DAR central office begins transfer to Davao

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has started the transfer of the agency’s central office from Manila to Davao City as earlier ordered by President Arroyo to bring the government closer to the people.

“We have already started the transfer with the coming in of some sort of an advance party with a number of our personnel who facilitated the eventual start of operations of our main office here,” Agrarian Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman, who arrived here Saturday for the meeting of the Southern Philippines Development Authority board of directors, said the DAR will occupy the SPDA office at Barangay Catalunan Pequeño in this city.

Pangandaman said DAR shall take over the use of the SPDA facility as mandated by an administrative order.

At least 500 employees from the DAR main office in Manila are expected to be relocated for the Davao City operation. These employees shall reportedly receive  a “relocation package” that will assist them in their stay in Davao City.

Pangandaman said the budget for the transfer shall be taken from DAR’s savings and the possible realignment of certain allocations.

The transfer of the DAR office was also reportedly discussed during the SPDA board meeting here last Saturday. – Edith Regalado