In a collaborative effort to raise awareness and promote youth engagement in agrarian reform, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) conducted an information drive and youth impact training on May 13, 2025, at the Palawan State University (PalawanSU) Library Building, Puerto Princesa City, as part of its Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT).
The event highlighted DAR’s commitment to empowering the younger generation through education and active participation in nation-building. With the theme of recognizing the vital role of youth in community development, the activity focused on the DAR mandate, its key programs, and the implementation of Project SPLIT.
Dr. Venzon L. Limpiada, Vice President for Finance and Administration of PalawanSU, delivered the welcome remarks, expressing appreciation for DAR’s initiative. She acknowledged the importance of educating students about agrarian reform and lauded the presence and support of university stakeholders.
SARPO Fedeleo De Guzman, DAR Provincial Information Officer, provided a comprehensive presentation on the history, mandate, and various programs and services of DAR. His presentation aimed to foster a deeper understanding among students of the department’s role in uplifting agrarian communities through land reform.
An open forum followed, where students actively engaged with the speakers, asking insightful questions and sharing perspectives. The interactive session demonstrated the growing interest of youth in the advocacy for equitable land distribution and sustainable rural development.
In her closing message, Information Officer II Mikhael B. Garcia conveyed her appreciation to the DAR for its dedication to raising awareness and educating the youth on the importance of agrarian reform. She also acknowledged the active participation of the students and faculty, and special thanks were extended to Dr. Janet B. Oab and the Faculty Union, the University Student Government, and the Deans of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Teacher Education for their valuable support in making the event a success.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, faculty members, and DAR representatives such as SARPO Fedeleo De Guzman, ARPO I Raul Joshua Belo (SPLIT Strategic Media Coordinator), Christine Lontok (SPLIT Admin Support Staff), and Kessy Arca (SPLIT Legal Support Staff).
Through initiatives like this, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reinforces its commitment to transparency, public awareness, and active engagement in its programs, especially Project SPLIT, which seeks to distribute individual land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries. This effort not only promotes justice, equity, and sustainable development in rural areas but also reflects a strong partnership with the University in educating and empowering the youth to be informed advocates for agrarian reform.
