President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he wants to complete the decades-long land reform program and provide continued support to farmers across the country.

Speaking at a land distribution ceremony in Western Visayas, Marcos acknowledged the importance of addressing the injustice suffered by farmers who till the land without owning it.

"We didn't anticipate that (the program) would take this long, but we're working diligently to ensure that the land reform program concludes during my administration," Marcos said.

"We aim to provide titles and support to all rightful beneficiaries listed under the DAR and the Department of Agriculture," he added.

Marcos emphasized that the program is not just about granting land titles, but also providing comprehensive support to farmers, including farm machinery, tools, and assistance to improve yield.

He also cited the vital role of farmers in feeding the nation as he distributed over 2,900 hectares of land to more than 2,000 beneficiaries in Western Visayas, marking a significant step forward.

"This is the best Christmas gift for all of us," Marcos said, urging the Department of Agrarian Reform to finalize the land distribution and collaborate with other agencies to support the beneficiaries.

He encouraged the newly titled farmers to capitalize on the opportunity as he pledged continued government support to improve their livelihoods and enable them to compete in the global market.

"As you continue to work hard, the government will persist in taking steps to enhance and strengthen your livelihoods," he told the beneficiaries.