QUEZON CITY -- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Acting Secretary Bernie Cruz said that he would continue the OPLAN zero backlog thrust in the resolution of cases in relation to the agrarian justice delivery program of the department.

Cruz said that he fully supports the authorization given by the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) Vice-Chair Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Office Atty Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan, to the regular Board Members Attorneys Jim G. Coleto, Annabelle O. Madayag-Oandasan, and DARAB Secretariat, to provide the technical and administrative assistance for the newly designated Central Visayas OIC Regional Adjudicator (RARAD) Leilani Carmelita R. Magbanua.                                                                              

Magbanua, as the newly OIC RARAD of Region 7 committed to duplicate last year’s performance for a zero caseload of DARAB cases in the said region.

The said activity was even reinforced by the full assistance of the Adjudicators and chosen staff from DARAB Cordillera Administrative Region

“DARAB Region 7 and DARAB Negros Oriental momentarily incurred delay in the processing of the pending cases due to compulsory retirement from the services of RARAD Rosalio T. Kintanar on September 17, 2021,” Cruz said.

Cruz confidently said that with the recent designation of OIC RARAD Magbanua in region 7, a total of 156 cases from the concerned DARAB offices would be assured of immediate attention and prompt disposition.

“Notwithstanding the remaining limited period, it is our sectoral commitment to deliver agrarian justice in real-time, not only to sustain the gains of the OPLAN zero backlog but to go on with zero caseloads,” Legal Affairs Office Undersecretary Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan said.

DARAB Executive Director Atty. Roland C. Manalaysay made mention of women empowerment and its attributes in the efficient delivery of services in all sectors in the government, confidently making a reference to the newly installed RARAD for DARAB Region 7 who happens to be a woman.

He said the DARAB commits to always render its best services to carry out the objectives of the agrarian reform program through a zero backlog program and delivery of agrarian justice in real-time.

DARAB nationwide claimed its success in 2019 over its sectorial – the Agrarian Legal Services challenge as set out by former Secretary John R. Castriciones to go zero backlog. During the said year, DARAB Central Office even went beyond and resolved a total of 1,445 cases or accomplished 100% of its backlog, and all newly received cases for the said year.

DARAB field offices, CAR to CARAGA, resolved a total of 24,487 cases or accomplished 100% of their backlog and 94% over their newly received cases. In 2019, five (5) regions went zero caseloads which include CAR, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao, together with the DARAB CO.

In 2020, nine (9) regions went zero caseload which include CAR, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SOCSKSARGEn and CARAGA, together with the DARAB central office.

“In 2021, we expect the trend to accelerate for the zero caseload accomplishment both from the regions and DARAB central office. Our goal is for all regions together with DARABCO to go zero caseloads in line with the strict supervision from the Vice-Chair and in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 27, series of 2020,” Manalaysay said.

Agrarian Justice Delivery (AJD) is one of the three (3) equally important components of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) implemented by the DAR, which aims to provide legal support and assistance to ARBs in the representation, and adjudication of agrarian disputes through effective means of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation/conciliation. (DAR)