allocation as purchasing context. Estrella said an executive order helped DAR persuade regional government offices, local governments and private buyers to purchase directly from farmers; DAR’s grassroots machinery could serve as a middleman and help avoid predatory pricing. Pangilinan asked DAR to submit success stories and data on changes in farmer income over time.

[01:14:14 · asr-001356](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001356) · [01:14:51 · asr-001381](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001381) · [01:15:27 · asr-001400](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001400) · [01:15:30 · asr-001401](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001401) · [01:15:31 · asr-001402](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001402) · [01:15:52 · asr-001412](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001412) · [01:16:12 · asr-001423](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001423) · [01:16:20 · asr-001427](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001427) · [01:16:26 · asr-001430](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001430) · [01:18:00 · asr-001478](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001478) · [01:18:11 · asr-001488](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001488) · [01:18:32 · asr-001508](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001508)

### DAR budget augmentation and referral

Before leaving for another committee hearing, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri manifested continuing support for the Department of Agrarian Reform budget and moved that the budget be augmented and referred to plenary as soon as possible after all questions. He gave no amount or affected line item, and this round records no disposition of that proposal.

[01:29:11 · asr-001795](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001795) · [01:29:41 · asr-001811](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001811) · [01:29:47 · asr-001814](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001814)

### Bridge project financing

Ejercito described a PHP 28.243 billion agrarian reform bridge project to be implemented with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and host local governments over five years. DAR Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Jesry T. Palmares gave a rounded total of PHP 28 billion, with PHP 22.5 billion in loan proceeds and "5 point something" billion in Philippine government counterpart funding. He identified the French Treasury and the French development agency (AFD) as funders. These are multi-year project costs, separate from DAR's annual NEP allocation.

[01:43:59 · asr-002266](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002266) · [01:44:17 · asr-002275](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002275) · [01:44:20 · asr-002276](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002276) · [01:44:21 · asr-002277](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002277) · [01:44:26 · asr-002280](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002280) · [01:44:52 · asr-002293](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002293) · [01:45:00 · asr-002298](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002298) · [01:45:21 · asr-002301](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002301)

### Department of Agrarian Reform budget disposition

Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito moved, with support for the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) budget, to approve it and submit it to plenary. Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan confirmed the motion and seconded it subject to DAR submitting the requested data and documents. With no further questions, Pangilinan stated that DAR's budget was deemed submitted for plenary consideration. 

[02:00:50 · asr-002640](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002640) · [02:01:01 · asr-002643](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002643) · [02:01:06 · asr-002644](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002644) · [02:01:14 · asr-002646](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002646) · [02:01:17 · asr-002647](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002647)

## DAR presentation

### Land distribution, legal services, and agrarian justice

DAR reported rising land distribution from 21,876 titles covering about 25,159 hectares for 24,804 beneficiaries in 2022, to 69,897 titles (84,044 hectares; 73,399 beneficiaries) in 2023, a 396% increase over baseline; 102,536 titles (120,772 hectares; 88,310 beneficiaries) in 2024, a 581% increase; and 199,838 titles (302,540 hectares; 176,202 beneficiaries) in 2025, a 1,133% increase. The 2022 total represented a 124% increase over its baseline period. From July 2022 to August 12, 2026, it reported 410,179 titles covering 556,088 hectares and benefiting 376,738 beneficiaries; Estrella said about 300,000 hectares were prepared for distribution through November and projected that distribution might reach 450,000 hectares by year-end; he said the remaining area would be pursued the following year. Estrella also described declining agrarian-law case backlogs after hiring roughly 62-63 lawyers, local dispute-resolution efforts and Agrarian Reform Justice on Wheels. The Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) resolved 7,396 of 9,874 cases (74.9%) from January to June 2026.

