DAR, DA seek revisions to laws on agri land use
(by Carlo P. Mallo, SunStar Davao, 09 May 2009) DEPARTMENT of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is now in talks with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the possibility of proposing amendments to present land laws that impose limitations on the use of foreigners and foreign-based companies on agricultural lands in the country.
During the three day visit of the 26 man delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap revealed that there have been some apprehensions on the concept of land reform and land ownership here in the country.
"They do not understand what land reform is, but I explained it to them that it was a social program of the government," Yap said.
Meanwhile, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said in an interview Friday that they are now in discussion with the Agriculture secretary on the amendments that they might propose, including on the 1,000 hectare limit that a foreign company might lease.
"We will do everything in accordance with law," Pangandaman said.
"Amendments may be necessary in order to address the issues."
Pangandaman was in the Davao City Friday for the launching of the Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2, while Yap was in the city Thursday as host to the Minister of Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
One of the alternatives being proposed at the moment is a joint venture agreement between the Arabian firm and a Filipino counterpart in order for the former to lease larger tracts of land, as it may need.
"We are in the process of discussing things, but it will be guided by the restrictions of law," Pangandaman said.
