DAR Siquijor names new coordinator

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Siquijor announced the appointment of Ruben R. Villasis as the new chairman of the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) for Siquijor province, replacing Pacifico P. Suan.

Villasis took his oath of office before President Benigno Aquino III last June 10 at the Malacañang Palace, together with 14 other newly appointed chairmen from different provinces. Villasis is the only newly appointed chairman in Central Visayas.

PARCCOM is a multi-sectoral body representing the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council.  It is composed of representatives from farmer beneficiaries, agricultural cooperatives, nongovernment organizations and agricultural landowners.

It works closely with the DAR and coordinates the implementation of agrarian reform programs.

Villasis, a retired master sergeant of the Philippine Army, served as PARCCOM member since 2005, representing the farmers’ group.

A native of Bugasong, Antique, Villasis is married to Visitation Ogao-ogao of Maria, Siquijor, where he tends his organic farm and rice field.