[00:34:25 · asr-000443](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000443) · [00:35:50 · asr-000462](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000462) · [00:36:30 · asr-000472](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000472) · [00:37:20 · asr-000482](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000482) · [00:40:18 · asr-000550](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000550) · [00:43:46 · asr-000653](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000653) · [00:45:59 · asr-000693](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000693)

### Farm-to-market roads and construction standards

Estrella described farm-to-market roads as improving farmers' access to markets and said agrarian reform communities request and monitor the projects. He emphasized concrete side protection and inspection to prevent water damage and premature road failure.

[00:48:37 · asr-000705](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000705) · [00:49:25 · asr-000710](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000710) · [00:49:59 · asr-000716](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000716)

### Beneficiary support, credit, and market access

DAR reported distributing 13,009 farm machines and equipment to 3,207 beneficiary organizations, recording 1,605,635 training participants, and facilitating credit and microfinance services for 674,282 beneficiary service-counts during July 2022-July 2026. It described training in financial, technical and managerial skills, work with private farm schools, and efforts to draw young people into agriculture. Estrella said the Land Bank of the Philippines had reduced its application from 11 pages to one and provided field workers to help applicants. DAR also reported linking 4,934 beneficiary organizations to market opportunities; the PAHAP project linked 448 beneficiaries to institutional markets and served 13,440 nationwide.

[00:52:01 · asr-000774](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000774) · [00:53:02 · asr-000804](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000804) · [00:54:39 · asr-000849](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000849) · [00:55:30 · asr-000873](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000873) · [00:58:07 · asr-000950](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000950) · [00:58:12 · asr-000952](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000952)

### Mandate and FY 2027 priorities

Estrella framed DAR's FY 2027 direction around completing debt-condonation obligations, continuing land distribution and tenure security, expanding agrarian justice, and helping beneficiaries make land productive and sustainable. Priorities included distributing split electronic titles and remaining land titles, completing remaining certificates of condonation and release of mortgage in the Bangsamoro region, improving land records through digitization, streamlining legal processes through electronic certificates of no pending appeal and alternative dispute resolution, strengthening legal staffing, and developing beneficiary organizations into self-sustaining cooperatives through capital access, market links, technology, and institutional capacity.

[01:04:26 · asr-001033](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001033) · [01:04:49 · asr-001037](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001037) · [01:05:20 · asr-001053](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001053) · [01:05:44 · asr-001063](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001063) · [01:06:07 · asr-001074](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001074) · [01:06:21 · asr-001081](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001081) · [01:06:31 · asr-001086](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001086)

## Opening priorities

### Climate, farm costs and food production priorities

Pangilinan framed the budget discussion around severe El Nino, continuing floods across Central, Southern and Northern Luzon, public demands for accountability over ghost or substandard government projects, and pressures on farmers from rising fuel, fertilizer and pesticide costs. He said the proposal should protect farmers' land rights, strengthen agrarian reform beneficiaries and safeguard domestic food production against climate shocks.

[00:14:47 · asr-000073](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000073) · [00:15:21 · asr-000080](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000080)

### Public verification and project accountability

Pangilinan called for every DAR-supported facility, enterprise and beneficiary to be verifiable and geotagged, with contracts and information open to the public. He also called for independent inspection to establish that projects were real, operating and functional, and said climate shocks, corruption, neglect and bureaucratic delay should not undermine farm productivity.

[00:16:58 · asr-000099](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000099) · [00:17:16 · asr-000102](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000102)

### Direct farmer purchasing and extension services

Pangilinan credited the Agri-Agra team and DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III with supporting implementation of the Sagip Saka Law and executive orders for greater direct purchasing from farmers and fisherfolk. He also cited Senate Bills 1990 and 1991, which had passed third reading in the Senate, to reestablish the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperatives under the Department of Agriculture and renationalize extension workers for farmers and fisherfolk. He urged support for House passage and said cooperatives and extension workers could help organize producers and strengthen farm output.

