The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is urging its personnel to prioritize real, life-changing outcomes for farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) as it sets strategic goals for 2026 during the agency’s 2025 performance review, which started on Tuesday in Negros Occidental.

In a news release Wednesday, DAR said the four-day gathering allowed officials nationwide to evaluate the agency’s achievements, identify operational challenges, and refine strategies for stronger program delivery, while addressing farmers’ real concerns.

In his message delivered by Undersecretary for Special Concerns/External Affairs and Communications Operations Office (EACOO), Rowena Niña Taduran, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III called on DAR officials and personnel to remain grounded in their mission of genuine public service.

“If our work restores dignity to a farmer, then it is meaningful. If our decisions create opportunities for an ARB, then it is worthwhile. And if our actions bring hope to rural communities, then we have fulfilled our purpose,” he said.

DAR said the activity, dubbed “CY 2025 National Year-End Summative Assessment and CY 2026 Direction-Setting Conference,” is part of the regular national monitoring of its key programs.

Core initiatives under review included the Land Tenure Security Program, Agrarian Justice Delivery Program, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program, and Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects.

Its Support to Operations units also presented priorities to ensure that programs remain aligned, accountable, and impactful.

Estrella underscored that the assessment goes beyond compliance requirements, saying it is a vital opportunity to renew its commitment, strengthen discipline, and refocus efforts.

“Let this assessment renew our commitment. Let it remind us that excellence is expected, accountability is our safeguard, and service is our highest calling,” he said.

“Together, let us continue to elevate our standards. Let us move beyond compliance toward impact. Let us not only achieve targets—but transform lives.” (PNA)