The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has pledged its support to the humanitarian organization Gawad Kalinga (GK) and its army of volunteers in building “new townships” for farmers who had received land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said DAR officials and employees would not only help GK build houses for the farmers but also transform their agrarian reform communities, or ARCs, into models of economic development in the countryside.
“We are accepting the challenge of GK founder Tony Meloto for DAR to forge partnerships with social entrepreneurs and civil society to help accelerate rural development,” said De los Reyes.
“The vision of Gawad Kalinga to build townships in the countryside is laudable. It is worthy of our all-out support and we are ready to participate in efforts to transform our ARCs into models of economic development,” he said.
De los Reyes made the statements during a round-table discussion organized by Gawad Kalinga for business leaders, entrepreneurs and civil society groups held at the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.
The Enchanted Farm, located in Barangay (village) Encanto, represents a serious attempt by Gawad Kalinga to help the government create new villages and accelerate economic development in the countryside.
Meloto said Enchanted Farm—which showcases the products of farmers and CARP beneficiaries—was just one of the many projects that Gawad Kalinga had undertaken to realize its vision of helping the government end poverty by 2024.