[00:18:44 · asr-000118](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000118) · [00:18:57 · asr-000120](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000120) · [00:19:36 · asr-000126](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000126)

## Opening budget positions

### Farm-to-market roads reduced corn transport costs

Zubiri said farm-to-market roads built with support from DAR, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had improved farmers' incomes in Bukidnon. He cited corn transport costs falling from PHP 4 per kilogram, when corn was carried by horse or motorcycle over areas without road access, to PHP 0.25-0.30 per kilogram after ten-wheeler trucks could reach the area. He presented the example as a benefit of road access and agency coordination.

[00:22:47 · asr-000173](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000173) · [00:23:35 · asr-000191](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000191) · [00:23:56 · asr-000198](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-000198)

## Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri

### Support for agrarian reform delivery

Zubiri said he had no questions because he was familiar with DAR's programs. He praised its leadership and dedication, reported satisfied constituents in Northern Bukidnon and urged support so the department could do more.

[01:08:03 · asr-001132](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001132) · [01:08:11 · asr-001138](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001138) · [01:08:26 · asr-001147](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001147)

## Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan

### Electronic titles and distribution delays

Pangilinan contrasted about 180,000 electronic titles distributed in 2025 with about 11,000 from January through August 2026 and asked why distribution had slowed. Palmares said titles were processed and ready but had not yet been distributed in scheduled areas. Secretary Conrado Estrella III attributed delays to successive typhoons that prevented field travel and an initial process delay, while DAR concentrated on meeting the CoCRoM certificate deadline. Estrella said distribution would resume the following Monday and more distributions were scheduled; Palmares also cited a large Western Visayas distribution.

[01:10:18 · asr-001212](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001212) · [01:10:52 · asr-001227](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001227) · [01:11:10 · asr-001242](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001242) · [01:11:20 · asr-001250](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001250) · [01:11:40 · asr-001260](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001260) · [01:11:56 · asr-001272](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001272)

### Farm income, credit and cooperative capacity

Pangilinan urged DAR to measure interventions by improvements in farmer income, strengthen access to credit and insurance, and build viable cooperatives so banks can lend and insure at scale. He said successful co-ops remained the exception, citing older data in which only one in ten was viable, and linked extension services and cooperative capacity to productivity and economies of scale. Estrella cited seven Land Bank awardees among agrarian reform beneficiaries as good payers with capable cooperative leadership. Pangilinan requested income data and success stories, including questions he could put to Land Bank in its budget hearing. Zubiri suggested publishing cooperative best practices; Estrella said writers were already collecting material for a book.

[01:21:47 · asr-001607](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001607) · [01:23:53 · asr-001650](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001650) · [01:24:08 · asr-001657](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001657) · [01:24:44 · asr-001666](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001666) · [01:25:27 · asr-001690](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001690) · [01:26:09 · asr-001717](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001717) · [01:28:05 · asr-001761](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001761)

### DOJ Opinion No. 16 and DAR land services

Pangilinan asked whether Department of Justice Opinion No. 16 and a related administrative order had caused farmers to fear that DAR services would stop. DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Napoleon U. Galit explained DAR’s view that the sunset provision in Republic Act No. 9700 ended coverage of private agricultural lands on June 30, 2014, and that the opinion meant the five-hectare retention limit in RA 6657 no longer had effect. He said DAR saw an opportunity for agrarian reform beneficiaries to expand their holdings, including by purchasing contiguous land with their own funds, and described a preference for beneficiaries to buy eligible land. In response to Pangilinan’s broader question, Galit said the stoppage applied to private agricultural land coverage, while DAR continued acquiring government-owned public land under Executive Order No. 75. He said consultations with farmers, landowners and business groups would continue and that the Secretary would decide whether to issue the necessary administrative order; Pangilinan urged broader consultation to address public concerns.

