Purpose and Functions of BARC
- Facilitate and effectuate land transfer programs within the barangay.
- Establish facts concerning covered lands and beneficiaries, including:
- Identification of lands, beneficiaries, and landowners.
- Land valuation and perimeter surveys.
- Dissemination of information regarding agrarian reform.
- Mediate agrarian disputes locally to avoid protracted litigation, coordinating with bodies like Lupong Tagapayapa when appropriate.
- Coordinate delivery of support services and assist beneficiaries in accessing credit from lending institutions.
- Provide a platform for the community to discuss agrarian reform issues and advocate policy proposals.
Composition of the BARC
- Sectoral representation proportional to land-to-the-tiller principles ensures stakeholder inclusivity.
- Regular voting members (7) comprise:
- Four representatives from farmer/farmworker beneficiaries (landless farmworkers, share tenants, lessees including ISF beneficiaries, amortizing owners).
- One representative of farmer/farmworker non-beneficiaries (small owner-cultivators owning ≤5 hectares).
- One representative from agricultural cooperatives or functional barangay-based farmers organizations.
- One representative of small (≤5 hectares), non-cultivating landowners.
- Ex-officio non-voting members (6) include representatives from:
- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR Agrarian Reform Technologist, serving as Secretary)
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- Land Bank of the Philippines
- Barangay Council
- Locally based NGOs at municipal or provincial levels
Officers and Committee Structure
- Sectoral representatives elect among themselves a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Assistant Secretary—all residents of the barangay.
- BARC forms specialized committees based on activity needs, with committee heads selected from its membership.
Organizing Process
- The Department of Agrarian Reform facilitates BARC formation prioritizing barangays in Strategic Operating Provinces.
- The organizing process promotes participation from all concerned sectors and relies heavily on established farmers’ organizations.
- Pre-organization stage involves:
- MARO preparing lists of functional farmers organizations.
- Linking with NGOs and FOs to identify priority barangays.
- Assigning roles for MARO, FO, and NGOs including information dissemination, coordinating with government agencies, and identifying lands and beneficiaries.
- BARC organization includes convening sector representatives, discussing legal frameworks, electing officers, and conducting planning workshops.
- After formation, BARC plans and operationalizes mechanisms to implement mandated functions.
- Alliance-building involves sustained partnerships with internal and external entities to support identified community needs.
Tenure and Removal of Representatives and Officers
- Elected representatives serve a maximum term of two (2) years.
- Representatives may be removed before term expiry by majority vote of their sectoral group if they fail to meet duties or sector expectations.
- Officers serve at the pleasure of the committee, removable by simple majority vote, with a maximum service period of two (2) years.
Reorganization and Strengthening
- Existing BARCs formed in the prior two years must undergo reorganization and strengthening following the prescribed organizing process, coinciding with the expiration of officers’ terms.
Effectivity and Amendments
- This Administrative Order takes effect ten (10) days after publication in two newspapers complying with R.A. 6657 Sec. 49.
- It amends earlier orders, circulars, rules, and regulations inconsistent with its provisions.