PORTASOL DRYER. The portable solar or portasol dryer distributed by DAR to the Calapugan Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Natividad, Pangasinan. The technology is expected to greatly help farmers in drying their produce, especially during the rainy season. (Photo courtesy of DAR) MANILA - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)said the Portable Solar (Portasol) dryer it distributed to Pangasinan agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) would greatly help them, especially during the rainy season. According to DAR, the Portasol dryer given to the Calapugan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CARe.Co) in Natividad, Pangasinan is the "first of a series of DAR-assisted agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) awarded" in the region. DAR said one of the goals of Secretary Conrado Estrella III is to help boost the livelihood activities of farmers and ARBs nationwide in partnership with other government agencies. The Portasol dryer distribution was made possible with the help of the Depa
LANDOWNERS. Eduardo Cantor (right), one of the farmer-beneficiaries, receives his certificate of land ownership award from Department of Agrarian Reform Director Maria Ana Francisco (2nd from left) and Bugallon town Mayor Priscilla Espino (left). Cantor was one of 129 farmers in the town who finally got their CLOA after nine years. (Photo courtesy of DAR-Pangasinan) BUGALLON, Pangasinan - A total of 129 farmers from Barangay Hacienda in this town received their certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) nine years after filing their application for the landholding to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). "Almost nine years so inalagar tayo. Say antak mankukugip ak ni. Twa la manaya (We waited for almost nine years. I thought I was still dreaming but it's actually happening)," said Malonie Tejada, one of the farmers-turned-new-landowners. Ricardo Cunanan, another beneficiary, said they went through a lot of difficulties before they finally owned the land. "Sa tulo