[01:30:13 · asr-001832](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001832) · [01:31:09 · asr-001856](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-001856) · [01:37:54 · asr-002084](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002084) · [01:38:36 · asr-002102](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002102) · [01:39:54 · asr-002143](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002143) · [01:40:36 · asr-002164](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002164)

### Clustering small farms and sustaining production

Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan asked about typical Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) size and argued that small holdings can become productive through clustering and government support, rather than assuming private consolidation is the answer. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III cited communities of roughly 100-200 hectares, including larger settlements, and gave a sugar example: mill operators he consulted said a viable mill would require 50,000 hectares of sugarcane, while he said outcomes depend on local conditions and whether farmers follow production standards. Pangilinan cited Thailand's sub-hectare rubber farms and Taiwan's farmer organization and extension support as examples of small farms operating at scale. He said the Philippines' average farm size was about 9,000 square meters and urged stronger field support and farmer clustering.

[01:48:06 · asr-002343](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002343) · [01:48:19 · asr-002347](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002347) · [01:49:36 · asr-002360](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002360) · [01:51:10 · asr-002384](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002384) · [01:53:19 · asr-002427](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002427)

### Food production, consumer prices and public procurement

Pangilinan argued that stronger farmer organizations, extension support and reliable production could increase food supply and lower consumer prices, citing cheaper food in Thailand and Vietnam. He identified public procurement under the Sagip Saka Law as an opportunity for organized farmers, saying government buys about PHP 177 billion worth of food annually for relief, feeding programs, jails and hospitals. Estrella replied that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Philippine Army were already buying directly from agrarian reform beneficiaries, and identified the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a major purchaser. The annual procurement figure describes a market opportunity, separate from DAR funding.

[01:54:50 · asr-002472](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002472) · [01:57:30 · asr-002552](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002552) · [01:57:32 · asr-002553](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002553) · [01:57:34 · asr-002554](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002554) · [01:57:36 · asr-002555](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002555) · [01:58:04 · asr-002569](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002569) · [01:58:20 · asr-002578](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002578)

### ARC data, IPARC and VISTA initiatives

Pangilinan asked DAR to provide data on the size and location of its Agrarian Reform Communities. Undersecretary Jesry T. Palmares said DAR was preparing IPARC research for submission to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) technical board and could show existing ARC clusters, including areas of 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 hectares. He also described VISTA, or Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities, as a value-chain project underway in Region XII and the Cordillera Administrative Region, focused on cacao and coffee. Palmares said 400,000 families would benefit and described coverage of 84 ARCs in the Cordillera and 34 in Region XII, with more than 600,000 beneficiaries including families. He said DAR and the Department of Agriculture needed to organize the work together; Pangilinan agreed that better organization could support food supply and affordability.

[01:56:35 · asr-002524](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002524) · [01:56:50 · asr-002532](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002532) · [01:59:01 · asr-002598](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002598) · [01:59:16 · asr-002603](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002603) · [01:59:42 · asr-002616](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002616) · [01:59:54 · asr-002622](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002622) · [02:00:00 · asr-002625](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002625)

## Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito

### Land use and support for agrarian reform beneficiaries

Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito asked how the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) monitors awarded land that beneficiaries no longer farm and how much remains in production. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said most such land is farmed by beneficiaries' children or grandchildren, who need encouragement and assistance. He cited training through farm schools, efforts to interest young people in agriculture, machinery, post-harvest facilities and irrigation. The requested overall count of awarded land still in production was not supplied.

[01:40:57 · asr-002175](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002175) · [01:41:34 · asr-002193](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002193) · [01:42:18 · asr-002216](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002216) · [01:42:27 · asr-002220](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002220)

### Bridge locations and promised project list

Ejercito requested the bridge locations. Palmares said almost 1,000 proposed bridges had been reduced to 700 and then 350 after National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) review using economic return and farmer-benefit criteria. Sites had to be agrarian reform communities (ARCs) with agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). Responding to Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan, he promised the list but requested discretion because people were attempting to negotiate in project areas. Estrella said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had been alerted and would undertake entrapment.

[01:44:30 · asr-002282](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002282) · [01:45:38 · asr-002304](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002304) · [01:47:07 · asr-002322](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002322) · [01:47:15 · asr-002326](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002326) · [01:47:40 · asr-002333](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/60/#asr-002333)