The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) will be extending by another five years, as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a consolidated version of the said bill. The new CARPER law is expected to benefit more farmer-beneficiaries as it will not just widen its coverage but provide necessary support to Agrarian Reform communities and beneficiaries.
The bill allocates P100-billion as outlay for land acquisition and distribution, support services, agrarian justice delivery, and other funding requirements during the extension period.
The CARPER bill covers all public and private agricultural lands as provided in Proclamation 131 and Executive Order No. 229, which also includes other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture.
Under the measure, prioritization of coverage “is not necessary” and that after June 30, 2009 (the expiration of the original CAR law) the modes of acquisition will be limited to voluntary offer to sell and compulsory acquisition. (PIA)
